It may seem early, but if you are wondering when to start applying for summer internships, now is the time to start! I am here to help you navigate the search and get an internship you are truly excited about!
When to Start Applying for Summer Internships
January
The first thing I recommend is identifying when the campus Career Fair will be held and get it on your calendar (February is a popular month). Spend about 30 minutes a week on Google and Indeed identifying opportunities and forming a list of maybe 5-10 companies you’d ideally like to work for and learn from next summer. Knowledge is power! If you want to make an informed decision when accepting an internship offer, you must be knowledgeable about the job market. Putting in the time to research and become familiar with what internships are available and what employers expect. The compensation range for interns in your field and geographic area is important! Last year I wrote a post with many tips about what makes a good internship.
Another important step to complete in January is writing (or revising) your resume. If you have never written a resume, I suggest getting a rough draft on paper and then working with a resume expert to help you stand out in a crowded market. Having a second set of eyes on your document will help ensure you have a tailored resume that best represents your knowledge and skills on paper. So, if you are wondering when to start applying for summer internships, the answer is January or even during the fall semester!
February
February is the month to get serious if you want to get a summer internship! Go to the career fair and try to talk to as many companies that made your list as possible and get business cards so you can follow up a couple of days later. Spend about 15 minutes a week online looking at a summer job and internship opportunities.
As you apply for internships, make sure you are writing a tailored cover letter for each opportunity. A generic cover letter submitted to every opportunity will be noticed and not appreciated by hiring managers. Ensure you use keywords and highlight skills, knowledge, and experience relevant to the job. Get help tailoring your resume and cover letter to ensure you land the interview and get an internship you are truly excited about!
March
During March, keep up the 15 minutes per week of looking at opportunities online and submitting applications to get an internship. Make one more follow-up attempt with representatives you spoke with at the career fair using the info on their business cards if you had a good lead that has not materialized into an opportunity.
While you continue your search and internship applications, document all the jobs and internships you apply for. Save each position description (to help you prepare for interviews) and keep a spreadsheet of the job titles, company names, application deadlines, and any notes you have from the application. Check your spreadsheet periodically and follow up with companies regarding the status of your application if two weeks have passed since the deadline.
April
Interviews for summer internships will usually happen in late March or during April. April’s main focus will be preparing for the interview by reviewing position descriptions that you wisely saved when you applied! Look at lists of common interview questions and brainstorm other questions you expect to be asked. Glassdoor is a great resource for this! The best preparation for interviews includes specific examples of when you demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the positions you’ll be interviewing. It is important that you can provide specific examples and stories during your conversations and interviews with hiring managers. Interviewing can be intimidating; however, if you start early and get proper help preparing, you’ll feel confident and comfortable marketing yourself to the hiring manager!
May
Ideally, a summer opportunity will be lined up on or around the first of May. Tasks that will be important this month will be communicating with the hiring manager regarding the start date and orientation/training. Being proactive by keeping the lines of communication open demonstrates enthusiasm, excitement, and professionalism. Some companies may also request a copy of your transcript and pre-employment paperwork. May is a great time to complete these requirements ensuring you are ready to work on the first day of the internship!
How I Can Help You Get an Internship
Gone are the days of a college degree being the ticket to a good job after graduation. Employers value and expect candidates to have industry-relevant work experience during college. I help students navigate the career planning and job search process to ensure they are set up for success after graduation. Learn more about my services and former client successes!
