Ready, Set, Intern! Your Guide to Landing the Perfect Summer Internship in Tech

Hey Hoosiers! Just like training for the legendary Little 500, the internship application season takes lots of preparation, dedication, and strategy. Unlike the Little 500, the summer internship search is in season. Whether you're a first-year student looking for an exploratory program or a master's student looking for one last opportunity to set you apart before entering the job market, scoring a summer internship can be a game-changer. Here’s a fun, step-by-step guide to help you maximize your internship applications and make this upcoming summer one for the books.?

1. Tune Up Your Bike: Audit Your Resume?

Your resume is your ticket to the race, so let’s make it shine! Start by looking for any gaps in your skills. Missing a key competency (Check out our NACE Career Competencies Assessment to identify this)? No problem! LinkedIn Learning offers tons of free courses where you can snag a certificate in no time.?

Go through your past gigs – internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work – and make sure you’re showing off all the right skills. Maybe you did some cool stuff that’s not on there yet. Add those examples now to fill any gaps and make your resume sparkle.?

2. Track Your Progress: Create a Spreadsheet?

Staying organized can be a game-changer. Whip up a spreadsheet to track all your applications. Include columns for the date you applied, company name, position, location, and deadline. Or, better yet, use the Career Search Tracking Spreadsheet we’ve already created for you! This way, you’ll never miss a beat and can easily follow up when needed.?

Keep tabs on the status of each application and any follow-up actions. It’s super motivating to see all the steps you’re taking toward landing that dream internship.?

3. Start Strong: Always Use Cover Letters?

Cover letters might be optional, but they’re your chance to stand out. Write a unique cover letter for each application, highlighting why you’re a perfect fit and showing off your enthusiasm for the role. This extra effort can set you apart from the competition. Head Start: Do your research. By researching the company and its mission and values, as well as the role itself, you can cater your cover letter to make sure you show that you know your stuff and that you are the best fit for the job.?

4. Prepare Your Gear: Make Your LinkedIn and Portfolio Shine?

Your online presence matters. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional. Add a great profile picture, a compelling headline, and detailed descriptions of your experiences. Share any projects or articles that showcase your skills.?

If you have a portfolio, ensure it’s polished and highlights your best work. This is your chance to visually impress potential employers. Check out our website (keep scrolling, I promise it's there!) for Tips for Compiling a Portfolio.?

5. Explore New Routes: Think Outside the Box?

Don’t just aim for the big tech giants. Tech is everywhere – from healthcare to entertainment to finance. Cast a wide net and investigate all kinds of companies and organizations. Be open to roles that might not be your first pick but offer awesome growth opportunities. There are lots of awesome benefits associated with both Small Businesses and Large Businesses .??

Exploring different fields can lead to unexpected and exciting career paths you might never have thought about.?

6. Review Your Stats: Understand Salary before THAT Conversation?

Do your homework on what internships in your field and area pay. Websites like Glassdoor and PayScale can give you the lowdown. Additionally, our website hosts statistics of average salaries by major, which could be a good reference point. Have a solid number in mind and be ready to negotiate if needed. Your skills are valuable, so don’t sell yourself short.?

7. Build Your Team: Communicate Early and Often?

Communication is key! After you apply, follow up with an email, phone call, or LinkedIn message within 7-10 days to show your enthusiasm and confirm they got your stuff. Make sure your communication is professional and reference our Emailing like a Pr o resource.??

After any interviews or chats, send a thank-you note within 24-48 hours. It’s a classy move that makes a lasting impression. If you’re going old-school with snail mail, get those thank-you notes and stamps ready now.?

Lastly, don’t forget networking is an important part of building your team. Whether it's an informational interview or a quick chat at the career fair, building rapport is key to you creating your very own career team. Check out our Roadmap to Informational Interviews for a guided approach to building your network.??

8. Navigating CPT/OPT – Ride Smart: International Students?

If you’re an international student, you have additional steps to consider. Familiarize yourself with Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) options. Interstride is a fantastic resource that can help you navigate these processes. It offers tools for job searches, visa insights, and networking specifically tailored for international students. Make sure you’re clear on your eligibility and application timelines for CPT/OPT to ensure you’re ready when the right opportunity comes along.?

9. Take Breaks: Prepare for the Wait?

Finding the perfect internship can take time, so start early and be patient. In the meantime, keep busy by volunteering, taking online courses, or picking up new skills. Stay active and positive – good things take time!?

10. Seek Guidance: Meet with Your Coach?

Lastly, it is important to remember Luddy Career Services is here to support you every step of the way. Our team of highly skilled coaches are here to help you create a training (professional development) plan, give you tips on having hard conversations (salary negotiating or even interviews), and making sure you and your materials are in tip-top shape (resume and other material reviews). Take advantage of this awesome resource and schedule an appointment today .?

Size Up the Competition: Tips for Beating ATS Bots?

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes. To beat the bots:?

• Use keywords from the job description.?

• Keep your resume simple – avoid fancy formatting.?

• Use standard headings like "Work Experience" and "Education."?

For more tips like this, check out our resource: Navigating Application Tracking Systems: The Do’s and Don’ts .??

The Golden Window: Timing is Everything?

Apply early! The best time to apply for summer internships is now. Many companies have early deadlines, and getting your application in during this time can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed.??

Wrap-Up: Ready, Set, Intern!?

By auditing your resume, staying organized, always including cover letters, polishing your LinkedIn and portfolio, exploring all your options, knowing your worth, communicating effectively, and staying patient, you’re setting yourself up for internship success. Start now, keep hustling, and make this summer unforgettable. You’ve got this!?

Good luck and may the internship odds be ever in your favor! ???