As an international student, we understand that securing an internship can be a crucial step towards achieving your career goals while in the United States. Here are some tips to help you navigate the competition while internship hunting in 2024.
- Start Early and Stay Persistent: Begin your search as early as possible. Many companies start recruiting for summer internships in the fall or even earlier, but it's not too late if you're just beginning. Stay persistent and consistent in your efforts, dedicating time each week to research and apply for opportunities.
- Leverage Online Resources: Utilize online platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and internships.com
to search for internship openings. Tailor your searches by using keywords relevant to your field of interest and location preferences.
- Tap into University Resources: Make full use of your university's career services center. They often have exclusive internship listings, offer resumé and cover letter assistance, conduct mock interviews, and host career fairs where you can network with potential employers.
- Networking is Key: Network both online and offline. Connect with professionals in your field through LinkedIn, attend industry events and job fairs, join relevant student organizations, and participate in informational interviews. Personal connections can often lead to internship opportunities that are not publicly advertised. If you're looking toward a summer internship next year, in 2025, it's never too late to start intentionally building your network.
- Cold Call Companies you Love: If you are feeling particularly bold, reach out to companies you follow and admire and ask them if they have an internship position available. I like the way Tom Gerencer lays it out in his article
when he says, "Call 15–20 companies and shrug off 'no' by asking, 'Can I be your first?' and 'Who else can I talk to?' Stick to smaller companies for better odds—and better summer internships."
- Research the Company: Before applying for an internship, thoroughly research the company's mission, values, culture, and recent projects. Tailor your application to demonstrate your understanding of the company and how your skills align with their needs.
- Craft a Standout Resume and Cover Letter: Your resume and cover letter are your first impressions to potential employers. Tailor them to highlight relevant experiences, skills, and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
- Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and prepare concise yet compelling answers. Research commonly asked behavioral questions and prepare specific examples from your experiences to showcase your skills and qualifications. Dress professionally, conduct mock interviews with peers or mentors, and don't forget to follow up with a thank you email after the interview.
- Be Flexible and Open-Minded: While it's essential to have specific goals and preferences, be open to exploring different industries, roles, and locations. An internship may provide you with valuable insights and experiences that you hadn't considered before.
If you find yourself running out of time on your student visa, but want to make sure you get to experience being an intern in the US, a J-1 visa for the Exchange Visitor Program may be the right option for you. Check out this article
for helpful insights on this visa option.
Remember, landing an internship is not just about meeting qualifications; it's also about demonstrating your enthusiasm, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Embrace each step of the process as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Wishing you the best of luck in your internship search!
