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Internship Tips for Beginners

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estefany

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Hi there! If the word “internship” sounds unfamiliar and scary, this post is here to help.

The truth is, internships are one of the biggest financial and career moves you can make in college. They build your resume, expand your network, and often lead directly to job offers. 62% of interns receive full-time job offers after completing their internship, so the payoff is very real. And no, you don’t need to “know someone” to get one. You just need a plan.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Start Earlier Than You Think

This is the number one mistake students make. The most competitive paid internships open applications as early as August through October for the following year. This often happens nearly a year before the internship starts, especially in tech, finance, and consulting. If you wait until spring to look for a summer internship, you’ve already missed most of the good ones.

Set a calendar reminder now. Treat the application season like a class with deadlines.

Know Where to Look

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Here are the best places to find internships:

  • Handshake — most colleges use this platform; log in with your school email and you’ll find postings sometimes exclusive to your school’s network Better Money Habits
  • LinkedIn — search by title, location, or remote; follow companies you’re interested in
  • Indeed — filter by “internship,” summer, and entry-level
  • Your school’s career center — this is still underrated; some internships are only shared here and there’s less competition

However, I will say that I have personally gotten all my internships through networking and cold calling. I reach out personally to companies, express my interest, and show initiative. But this tends to only work with small businesses, so keep that in mind.

Your Resume Isn’t as Empty as You Think

A lot of first-gen students look at the resume section and freeze. But here’s the thing, experience doesn’t only mean a past job. It can include coursework, academic projects, student leadership, volunteer work, or independent portfolio projects. Employers aren’t just looking for job titles, they’re looking for skills. Reframe what you’ve already done.

And when you apply: customize your resume for each role, highlight the skills listed in the job description, and consider including a small work sample with your cover letter, like a few slides, a design, or a writing sample. That extra step alone can set you apart.

Network (Even If It Feels Awkward)

Nobody tells first-gen students that networking is just… talking to people. You don’t need to be in a suit at a fancy event. Students who engaged in “cold networking” were twice as likely to secure internships. They reached out to strangers rather than only reaching out to family and friends. This is especially true for first-gen students.

Try this script when messaging someone on LinkedIn:

“Hi [Name], I’m a [year/major] at [School] and I’m really interested in your work at [Company]. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat about your career path?”

These are called informational interviews, short, casual conversations where you learn about someone’s job or company. They’re not about asking for a job, and they’re completely normal and expected in many industries too.

Don’t Count Yourself Out

If you see an internship you like, just go for it. Even if you feel like you’re not qualified, you don’t lose anything by trying. The worst they can say is no, and that’s free practice for the next application.

If this helped, sign up for The Generational Shift newsletter so you don’t miss upcoming internship roundups, scholarship lists, or student money tips. And if you know of an opportunity I missed, drop it in the comments!

See you in my next post!

– Estefany

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Hello,

I’m Estefany

Welcome to The Generational Shift, my little corner of the internet where money meets culture, resilience, and real-life experience. This space is dedicated to first-gen students, immigrant youth, and anyone rewriting what financial success looks like. Here, you’ll find honest advice, relatable stories, and tools to help you grow, thrive, and shift the future.

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