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How can I stand out in engineering internship applications?

I’m Laura a student graduating from high school wanting to get a head start in programs and skills I should develop to be more successful

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Sumitra’s Answer

Dear Laura,
The best way to stand out early is not by knowing everything, but by showing curiosity, consistency, and initiative. Pick one or two core skills related to the engineering field you are interested in (coding, hardware, design, data, etc.) and start building small things regularly. Even simple projects count if you can explain what you learned. Get comfortable with the basics most students ignore early, such as, clear problem-solving, clean documentation, and working with version control (like Git). If possible, join a club, open-source project, or online community where you collaborate with others, because teamwork and communication matter a lot in internships. Finally, keep a simple portfolio (GitHub, Notion, or a website) where you show what you have built and reflect on your growth. Recruiters love seeing effort and learning mindset more than perfection. Starting in high school already puts you ahead. Hope this helps! ☺️ All the best for your future endeavours!
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Sophie’s Answer

Hi Laura—that’s a great question, and it’s awesome that you’re thinking about this before even starting college. Getting a head start now can really help you stand out later.

To begin with, focus on building a strong foundation. Do well in your math and science classes, especially calculus, physics, and computer science if they’re available. These subjects form the backbone of most engineering fields and will make your transition to college-level engineering much smoother.

Next, start developing practical, hands-on skills. Learning a programming language like Python, Java, or C++ is a great place to start, since coding is used across almost all engineering disciplines. You can also explore tools like Excel, MATLAB, or basic CAD software if you have access to them. Even small personal projects—like building a simple app, designing a model, or automating something—can make a big difference on internship applications.

It also helps to get involved outside the classroom. Join or start a STEM club, robotics team, coding club, or participate in competitions, hackathons, or summer engineering programs. These experiences show initiative, teamwork, and real interest in engineering—not just good grades.

Finally, don’t underestimate soft skills. Interns who communicate well, ask good questions, and work well in teams stand out quickly. Practice explaining your projects, working in groups, and seeking feedback—those skills matter just as much as technical knowledge.

Sophie recommends the following next steps:

Pick one technical skill (like Python or CAD) and start a beginner course or small project this year.
Look for a STEM club, competition, or summer program where you can apply what you’re learning in a team setting.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

To stand out in engineering internship applications, demonstrate a strong understanding of the core subjects in your chosen engineering field, such as mathematics, physics, engineering design, and tools like MATLAB, SIMULINK, or CAD software, supported by practical experience. Apply your knowledge through labs, workshops, projects, internships, or volunteering, and apply early for internships or volunteer roles, as many opportunities are filled on a rolling basis. Strengthen your problem-solving skills by practicing on platforms such as LeetCode, HackerRank, or FreeCodeCamp, and showcase your work on GitHub, LinkedIn, or a personal portfolio. Develop essential soft skills, including communication, adaptability, collaboration, and attention to detail, and tailor each application to the company’s technologies and role while quantifying and clearly explaining your contributions.

Engage with the engineering community by joining free or no-cost organizations and virtual platforms such as Engineers Without Borders university chapters, Google Developer Groups, Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors, AWS Educate, NVIDIA Developer Programs, Coursera and edX (auditing courses for free), MIT OpenCourseWare, and online forums like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Kaggle. Participate in competitions, hackathons, and technical challenges hosted on these platforms or by universities and professional associations to gain practical experience and visibility. Finally, network with alumni and industry professionals through LinkedIn, GitHub and Stack Exchange and prepare thoroughly for technical and behavioral interviews, while demonstrating curiosity and staying updated on industry trends. By following these steps consistently, you will not only stand out in internship applications but also build a strong foundation for securing your first real engineering job. If you want specific tips and recommendations tailored to your situation, don’t hesitate to ask me.
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Robert’s Answer

I don't want to be a downer, but few engineering internships will consider you until you have some actual engineering education (of use to the company) under your belt, which usually doesn't happen until after at least your second year in college. There are exceptions, generally for students showing exceptional promise or at some kind of disadvantage, but you should not feel bad if you do not land an engineering internship until late in your college career. (I was an exceptional student, and I did not, despite applying for several.) Before you even try, I suggest looking into whether any pre-college-junior students have ever gotten the internship you are considering pursuing. In many cases the answer will be no, and in most of those cases it is a glass ceiling unlikely to be broken. You may have more success proposing an internship at a smaller company you know something about that doesn't have an established internship program: most of the established programs at big companies are recruiting tools, and they only become interested when you are closer to obtaining your degree. (Note: I did a paid summer internship at Kodak after my sophomore year; it was a great experience! But before that I worked the night and graveyard shifts on hard disk assembly lines at IBM over the summers.)
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