The ultimate guide to landing an internship in college and beyond

Internships are the bridge between academics and the work world. Whether you're a high school student preparing for college, an undergrad exploring your options or a recent graduate looking to kickstart your career, internships offer hands-on experience and a chance to meet and impress potential employers.

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary, professional work experience offered by companies to help students and graduates gain knowledge and skills in a specific field. Internships are designed to provide real-world exposure, offering opportunities to apply what you've learned in class to real problems.

Types of internships and their characteristics

Paid internships 

• You get paid for your work. 
• Common in fields such as engineering, finance or technology.
• Highly competitive because you make money.

Unpaid internships 

• Provide experience and exposure.
• Often found in industries like media, non-profits and arts. 
• Still offer networking and learning opportunities.

For-credit internships 

• Count as college credits toward your degree. 
• Require approvals from your academic institution. 
• Require approvals from your academic institution. 
• Often associated with specific coursework or majors.

Virtual internships 

• Allow you to work from anywhere with an internet connection. 
• Appeals to those with work or class schedules or location challenges. 

Graduate internships 

• Targeted specifically at recent graduates entering professional fields. 
• Serve as a steppingstone to a full-time role.

Understanding these internship types can help you identify what works best for your career and current needs.

For current students (high school seniors and college underclassmen)

What high school seniors need to know about internships

Starting to think about internships in high school can give you a head start. While formal internships for high schoolers may be rare, here’s how you can prepare early:

• Leverage summer programs: Many organizations offer pre-college programs that introduce high school students to professional environments (e.g., STEM camps or business explorations).
• Develop skills: Start building soft and technical skills that stand out on resumes, such as communication, teamwork or coding.
• Volunteer or shadow a professional: If internships aren’t available yet, volunteering or shadowing professionals in your area of interest can provide valuable exposure.

What college students need to know

College years are prime time to secure internships. Here's how you can increase your chances of success:

Start early and plan ahead 

• Begin researching internships as early as your freshman or sophomore year. 
• Look for on-campus resources, like career services, to help you get started.

Build a strong resume 

• Highlight academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
• Include skills that can transfer to the workplace – teamwork, leadership, meeting deadlines, creating and executing plans, etc.

Network constantly 

• Attend career fairs, industry panels and alumni networking events. 
• Connect with professors and mentors who have industry contacts and can write recommendations for you.

Tailor your search 

• Use internship databases like Handshake, LinkedIn or Indeed. 
• Target companies that match your major and career goals.

Apply - and follow up

• Submit applications early; internship spots fill quickly. 
• Write personalized follow-ups to stand out after submitting applications.

For graduates seeking internships after college

Internships aren’t just for students. Recent graduates can also use them to bridge the gap between school and a full-time career. Here’s how to approach post-graduation internships:

Leveraging professors, mentors and career development centers 

Your college professors and mentors can be invaluable resources in your internship search. Many professors have extensive professional networks in their fields and can connect you with opportunities that align with your career goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out and express your interest in finding internships; they can provide guidance, refer you to colleagues or even write a strong letter of recommendation. Similarly, mentors who understand your strengths and aspirations may offer advice or introduce you to industry connections.

Additionally, many colleges’ Career Development Centers continue offering services to graduates even after they’ve left school. These centers can provide access to job boards, resume and cover letter assistance and information on internship opportunities tailored to your field. Make an appointment with a career advisor to discuss your goals and learn about available resources. Staying connected with your school’s career network post-graduation can greatly enhance your chances of finding meaningful internships.

Goals as a recent graduate

• Full-time opportunities: The opportunity to turn an internship into a full-time role is often the primary motivator for graduates.
• Skill refinement: Gain applied experience to strengthen your portfolio or resume. Polish industry-specific skills that hiring managers look for in entry-level roles.
• Networking: Build relationships with mentors and colleagues who can help advance your career
  

Quick tips for graduates seeking internships:

• Apply for graduate-focused internships: Many companies offer roles specifically aimed at recent graduates.
• Highlight academic and extracurricular experience: Since you may have minimal job experience. Emphasize coursework, projects and leadership roles relevant to the position.
• Show your long-term potential: Companies offering internships to recent grads often seek candidates they can groom for full-time roles, so frame yourself as eager to grow with the organization.

General advice to stand out as an intern applicant

Whether you’re still a student or a graduate, these tips can set you apart and make your application shine:

• Customize your application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job to show genuine interest.
• Showcase soft skills: Time management, adaptability and communication are qualities every employer values. 
• Maintain a professional online presence: Clean up your social media, update your LinkedIn and showcase your work (if applicable). 
• Be proactive: Reach out to companies that interest you—even if they don’t currently advertise internships.

Why internships matter

Internships aren’t just a way to fill in the gaps on your resume; they’re a launchpad for your future. They provide practical experience, build your professional network and give you a taste of different industries before you commit fully to a career.

At Central Michigan University we offer over 2,000 internship opportunities each year. In addition to our hands-on learning in your classes, you can add an internship and dig in, gain confidence and learn first-hand on the job. Our Career Development Center is ready to help you find an internship that builds your understanding of your future career.