This overview of the internship search process includes links to the Career Development Center’s key resources to help you along the way. We also recommend scheduling a career counseling appointment through Handshake.
Determine What You Are Looking For
Search for internships by industry on Handshake or use our Career Guides (undergraduate and graduate) to see sample internship areas and entry-level job titles.
Get Organized
Create a Google or Excel spreadsheet to track applications, companies, and contacts. Add columns for details like application deadlines, the date you applied, names of hiring managers, and notes.
Prepare Your Materials
- Target your resume toward the types of positions you are seeking (i.e., include skills and experience relevant to the position).
- Create a cover letter draft that can be customized to fit specific positions.
- Create a list of 3–5 people whom you can contact as references. Make sure they are aware of your current internship search.
- Consider creating a portfolio, reel, or collection of work samples.
Conduct the Research
Step One: Research Companies of Interest
- Use Handshake’s Employers and Jobs tabs to find companies. Filter by location, industry, or keyword. Note: We use Handshake as an example of how to conduct your search.
- Handshake will show you if there are other students who have worked at a company in the past. You can use this information for the following steps.
Step Two: Network
- Connect with your career counselor or review our networking and interviewing resources before reaching out.
- Conduct informational interviews with alumni, faculty, or friends to learn more about a company or industry. These can lead to connections that can help get your foot in the door.
Step Three: Hone Your Interview Skills
- Schedule an Interview Prep Appointment with your career counselor on Handshake.
Step Four: Look for Internships on Handshake
- Use the Jobs tab on Handshake. Filter by Location and Type of Position (in this case, “Internship”). There are additional filters you can apply such as “paid roles only” and Industry.
- Use a variety of keywords in the search bar to find different opportunities (for example, if you are interested in production Internships, try using search terms like film, video, production, or TV).
- Save your search to receive email alerts when new opportunities matching your filters are posted.
- If you see an internship you are interested in applying to later, click the Bookmark tab and access it later under the Saved tab at the top of your screen.
