Tips for Landing the Perfect Internship
- Nelli Tokleh
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
As the school season winds down, college students may have their hands full with internships to gain experience in their chosen careers before graduation. Internships provide students with real-world exposure to their projected career paths. Not only can an internship enhance a résumé, but it also helps students develop professional skills and build confidence. To find the perfect internship this summer—and set themselves up for long-term success—Pittsburgh-area career experts shared their top tips for students.
How Can Students Find the Best Internship for Them?
Before submitting applications, students should consider their academic and career goals. According to Norm Downey, senior director of career services and job readiness at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), it’s essential to ask a few key questions: What do you hope to accomplish with an internship? Are you pursuing one for the experience, networking opportunities, or as a summer job? Is this an opportunity to explore a career path before committing to it?
Students should also determine whether their degree program requires an internship and if it will be graded. “If an internship is a required element of your academic program, your school or academic department may already have internship sites established that are accustomed to collaborating with faculty and meeting academic requirements,” said Downey. “These types of internships will be more structured, with well-defined learning objectives and systems to assess your progress.”
Career platforms such as LinkedIn and Handshake are excellent resources for finding internship and employment opportunities. Additionally, alumni events and job or internship fairs can open doors, as alumni are often eager to connect with current students.
Where and When to Look for Opportunities
To maximize success, students should begin their internship search at least one semester in advance—if not earlier. Consulting with professors and career centers can provide insight into internship options. Faculty members often have access to internal and external job databases that students may not be aware of.
“Often overlooked in work-based learning, an internship—or even a part-time job—is an opportunity to develop employability skills,” Downey explained. “These skills, sometimes called soft or transferable skills, are in high demand by employers and include customer service, communication, and critical thinking.”
At institutions like Thiel College in Greenville, PA, the career development center works closely with students to provide meaningful internship opportunities and professional connections. Career experts there recommend that students start discussing internships as early as their first semester on campus to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce by graduation. The earlier students engage with career centers, the stronger their career and internship prospects will be.
Thiel’s career development center frequently hosts career tabling events where local, regional, and national employers showcase internship and job opportunities. Engaging with employers in these low-pressure environments makes networking less intimidating. Career experts encourage students to step outside their comfort zones and remain open-minded when exploring opportunities.
How to Ace an Interview
Before applying for internships, students should create or update their résumés. Meeting with career services representatives is a great way to start, as many colleges offer this service as part of tuition. Downey advised that an effective résumé highlights relevant skills and experiences tailored to the specific position. Crafting a résumé can also help students identify areas where they may need to gain additional skills through internships or coursework.
“To ace a job interview, the most important thing is to know yourself, your skills, and how they align with what the employer is seeking,” said Downey. “The interviewer is trying to solve a problem by hiring the right person. Make it easy for them by researching the company, the industry, and how you fit the role so you can demonstrate your value.” He also emphasized that students should not be afraid to ask the interviewer questions, as this helps determine if the company culture is a good fit.
Career service centers further support students by helping them craft elevator pitches, practice answering behavioral interview questions, and research potential employers. Experts at Thiel College recommend practicing mock interviews multiple times and one-on-one coaching sessions with career center representatives. These sessions help refine interview techniques and boost confidence.
Finally, career experts agree that sending a thank-you email after an interview can help candidates stand out and leave a positive impression.
Securing the right internship is a crucial step for college students looking to gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, and build meaningful industry connections. Ultimately, internships serve as a bridge between academic learning and professional success, helping students confidently transition into the workforce.