How do I get an internship with no experience? This common question was the inspiration behind this guide, which will walk you through how to get an internship with no experience.
Getting an internship as a high school or college student can seem impossible since you don’t have experience or connections in the industry you want to work in. And with more students than ever taking on internships (over half of recent graduates did at least one internship before graduation), competition for these positions has never been tougher.
However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be applying to internships at all. In fact, doing so can help you to get the experience and network that you need to get hired after graduation!
This guide will walk through the meaning of an internship, the benefits of internships, and how to land your first internship. Without any further talk, let’s get into the article.
Table of Contents
What is an Internship?
Internships are short-term job positions offered by organizations, designed for students and recent graduates. Interns work at a company for a limited amount of time, usually three to six months.
An internship can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, and may offer academic credits or not. Internships can take place at any time of the year (summer, spring, and fall) and can also take place during the semester.
Benefits of Internships for College Students
Internships are an incredibly valuable resource for college students. Here are some of the benefits that you can get from taking on an internship as a college student:
1. Internships provide real-world experience
An internship provides students with the opportunity to acquire real-world experience in their field. Students will be able to apply their classroom knowledge and skills to real-world situations.
Job listings often specify experience requirements. An internship can help you gain the skills and experience necessary to find work.
2. Internships can lead to full-time employment
An internship can lead to full-time employment if an employer is satisfied with your performance, an internship can lead to a full-time position. The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) reports that in 2018, 59% of students were offered employment after completing their internships.
Furthermore, internships allow you to gain skills and experience in the field of your choice, making it easier to find work after graduation. Internships can also help you build your resume.
3. Internships offer networking opportunities
Internships are a great way to network with people in the industry. By interning, you will make connections and build relationships that will come in handy when you’re searching for jobs or growing your business.
4. Internships can help you explore different career paths
Internships help college students explore different career paths and identify potential careers that might be a good fit. When interning, you get the opportunity to see what it’s like to work in a particular industry.
5. Internships provide the opportunity to learn new skills
Internships are a fantastic way to gain valuable skills that will help you in your career. You’ll have the chance to work with professionals and learn from them, while also picking up new skills which will be incredibly valuable long after the internship is over.
10 Tips on How to Get an Internship without Experience
Here are 10 tips for students looking to get hired as interns without prior experience:
1. Prepare Your Resume
A good resume is key to landing an internship. It’s important that your resume show what you have accomplished and how it relates to the position that you are applying for. Your resume should have your educational information, the institution you are enrolled in, your skills, and other relevant information.
Refrain from lying on your resume because someone will find out eventually, and then they won’t hire you. To avoid potential mistakes, have someone review your resume before you submit it.
2. Find the Right Internship
No matter what industry you’re interested in, there are internships for you. You just have to find the right one!
In order to narrow down the types of internship experiences that are most valuable for both your career goals and interests, there is a list of questions you can ask yourself before starting your search.
- Do you want to intern during the school year or during the summer?
- What industry or field do I want to work in?
- Do you want a paid or unpaid internship?
- Will you get academic credit for the internship?
- Do you want to intern near the campus or far?
Once you’ve determined what type of experience best suits your needs, then it becomes easier to decide what company would be best suited to offer those requirements.
3. Maintain a High GPA
When applying for an internship with no experience, a prospective employer will review the quality of your grades in order to ascertain how productive you may be in their company. To find a good internship, it is important to keep your grade point average high and be active in extracurricular activities.
Your excellent grades will speak in place of any professional experience you lack. Your GPA will speak volumes about how serious you are about your education and how hard-working and dedicated you are.
Many companies are unlikely to even take a chance with hiring you unless your GPA is impressive. Don’t just be discouraged because of this, take advantage of it. Take this opportunity to focus on raising your grade point average so that next year you’ll be qualified for your dream internship!
4. Check for On-campus Opportunities
Every college has on-campus opportunities for students. Schools’ website posts internships every semester or students can visit the career center to find on-campus opportunities.
Typically, these internships work around your class schedule and are appropriate for those without experience. Some of these positions are either paid or unpaid, but they all provide valuable experience that can help you land the job you’re looking for.
5. Develop Skills
To get an internship with no experience, the most important thing you can do is develop skills that are in demand. If you possess more in-demand skills, you’re more likely to get noticed and be offered a position at your dream company!
Despite a lack of particular professional experience, many generalized skills like time management, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills still apply in various careers. Spend time developing these skills and make sure these skills are highlighted on your resume.
6. Start Networking
Creating a solid network can help you land an internship, the trick is to find the right people who may be able to help you. First, do research on the types of professions you are interested in and their associated organizations.
Get out in your community and try attending the meetings of local professional organizations in the field that interests you the most. You can also make connections on social media (especially LinkedIn), during a volunteer job, or when engaged in community service.
Whenever you have the chance to network, you should take it because you never know who you’re going to meet.
7. Volunteer
There are many organizations out there that need your help, but often times their budget is a limitation. Look for businesses in your industry or related fields and then ask them to let you volunteer.
Signing up for volunteer work is a great way to start your career and gain valuable experience. Plus, you’ll make connections with people in your field and build relationships that will last long after the project is over.
You may also volunteer to improve skills like reliability, time management, teamwork, and organization.
8. Consult a Career Center
Career Centers are valuable resources for getting help on your resume, cover letter, interview technique, and more. Even if you lack work experience, the career center’s experts can assist you in discovering relevant skills or activities that can translate into the qualities employers seek.
Career Centers often have relationships with companies, so they can easily find an internship for you.
9. Apply Early
If you’re looking for an internship, apply as early as possible. Applying early may increase your chances of being selected for an interview. Plus, you’ll have more time to prepare for your interview.
10. Join a Community Group
Joining a university or community group related to your career can help you expand your network and find new job opportunities. Search your school website or social media accounts, if they have any, to find groups like this.
Also, find out what types of groups exist in your area, find one that interests you, and attend their events. Besides attending events, you should also participate in group activities and projects as a volunteer. You’ll be more likely to be noticed later on if you make a point of showing you are a hardworking person.
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Conclusion
It’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t have any experience, but you can still get a great internship. Take the time to find out what industry you want to work in, then find companies hiring interns in those fields.
I hope this article has been helpful and that you can take away some inspiration. We know getting an internship without experience is difficult, but if you keep your head up and do your best, success is possible!
