3 answers
Henry
Student
3
Questions
Updated
379 views
How can I find internships or volunteer opportunities that will help me build experience for a career in business or technology?
I’m trying to learn how to get real-world experience in business or tech
Login to comment
3 answers
Kelly Mellenthin
Marketing in Tech
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hey Henry! It is great that you're thinking about this early. A few things come to mind:
1. Leverage Your Network:
-Start with school resources: Career centers, professors, and alumni networks often have leads on internships or volunteer roles. I got my first internship in tech through meeting an alumnus at a career center event.
-Tap into LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your areas of interest and join industry-specific groups. A simple message expressing your interest in learning can open doors. Also recently graduated students from your program are a fantastic resource - reach out to them and ask to learn about their experience.
2. Explore Online Platforms
-Internship boards: Websites like LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, Handshake, and WayUp list thousands of internships in business and tech.
-Volunteer opportunities: Platforms like Catchafire, VolunteerMatch, and Idealist let you apply your skills to real projects for nonprofits. If you can afford to do so unpaid, these are great resources for building experience while giving back.
3. Look for Project-Based Experience
-Freelance or gig work: Sites like Upwork or Fiverr can help you gain hands-on experience in marketing, data analysis, or tech support.
-Hackathons and case competitions: These events simulate real-world challenges and give you a chance to showcase problem-solving skills.
4. Consider Startups and Small Businesses
-Smaller organizations often welcome interns who are eager to learn and take on multiple responsibilities. Reach out directly with a short pitch about what you can offer and what you hope to learn.
5. Create Your Own Opportunities
-If you can’t find a formal internship, propose a project for a local business or nonprofit (like improving their social media presence or helping with data organization). This shows initiative and builds your portfolio. My second internship I had in college I earned this way - my employer wasn't looking for an intern, I just loved the brand, had an idea and pitched it.
1. Leverage Your Network:
-Start with school resources: Career centers, professors, and alumni networks often have leads on internships or volunteer roles. I got my first internship in tech through meeting an alumnus at a career center event.
-Tap into LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your areas of interest and join industry-specific groups. A simple message expressing your interest in learning can open doors. Also recently graduated students from your program are a fantastic resource - reach out to them and ask to learn about their experience.
2. Explore Online Platforms
-Internship boards: Websites like LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, Handshake, and WayUp list thousands of internships in business and tech.
-Volunteer opportunities: Platforms like Catchafire, VolunteerMatch, and Idealist let you apply your skills to real projects for nonprofits. If you can afford to do so unpaid, these are great resources for building experience while giving back.
3. Look for Project-Based Experience
-Freelance or gig work: Sites like Upwork or Fiverr can help you gain hands-on experience in marketing, data analysis, or tech support.
-Hackathons and case competitions: These events simulate real-world challenges and give you a chance to showcase problem-solving skills.
4. Consider Startups and Small Businesses
-Smaller organizations often welcome interns who are eager to learn and take on multiple responsibilities. Reach out directly with a short pitch about what you can offer and what you hope to learn.
5. Create Your Own Opportunities
-If you can’t find a formal internship, propose a project for a local business or nonprofit (like improving their social media presence or helping with data organization). This shows initiative and builds your portfolio. My second internship I had in college I earned this way - my employer wasn't looking for an intern, I just loved the brand, had an idea and pitched it.
Morgan Adams
Healthcare Administration
27
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Morgan’s Answer
Hi Henry!
If you are currently enrolled in college, reach out to your advisor or professor about internship opportunities. Often times they have great resources to help you find exactly what you are looking for. If you do not have a LinkedIn account I would create one. It is a great way to interact with organizations and meet different people.
If you are currently enrolled in college, reach out to your advisor or professor about internship opportunities. Often times they have great resources to help you find exactly what you are looking for. If you do not have a LinkedIn account I would create one. It is a great way to interact with organizations and meet different people.
Meighan Middleton
Former College Advisor and Admissions Professional/Surface Warfare Officer
42
Answers
Newport, Rhode Island
Updated
Meighan’s Answer
Hello Henry,
While you can definitely reach out to your professional network and high school counselors and/or college career center professionals, at the same time there are lots of free options to developing some of the technology skills on your own that you can leverage during your volunteer hours and make you more competitive in your volunteer applications.
For example, its much easier to pitch yourself to volunteer with a local charity or small business doing web development when you have those skills already, versus having to learn on the job (though some volunteer opportunities may be open to doing more hands on training when you are just getting started).
I would check out free trainings online in areas and skillsets you are interested in. I'll link some below.
Best of luck!
-Meighan
Research free trainings and certifications in the technology field
Research free AWS Training opportunities: https://aws.amazon.com/training/
Research free Google Training opportunities: https://grow.google/certificates/
While you can definitely reach out to your professional network and high school counselors and/or college career center professionals, at the same time there are lots of free options to developing some of the technology skills on your own that you can leverage during your volunteer hours and make you more competitive in your volunteer applications.
For example, its much easier to pitch yourself to volunteer with a local charity or small business doing web development when you have those skills already, versus having to learn on the job (though some volunteer opportunities may be open to doing more hands on training when you are just getting started).
I would check out free trainings online in areas and skillsets you are interested in. I'll link some below.
Best of luck!
-Meighan
Meighan recommends the following next steps: