Engaging in a summer internship is one of the most crucial ways to discover your career options and gain practical work experience while still in school. Knowing what you’re interested in doing and when to apply are both essential for getting the right internship. Knowing the timelines for different fields and what you should be doing each semester will help you secure the summer internship of your dreams. Different industries have different timelines, and structured career paths like finance, consulting, and technology require internship applications to be submitted almost a year in advance.
Generally speaking, you should begin considering the application process for summer internships during the first semester of the relevant academic year. You can begin the process at any time, and the more time you give yourself, the less stressful the process will be. It’s crucial to first consider the kinds of jobs you’re interested in. Meeting with people who work in the fields you’re interested in and asking them questions about what it’s really like to work in those fields is a great place to start this
When you’ve got a general idea of the jobs you want to concentrate on, look up interesting companies online (using WayUp, social media, and the company’s own website) and go to networking events (i e. corporate presentations, career fairs, networking nights) these companies are hosting. Your career center should have a calendar of all upcoming employer events, so you should check there. A lot of these begin in September and October, so arrive at campus prepared to begin networking. Additionally, you should get in touch with former workers or interesting staff members at these businesses; the majority will be happy to answer any questions you have and even arrange casual coffee dates or informational interviews to help you get ready for the working world.
The majority of applications (i.e., when you submit your resume online) open between November and January. Those dates will probably be published on the company website and/or your career center portal months in advance, so you can set reminders and schedule your time accordingly. This varies according to industry and company size. Recruitment procedures at large, well-known companies (such as Goldman Sachs, Google, and PwC) will likely be highly structured and move quickly (networking, applications, and interviews will likely be completed by January).
Smaller, more recent businesses (startups, family-owned businesses) will probably move more slowly and with more lenient deadlines. You’ll need to put in a little extra work (do some research on the company and their openings, reach out to a current employee to introduce yourself, etc.) before applying because many of these companies lack the resources to hold job fairs on campuses or advertise their openings on the university portal. We advise beginning this during the first half of the spring semester and scheduling interviews for March through May.
Don’t worry if you haven’t located anything by the middle of the spring semester. Search for internship opportunities in your preferred field instead on WayUp. You can also schedule a meeting with your academic advisor or the campus career advisor to inquire about current collaborations between colleges and universities. There might be a modest, nearby internship open to which nobody has yet applied. Plan ahead to prevent over-stressing about upcoming internship deadlines. The most demanding internship programs might ask you to start preparing a year in advance so you have enough time to comfortably finish your application. However, even though the spring semester is coming to an end, you should be able to find an internship that suits your needs. We also have a ton of paid and unpaid internship opportunities that are perfect for you when you’re ready to apply.
When to apply for a summer internship
You must submit your application for internships well in advance of the season. This would occur for the majority of students in January, at the beginning of the spring semester. However, a lot of networking events happen in September or October at the start of the school year, so it’s important to go to these events and keep your plans in mind.
You should select the internships you want to apply for through networking and research, and you should start the application process as early as November and no later than January. There are often many applicants vying for the same position for summer internships, making them competitive. You are more likely to be considered for the internship if you apply earlier in the year.
Why are summer internships important?
The ability to provide students with practical experience in the career field they are interested in is one of the reasons why summer internships are important. For instance, obtaining an internship as a marketing intern can give you valuable experience and insight into what this career entails if you want to work as a marketing professional after graduating from college.
Additional benefits of summer internships include that they provide:
Tips for applying for a summer internship
When applying for summer internships, keep the following in mind:
Consider applying for internships beginning your freshman year
A lot of college students work during their junior or senior year of study. However, there is never a bad time to start applying to and taking part in internship programs, particularly those that are directly related to your career path. Additionally, early internship experience can increase your likelihood of landing more prestigious internships later on in your college career.
Be familiar with the deadlines for certain internships
There are some summer internships with very strict deadlines and others without them. Larger businesses that offer numerous internships typically have a structured hiring process and frequently complete the entire process in the first few months of the year. On the other hand, smaller businesses and startups typically have more latitude in their internship hiring procedures. By being aware of the specifics of the hiring procedures for the internships you want to pursue, you can avoid missing critical deadlines.
Get your resume ready
When applying for an internship, your resume is extremely important. Before you start the internship application process, take the time to make sure it is current and as professional as possible. Include any relevant experience and academic work that will help distinguish you from other applicants. Additionally, you might think about asking someone else to proofread your resume for errors in grammar, spelling, and other areas that you might have missed.
Network whenever possible
During the first semester of the school year, campus networking events are frequently held. Maximize these opportunities to network and meet as many people as you can. Make sure your connections in your field of work are aware of your interest in internships by keeping in touch with them.
Follow application directions closely
Different internship applications will have different requirements. For instance, submitting samples of your work may be required for one application but not for another. When submitting your application, make sure to thoroughly read the instructions and include all necessary information and documents. This can help you meet the requirements and increase your chances of getting the internship.
Prepare for the interview
When you do have the chance to interview for an internship, you should be as prepared as you can. Do some research on the business and come up with a number of reasons why you are the best person for the job. Dress appropriately and use professional language and body language. The more prepared and professional you appear for the interview, the more preparation there is.
What to avoid when applying for a summer internship
When submitting an internship application, keep the following in mind:
Waiting until the last minute to apply
Waiting until the last minute to submit your application can reduce your chances of being considered since the internship selection process is competitive.
Submitting generic applications
Its important to cater your application to each internship individually. Only include pertinent information, and personalize it to meet the demands of the particular internship you are applying for.
Applying for only a few internships
Your chances of landing an internship increase as you submit more applications. If you only apply for a few internships, you run the risk of not getting any internships at all.
Keeping unprofessional posts up on your social media
When applying for internships, it’s crucial to review your social media accounts and remove or hide anything that doesn’t present you in a professional and responsible light. Having inappropriate images or information on your social media could prevent you from being considered for an internship because many hiring managers use social media to better understand their candidates.
When to Start Applying for Internships
FAQ
Is it too late to look for summer internships?
Applying for internships early, up to six months before their start date, is generally a good idea. Since many internships, especially unpaid ones, can be arranged as late as one month before the summer or semester you are targeting, don’t worry if you are behind schedule.
How many internships should I apply to for the summer?
As long as you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s not too late. It’s true that you’re a little behind the curve because many businesses with official internship programs have already closed their application windows. The good news is that there are still openings for internships.
What month do most internships start?
The competition for internships is frequently fierce, with many candidates vying for one position. You should apply to 10 to 20 internships every two or three weeks to increase your chances of getting an interview and, ultimately, an internship.
