How to Find an Internship [5 Quick Tips]

• Jul 22

Obtaining valuable work experience is an essential part of a successful career path. And often enough, it comes in the form of internships, apprenticeships, and other programs designed to help you learn effectively. However, knowing how to find an internship isn’t always as clear-cut as is the need for that experience.

Fortunately, we live in an age where information is only so far away as the screens in our pockets. So, discovering exactly how to land the perfect opportunity might not be as difficult as you would expect. In fact, online sources represent some of the most effective methods for building a toolbox and finding an internship.

Even if you don’t have great luck digitally, there are several other proven ways to find an internship that helps provide the experience you need.

Quick Ways to Find an Internship Today

1. Online Sources

Naturally, one of the simplest ways of finding an internship in the modern world is the internet. After all, plenty of sites exist specifically to help you do exactly that. For example, you might check out one of these well-known and respected options:

• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Google (search for internships near you)
  
  

Each site might handle internship opportunities and listings a little differently. So, you should experiment around with each to determine which fits your needs best.

At the end of the day, finding an internship online could be your best bet to securing the perfect learning opportunity. It usually represents an immensely accessible method for discovering these experiences and can often streamline the process.

2. Leveraging Your Network

Depending on how far along you are in your career, you’ll likely have a network of some sort that you can turn to. And depending on the strength of these connections, you might find it incredibly easy to discover internship opportunities through your contacts.

In fact, by letting people in your network know you’re searching, you could land a position before it ever goes public. The same often occurs with hiring as well, since companies fill anywhere from 50-80% of job positions through networking. So, if you’ve tried different methods without much in the way of results, be sure to reach out to those you already know. They might be able to point you in the right direction and help secure a great opportunity.

3. Reach Out to Companies

A seemingly more blunt method of finding an internship is simply reaching out to different companies to see whether they’re offering opportunities. Sometimes, you might not be able to find an internship that fits your specific needs without simply asking. For example, if you need experience with niche positions or skills for your own career advancement.

Of course, this is far from a sure bet, since companies might turn you down or ignore you entirely. But it might be the best way to get exactly what you’re looking for. After all, you can pick and choose which companies you approach and ask. That way, you ensure the experience will be relevant to the field you want to enter afterward.

So, whether you’re struggling with other attempts or simply want to go for it, you can always consider asking directly.

4. Local Chambers of Commerce

The key purpose of a chamber of commerce is to help provide access to different resources and build connections between businesses in a community. So, often enough, chambers will help individuals find internship opportunities with member organizations. After all, doing so helps provide a direct benefit to local commerce, which is further advantageous to all parties.

If you’re looking for an opportunity, particularly if you want one with a specific business in your area, check with the local chamber. Chances are, they have resources that could help you land an internship with a local company.

However, even if they don’t have that ability, they might be able to help advocate to different businesses on your behalf. That way, they at least raise awareness in the commercial community that you’re interested.

5. Career Fairs and Other Events

Finally, if you’re struggling to find an internship through the direct routes mentioned already, consider a career fair. Especially if you’re currently a university student, your school likely hosts various events designed to help spur individuals along with key organizations.

Alternatively, you might look into industry events specific to fields you’re interested in entering. That way, you know the experience you’ll gain will prove relevant and beneficial.

Naturally, how these play out will vary by industry, candidate, organization, and so on. But these types of fairs often lead to mutually beneficial relationships for employers and interns.

Discover a Virtual Internship

Listing internships on a resume often helps employers know your abilities are up-to-par with what they’re looking for in job applicants. And of course, there are many benefits of internship beyond hiring alone. But sometimes, you might still want a little boost beyond that to ensure you get the position.

VTR Learning can help with our virtual internship courses. Through these digital experiences, you can gain a wealth of information while playing the part of an intern at a company called Central Products. That way, you can continue honing your skills in a low-risk environment.

Check out our courses today to see how they can help with your career path.

Article written by Braden Norwood

Last updated July 22, 2024

• Business
• Career Tips