Finding summer internships & jobs as a US college student.
Last Updated on May 12, 2023
Many USA college students are thinking about summer internships since the schools have already started taking summer break. It’s difficult to provide an exact number of US college students who do summer internships, as data on internship participation can vary by source and can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as the size and type of the college or university, the availability of internship opportunities, and the student’s field of study. Finding summer internship is not easy so how to find it as a US college student?
However, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), approximately 60% of college students in the United States participate in at least one internship or co-op during their undergraduate studies. This figure is based on a survey of nearly 17,000 college students from more than 300 colleges and universities across the US.
Another survey by InternMatch found that 91% of employers prefer to hire candidates who have previous work experience, such as internships. This suggests that the majority of college students in the US recognize the importance of gaining work experience through internships and are actively seeking out these opportunities to enhance their resumes and gain valuable skills.
Overall, while it’s difficult to provide an exact number, it’s clear that summer internships are a popular way for college students in the US to gain work experience and develop their professional skills.
Below are some of the avenues and tools for US college students to explore internships.
- Utilize your college’s career services
Most colleges and universities in the US have a dedicated career services office that can help students find internships, co-op positions, and full-time jobs. These offices offer a wide range of resources to assist students in their job search, including resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and access to job listings.
Career services offices can be a great resource for students who are unsure where to start their internship search. These offices have established relationships with employers and can connect students with internships that match their skills and interests.
For example, Boston University’s Career Services offers a variety of resources for students, including a job board, workshops, and career fairs. Students can also schedule appointments with career advisors to discuss their career goals and get help with their job search.
Link: https://www.bu.edu/careers/
- Use online job boards
In addition to your college’s career services office, there are many online job boards that can help you find internships. Some of the most popular job boards include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
One job board that is specifically designed for college students is Handshake. Handshake is a platform that connects students with employers who are looking for interns and recent graduates. Handshake has partnerships with over 1,000 colleges and universities across the US.
For example, a search for “summer internships” on Handshake yields over 500,000 results. Students can filter their search by location, industry, and job type to find internships that match their interests.
Link: https://www.joinhandshake.com/
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a popular professional networking site that also has a job board section. College students can use LinkedIn to search for internships based on location, industry, and job type. Additionally, students can connect with professionals in their field of interest and expand their network.
Contact Us
Link: https://www.linkedin.com
InternMatch: InternMatch is an online job board that connects students with internship opportunities across a variety of industries. It allows students to search for internships by location, industry, and company size, and also provides resources and advice for students looking for internships.
Link: https://www.internmatch.com
Glassdoor: Glassdoor is a job board that allows students to search for internships based on location, job type, and company. It also provides company reviews, salary information, and interview questions to help students prepare for their job search.
Link:https://www.glassdoor.com
WayUp: WayUp is an online job board that focuses on connecting college students with internships and entry-level jobs. It partners with companies in a variety of industries and provides personalized job recommendations based on a student’s interests and skills.
Indeed: Indeed is a popular job board that allows students to search for internships based on location, job type, and company. It also provides salary information and company reviews to help students make informed decisions about their job search.
Overall, these job boards are great resources for college students looking for summer internships. By utilizing these resources, students can find opportunities that match their interests and skills, and gain valuable work experience that can help them in their future careers.
- Look for industry-specific internships
If you know what industry you want to work in, it can be beneficial to look for internships that are specific to that industry. Many industry associations and professional organizations offer internships to college students who are interested in pursuing a career in that field.
For example, the American Chemical Society offers a summer internship program for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in chemistry. The program provides students with hands-on experience in a research lab and the opportunity to network with professionals in the field.
Link: https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/internships/undergrad-internships.html
- Attend career fairs
Career fairs are events where employers come to meet with students who are interested in internships or full-time jobs. These events are typically held on college campuses and are a great way for students to network with potential employers and learn about internship opportunities.
For example, the University of Michigan hosts a summer internship fair that is specifically designed for students who are interested in finding internships. The fair attracts a variety of employers from different industries and provides students with the opportunity to learn about different career paths and connect with professionals in their field of interest.
Link: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/summer-internship-fair
- Network with alumni and professionals
Networking is a valuable tool for students who are looking for internships. Connecting with alumni, professors, and professionals in your field of interest can provide you with valuable insights and connections that can help you in your job search.
LinkedIn is a great platform for networking with professionals. You can join groups related to your field of interest and connect with professionals who work in that industry. You can also search for alumni from your college or university and reach out to them for advice and guidance.
For example, the University of California, Berkeley offers an online networking platform for students and alumni called Cal Alumni Network. The platform allows students to connect
6. Don’t underestimate of the value your family and friends from high-school and college can provide in your search of internships. 60-70% of jobs are filled through networking and recommendations.
