How to Get an Internship: Step-by-Step Guide for Students

Published July 7, 2026 · 15 min read

Landing your first internship can feel impossible when every job posting asks for experience you do not yet have. But internships are specifically designed for students and early-career professionals — you do not need years of experience to qualify. You need the right strategy. This guide shows you exactly how to get an internship, whether you are a first-year student or a recent graduate.

Why Internships Matter

Internships are the single most important career development activity you can do as a student. They provide real-world experience that employers value, help you build a professional network, and often lead to full-time job offers. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 57% of interns receive a full-time job offer from their internship employer. Browse our internship listings to find opportunities right now.

Step 1: Identify Your Target Industry

Before you start applying, decide which industry or field interests you most. This does not have to be your final career choice — internships are for exploration. But having a focus helps you target your search effectively. Consider your major, your coursework, your interests, and the skills you want to develop.

Step 2: Build Your Skills

Even without professional experience, you can build relevant skills through academic projects, online courses, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. If you want a marketing internship, create a social media strategy for a student club. If you want a data science internship, complete a data analysis project using public datasets. Employers want to see initiative, not just credentials.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials

You will need a strong resume, a tailored cover letter, and often a portfolio or writing samples. Your resume should emphasise academic achievements, relevant coursework, projects, and extracurricular activities. See our CV writing guide and resume templates.

Step 4: Search Strategically

Use multiple channels to find internships:

OpportunityNest: Browse our curated internship listings for verified opportunities worldwide.
University career centre: Many universities have exclusive partnerships with employers.
Company websites: Check the careers page of companies you are interested in.
LinkedIn: Follow companies and set up job alerts for internship positions.
Professional networks: Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with alumni.
Cold emailing: Reach out directly to companies that interest you, even if they are not advertising internships.

Step 5: Network

Networking is how many internships are found before they are ever posted. Attend career fairs, join professional associations, connect with alumni on LinkedIn, and ask professors for introductions. See our LinkedIn guide and networking guide.

Step 6: Apply Widely and Early

Apply to at least 15-20 internships. The average student receives one offer for every 10-15 applications. Start applying as early as possible — many competitive internships fill their positions months before the start date.

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews

Most internships involve at least one interview. Prepare by researching the company, practising common interview questions, and preparing questions to ask. See our internship interview guide.

How to Get an Internship with No Experience

Focus on academic projects and coursework that demonstrate relevant skills
Complete online certifications in your target field. See our certifications guide
Volunteer for organisations where you can build relevant skills
Create a portfolio of personal projects
Leverage your university's career services and alumni network
Consider smaller companies or startups that have less competitive application processes

Internship Search Checklist

Have I identified my target industry or field?
Have I built relevant skills through projects or coursework?
Is my resume tailored for internship applications?
Have I written a compelling cover letter template?
Am I searching across multiple channels?
Am I applying to at least 15-20 positions?
Have I started networking with professionals in my field?
Have I prepared for interviews?