How to land perfect summer internship: tips for students

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This article was published 22/03/2025 (230 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Summer internships are a golden opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, build their resumés and explore potential career paths. But securing the right internship isn’t always easy. With fierce competition and deadlines creeping up faster than expected, it’s important to have a solid game plan.

If you’re hoping to land an internship that will set you up for future success, here are some tried-and-true tips to help you stand out from the crowd:

Polish your resumé until it shines

Your resumé is often the first impression an employer will have of you — so it needs to be strong. Start by highlighting relevant coursework, volunteer work, part-time jobs or leadership roles that demonstrate skills applicable to the position you’re seeking. Even if you don’t have direct experience in the field, think about transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Be sure to keep your resumé concise, ideally one page and don’t forget to proofread. A single typo could send your application straight to the rejection pile.

Write killer cover letter

A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference. Instead of repeating what’s already on your resumé, use this space to show some personality and explain why you’re passionate about the role. Employers want to see enthusiasm, initiative and a clear understanding of what the internship entails. Customize each cover letter for the specific company — generic applications are easy to spot and often overlooked. Make it clear why you’re interested in that particular organization and how your skills align with its goals.

Network like your future depends on it (it kind of does)

If you think job searching is all about sending out applications and waiting for a reply, think again. Networking is one of the most powerful ways to land an internship. Start by reaching out to professors, career advisers or alumni from your school who may have industry connections. Attend career fairs, join student organizations related to your field and don’t be afraid to connect with professionals on LinkedIn. A simple online message expressing your interest in their work and asking for advice can open unexpected doors.

Take advantage of your university’s career services

Most universities have career centres that offer job boards, resumé reviews and even mock interviews. Yet, many students don’t take full advantage of these resources. Schedule an appointment with a career adviser to go over your application materials and get insider tips on where to look for internships. Some schools even have exclusive partnerships with companies looking to hire students, so checking in regularly could give you a competitive edge.

Cast wide net but be strategic

It’s easy to fall into the trap of applying to only the most prestigious internships, but competition for these roles is intense. Instead, aim for a mix of big-name companies, smaller organizations, non-profits and startups. Smaller firms might not have the same brand recognition, but they often provide more hands-on experience.

Prepare for interviews like a pro

So, you landed an interview — congrats, now it’s time to prepare. Research the company thoroughly, understand its mission and be ready to explain how you can contribute. Practice answering common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want this internship?” and “Can you give an example of a time you worked as part of a team?” Use the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your responses with clear, concise examples.

Also, don’t forget interviews are a two-way street. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the role, company culture or what a typical day as an intern looks like. Asking insightful questions shows genuine interest and helps you figure out if the internship is truly a good fit for you.

Follow up (but don’t be pushy)

After an interview, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Express your appreciation for the opportunity and briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. If you haven’t heard back within the given timeframe, a polite follow-up email can show initiative but don’t overdo it. Employers are often swamped with applications and sending multiple emails in quick succession can come across as desperate rather than diligent.

Be open to alternative opportunities

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things don’t go as planned. If you don’t land your dream internship, don’t panic. Consider alternatives such as research positions, volunteering or even short-term projects that align with your career goals. Many companies offer “micro-internships” or freelance-style work that can help build your experience. The key is to stay proactive and keep building skills that will make you a strong candidate for future opportunities.

Stay positive, keep learning

Rejection is part of the process and it happens to even the most qualified candidates. Instead of getting discouraged, use it as a learning experience. Seek feedback if possible and refine your approach for next time. Keep developing new skills, whether through online courses, personal projects or extracurricular activities. Every bit of experience you gain now will help you stand out when the next opportunity arises.

Final thoughts

Landing a summer internship takes effort, patience and persistence. Start early, tailor your applications, network effectively and always put your best foot forward in interviews. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, every step you take brings you closer to your career goals. So, go ahead — start applying, stay motivated and make this summer count.

Tory McNally, CPHR, BSc., vice-president, HR consulting, is a human resource professional, radio personality, speaker and problem solver. She can be reached at tory@legacybowes.com