7 Ways College Students Can Land an Internship in 2023
Interning in college is an invaluable opportunity for you to gain meaningful experiences while developing skills that will serve you in your future endeavors. And today, over 60% of students participate in internships during their college careers. But with so many options and so much competition, how can you make sure you stand out and get the internship you want?
With a little elbow grease and some planning, you can be on your way to a great internship (and, eventually, a great career!) in no time. Here are seven tips for college students looking to land an internship in the year 2023:
Network in your industries of interest
Networking is key when looking to land an internship today — so make it a priority in 2023 to reach out to all your connections and past acquaintances for advice, introductions, and potential opportunities. From your college professors to your peers in campus clubs and organizations, to social media networks like LinkedIn – there are many different resources available.
When developing relationships with new contacts in your field of interest, make sure not just to ask for a job or connections right away but also to be willing to lend a helping hand or provide value upfront. Developing genuine relationships can go a long way!
Attend career fairs
Career fairs are ripe with opportunities for you to widen your network and make direct contact with potential employers — and recruiters today told us that they are using career fairs as one of their top strategies for connecting with top talent. Whether it's virtual, on-campus, or at an event hall, make sure to be prepared and approach every employer with confidence.
Research the companies attending beforehand and know who you want to speak with. If the fair is in person, be sure to dress professionally and bring copies of your resume, business cards, and any additional materials showcasing your skills or experience. Also, always remember to follow up afterward with a thank you note or email.
Sign up for recruitment events and company info sessions
Another way to increase your chances of getting an internship in 2023 is by attending company info sessions and recruitment events. These types of events are a great opportunity for college students to learn more about the organizations they're interested in, as these recruiters typically provide detailed information on their businesses, and to get your name and info out there and in recruiters' notes.
You'll meet the recruiters and hiring managers face-to-face and can impress them with your enthusiasm and knowledge. Plus, if you come prepared with sharp questions to ask, you'll stand out from the crowd.
Visit career services on campus
When it comes to securing an internship in 2023, career services on campus can be a great place to visit. Nearly every college campus provides access to job boards, resume-building workshops, and the opportunity to network with local employers looking for interns. Career service advisors can help you prepare a stellar resume and broaden your skillset during the preparation process – they're experts at helping students make a smooth transition from college student to professional intern.
Use RippleMatch to connect with top employers
RippleMatch helps to connect employers to qualified students looking for internships. After creating your profile, RippleMatch will match you to employers who are specifically looking for the skills and experience that you have. You can also search through job postings, send in applications, communicate with recruiters, and schedule meetings – all directly through the platform.
Virtual job boards with updated postings make it easier for college students to apply, and employers can quickly access the resumes of all qualified applicants. Take advantage of today's technology in 2023 and bring your internship search to the next level.
Proactively contact employers
Getting an internship can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be! By taking advantage of all the resources available, you can increase your chances and ensure that the internship you want is within reach. One of the best ways is to proactively contact employers, asking about potential internships. It's a great way to get ahead, not just for internships but for any job opportunities in the future. Now is the perfect time to start reaching out. It shows interest and initiative and will help you make new connections in targeted industries.
Even if a company doesn't have an intern opening right away, they may be open to having an informal conversation about future openings or what it takes to work in the field. Who knows — maybe they'll even keep your resume on file for when one does come up!
Join professional organizations
Joining professional organizations is a great way to increase the chances of landing an internship in 2023. It helps students get involved with professionals who share their interests, gain greater insights into their chosen field, and tap into career development resources.
Additionally, professional organizations can connect students with ambitious peers and offer internships or job postings through the organization's network. Being part of a professional organization can give college students the upper hand when applying for internships because it indicates a certain level of commitment and knowledge about the field.
College students who want to land an internship in 2023 can use the strategies above to find the perfect opportunity that can turn their dream job into a reality! With some preparation, research, and networking, you can set yourself up with an incredible internship experience in the coming year.
Now that you know how to land an internship in 2023, it’s time to get out there and start looking for opportunities.
Looking to learn more about how RippleMatch can land you your dream internship? Make a free profile today.
