How to Find Internship in the US as an International Student?

According to the NACE’s report (National Association of Colleges and Employers), around 50% to 60% of US internships convert to full-time job offers. The average starting salary for college graduates with internship experience is USD 47,470. This makes a crucial difference in the career growth of the student. However, entering the US internship market can be challenging whether you are an international student or a local tech enthusiast.

It is important for you to understand the industry and smart ways to apply for the internship if your goal is the US. According to a report, top tech internships at companies like Meta, Capital One, and Amazon offer stipends ranging from USD 7,000 to USD 9,000 per month.

Why Interning in the US is a Game-Changer?

Securing an internship in the US is a challenging process with a range of benefits, serving as a crucial step toward your career growth. It helps you in multiple ways -?

• Exposure to Top Tech Companies: The US, especially Silicon Valley is home to world-class top tech companies like Google, Apple, and Meta, providing you the opportunity to explore and learn from these giant tech companies.?
• Building Networks: Internships allow you to connect with tech professionals, industry experts, and mentors.?
• Strong Resume: Interning in a US tech firm can significantly enhance your profile and employability.?
• Job Opportunities: Many tech firms offer full-time roles to interns who perform exceptionally well during their internships.?

How You Can Secure an Internship in the US?

Finding an internship is a very competitive affair, that requires you to be an exceptional candidate with good networking and a strong resume. However, to increase your chances of securing an internship, start early and look for internships that match your profile since recruiters prioritize candidates with skills directly aligned to the role. Ensure that you have a strong resume and cover letter that grabs the attention of the employer, increasing the chances of your application being shortlisted. Moreover, prepare yourself for the interviews since the employer not only examines your skills but also looks for additional traits like your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you will be a valuable addition to their firm.?

We will guide you through the common challenges students face while searching for internships, effective strategies, and tips to maximize the chances of securing one.?

5 Proven Ways to Land an Internship in the US

With the right strategies in place, early preparation, and strong networking, you can increase your chances of landing an internship in the US, setting a strong foundation for your career growth. Below are some of the proven tips for you.

The Uphill Battle of Internship Hunting

You must be aware of the fact that securing an internship with intense competition and limited positions would be a real-time struggle.?

• A single internship posting can receive 700-1000 applications within days, making the selection process incredibly tough.
• With only limited slots available, competition becomes even fiercer, leading to uncertainty for applicants.

The Power of Networking

One of the biggest learnings for a student looking for an internship is to understand the strength of networking since it helps them secure numerous opportunities.?

• Conferences, meetups, and tech gatherings can provide access to professionals who could guide you toward potential internships.

• Platforms like LinkedIn play a crucial role in making connections and engaging in industry discussions.
• Speaking with professionals about their career paths can lead to valuable insights and even unadvertised internship openings for you.?

Early Bird Catches the Internship

You must learn lessons from companies like Tesla that timing is very crucial while applying for an internship. You must at least apply 8 months before the start of the internship.

• It is advisable to apply early since companies like Tesla post internship openings two semesters in advance.
• You should customize your resume and cover letters ahead of time to align with specific job requirements.?
• Staying in touch with industry professionals can provide you with valuable insights about when companies would post new openings.

Enhancing Your Profile

You should find ways to strengthen your candidacy given there is intense competition.?

• Try to take up personal projects, freelancing, and volunteer work to enhance your resume.

• Instead of mass-applying, focus on crafting high-quality applications for roles that interest you, and align with your profile.?
• You must consider internships at startups and non-profits since these firms provide one-to-one mentorship. Moreover, there are a lot of learning opportunities in these organizations.?

Exploring Opportunities in the US Tech Scene

The US has become the ultimate destination for tech enthusiasts looking for career opportunities.

• The city is home to world-class tech giants like Google, Apple, and Meta, providing exposure to high-quality projects.?
• The city's strong commitment to diversity and inclusion will provide you with a welcoming environment to work and learn.

Your internship journey could be full of ups and downs. With intense competition, early application and networking can play an important role in securing an internship. For those planning for an internship at a tech giant or a smaller organization, one must understand the importance of planning, skill-building, and networking. Embrace the adventure, learn from each challenge, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. The right internship can make a significant difference in your career. Estimate your future earnings today.?