What do you do if you want to gain practical knowledge of AI applications through internships?

1 Identify your learning objectives

Before you start looking for an internship, you should have a clear idea of what you want to learn and achieve from it. Do you want to explore a specific area of AI, such as computer vision, natural language processing, or robotics? Do you want to develop your technical skills, such as programming, data analysis, or machine learning? Do you want to gain exposure to a certain industry, such as healthcare, education, or finance? Having a clear learning objective will help you narrow down your search and target the internships that are most relevant and beneficial for you.

2 Research potential opportunities

Once you have your learning objective, you can start researching potential opportunities that match it. You can use various sources to find internships, such as online platforms, academic institutions, professional associations, and personal networks. Some examples of online platforms that offer AI-related internships are:

- Internshala : A platform that connects students and employers across various fields and locations in India.

- AngelList : A platform that connects startups and talent across various sectors and roles globally.

- AI4ALL : A platform that offers educational programs and internships for underrepresented groups in AI.

You can also check the websites of universities, research institutes, and companies that are working on AI projects and see if they have any internship openings. Additionally, you can join professional associations and communities that are related to AI, such as:

- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) : An international scientific society that promotes research, education, and outreach in AI.

- Women in AI (WAI) : A global network of female experts and professionals in AI that aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the field.

- AI Saturdays (AIS) : A global community of learners and mentors that organizes free AI learning sessions and events.

These associations and communities can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in AI, as well as provide you with opportunities to network and learn from others in the field.

3 Prepare your application materials

Once you have identified potential opportunities, preparing your application materials is the next step. Your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and references should highlight your skills and achievements in AI, as well as demonstrate your fit and motivation for the internship. When crafting your application materials, consider these tips: your resume should be concise and relevant, including keywords that match the internship description; your cover letter should be personalized and persuasive, explaining why you are interested in the internship and how it aligns with your career goals; your portfolio should showcase your work in AI, such as code, data, models, results, and reports; and finally, your references should be people who can vouch for your skills in AI. Make sure to ask their permission before including them in your application.

5 Make the most of your internship

If you are offered and accept the internship, you should make the most of your experience. Set your goals and expectations and communicate them with your supervisor, mentor, and team. Manage your time and tasks efficiently and effectively, taking advantage of available resources. Build your network and relationships with people that you work with, such as your supervisor, mentor, team, peers, and other interns. Reflect and evaluate your internship experience, assessing your progress, performance, and outcomes. Document and showcase your work and achievements, updating your resume, portfolio, and online profiles. Doing all of this will help you maximize the benefits of the internship experience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?