Are you tired of constantly applying for internships and never hearing back from companies? I got you. It’s not uncommon for students in their early years of university to be hyper-excited about internship opportunities, only to face disappointment when they don’t land a good internship until their junior year.
In this blog, I’ve listed 4 tried-and-tested strategies to help you secure your dream internship and set yourself up for success.
1. Show Your Work: Build Your Digital Presence
Studies show that 70% of hiring processes involve checking a candidate’s social media presence. In today’s digital age, your LinkedIn profile and online presence have become make-or-break factors for landing opportunities. Harvard Business Review’s article by Rebecca Knight confirms that social media screening has become unavoidable in the world of hiring.
The key to standing out? Authenticity and strategic positioning. Post content that showcases your genuine interests, skills, and professional journey, not generic, AI-generated posts that blend into the noise. Quality matters more than quantity. Share insights from projects you’re working on, comment thoughtfully on industry trends, or discuss what you’re learning in your field.
Remember, you’re not just catching the eye of human recruiters, you need to optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) too. This means using relevant content naturally, keeping your profile complete and updated, and ensuring your profile reflects the opportunities you’re seeking.
Best technique:
Use keywords from the roles you’re targeting in your posts and profile to get noticed. Share your accomplishments, your challenges, and your career aspirations.
Show who you are and what you want to become. Don’t stay hiding behind the walls of your comfort zone, show your work!
2. Network with Alumni
You’ve probably grown tired of hearing this, but your network is your net worth, and it’s true. And it does not necessarily have to mean just your university fellows or people your age. Network with people who have what you’re seeking, whether that’s experience, knowledge, skills, opportunities, or connections. Mind that professionals with established networks can help amplify your own connections.
Also see: Break the Ice, Build Your Network: 5 Strategies That Actually Work
These relationships will guide you and help you land your first internship. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask about open roles and internship opportunities. That’s how everyone got their first internship, and you’re no different.
3. Aim for Startups: Get Your Foot in the Door
As a first-semester student who’s just stepped into university with no relevant skills or experience, a big company isn’t going to spend its time teaching you from A to Z how the corporate world works, it’s not their job. So how do you enter the corporate world if it’s not letting you in?
The answer is: Start with Small Steps.
Aim for startups. Startups are usually looking for candidates who are active, passionate, have fresh ideas, and are willing to work in any situation despite lower compensation. They have platforms, connections, and resources you can leverage, and you bring willingness to handle basic-level operations with enthusiasm.
Starting your internship at local startups allows you to add specific, measurable achievements to your resume – like “participated in growing a startup’s client base from 10 to 25 clients” which is highly valued by recruiters at larger companies. Internships at startups may be unpaid, but they are an excellent way to get your foot in the door.
4. Leverage Youth-focused Platforms
Another effective way to land internships is to tap into youth-focused platforms specifically designed to connect students with opportunities that align with their interests and skills. These platforms can significantly streamline your internship search by doing much of the heavy lifting for you.
Realizing the importance of experience for freshers and undergraduates, platforms like The TalentBeacon are aimed to streamline the process of helping you get your first internship.
Getting started with The TalentBeacon is easy:
- Join as a candidate – Simply sign up on their website, fill in your credentials, and let the platform work for you. When relevant internship or job opportunities arise that match your profile, TalentBeacon reaches out directly. From there, you can proceed with the application process with their full support throughout.
- Become a campus ambassador – This route not only gives you access to opportunities but also helps you build leadership experience and expand your network.
The platform’s personalized approach means you’re not just submitting applications into a void, you have support from application through to placement.
Beyond The TalentBeacon, platforms like Internee.pk and Career Pakistan also offer valuable services for connecting students with internship opportunities. Exploring multiple platforms can increase your chances of finding the right fit for your career goals.
Pro tip:
Keep a tracker in your spreadsheets to monitor the internships you’ve applied for, ones where you’ve been shortlisted, and those where you’ve been selected. This helps you stay organized and follow up effectively.
So next time you’re stressing about internships, take a deep breath and apply any of the above-mentioned strategies. With the right approach and the right resources, your first internship is closer than you think.
