Something that keeps people up at night, especially college students, is wondering how they will fill in the experience section of their resume. This is where doing an internship can really give you a helping hand.
Internships are an excellent way for students to get real-life work experience in their field of study. However, knowing how to write a resume for a college student may not be the same as someone looking to change professional fields.
In this article, you’ll learn the following essential information:
- What to include in a resume when applying for an internship.
- Why internships are beneficial.
- Where to look for internships.
Keep reading our guide to find out everything you need to know about internship applications and preparing your resume.
What Is an Internship?
An internship is an opportunity for you to learn more about a particular field of work, gain experience and make connections. Internships might also be referred to as co-ops or apprenticeships, depending on the industry in which they are offered.
It is an employment/learning experience that companies and businesses offer to students and young people looking to gain experience, often in a particular role or department.
Some internships are unpaid, however, they are almost always a valuable learning experience and can make a big difference when it comes time to apply for a permanent position.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the internship you would like to pursue:
- Your objectives: Think about what you want to get out of an internship experience, and precisely what you want to learn. You might want to learn or improve a certain skill, or simply gain experience in a workplace environment.
- Your career trajectory: Consider how this internship might lead to further job opportunities in the future, above all in the field you’d like to work in.
- How much time you have: Ensure you’ll have enough time to do an internship and keep up with your other responsibilities.
- Salary: Think about whether you’ll need some sort of compensation, or if you can do an internship without any pay.
- College credit: Ask your academic advisor if you could earn any college credit for completing an internship while still studying. That way even if you’re not getting paid you know the internship will count toward something important.
Try to choose an internship that fits the path you want to follow. Even if you change course it will still likely provide you with some valuable transferable skills that you can list on your resume.
Why Are Internships Important?
Gaining relevant experience will help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs down the line.
However, that isn’t the only benefit. Importantly, you may even get offered a position right away by a hiring manager.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) an internship is often a way to be directly hired by the company you are interning with.
Based on the NACE’s 2023 Internship & Co-Op Report, 57.6% of interns were given full-time positions at their company in 2022. In addition to the possibility of a direct offer, internships will help you develop skills and expertise, such as:
- Technical skills
- Communication skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Professionalism
- Industry knowledge
- Self-confidence
You’ll also have the chance to network with others in similar fields who could turn out to be valuable contacts later on down the line.
Internships can also give you access to mentors who can advise you on how best to succeed based on their own experiences within their industry.
Types of Internships
There are two main types of internships: paid or unpaid. Paid internships are usually more prestigious and competitive, but they also require the most commitment.
When considering your internship options, ask if the position will be long-term or short-term.
Students who want flexible schedules should consider doing short-term internships with companies that appeal to them. That way, they can apply what they learn in school within a real-world context and without ignoring other responsibilities.
Students who have a lot of free time should look into long-term internships. If you can invest your time, you can gain a lot of experience without worrying about missing out on your daily tasks or an important event in the future.
This advice applies to high school students who are interested in becoming an intern without any previous experience as well.
If you’re in high school, you can always use a template to make a high school student resume to apply for the position you’re interested in.
Paid internships vs Unpaid internships
When you look at the two titles, paid internships and unpaid internships, you might think it’s an easy decision which one you should apply for.
You can do an internship and get paid, it’s the easiest decision of your life, right?
However, it isn’t always that simple.
There are positives and negatives to both types of internships.
Review the pros and cons of paid internships and unpaid internships below to help determine what type you should apply for.
Paid internships
Pros 👍
- Earn money
- Looks better on your resume
Cons 👎
- Limited availability
- Much higher workload
Unpaid internships
Pros 👍
- Easier to find
- More training-oriented
Cons 👎
- No income
- Less valuable for a resume
How To Write a Resume for an Internship
Writing a resume for an internship can be a challenging task, especially if you’re a student or transitioning into a new career field. It’s essential to present your skills, experiences, and ambitions succinctly and professionally.
The steps below will help make sure your resume is ready to take the first step to land your long-term position:
- Use online tools: Guarantee that your application is tidy and appealing by using an online resume builder.
- Opt for an objective: Start with a concise objective outlining your career interests, why you’re suitable, and what you aim to gain.
- Mention skills and experiences: Highlight relevant coursework, academic projects, and volunteer experiences. Emphasize your accomplishments or learnings from these experiences.
- List your education: Place emphasis on this section, detailing relevant coursework, academic awards, or field-related projects. Include a high GPA if applicable.
- Use professional formatting: Ensure a clean, easy-to-read layout with consistent font styles and sizes.
- Ensure it’s customized: Adjust your resume for each application, emphasizing skills and experiences aligning with the job description.
💡top tip
If you’re changing fields, focus on transferable skills from any previous jobs or internships.
Resume example for an internship with no experience
For some college students and graduates transitioning to full-time employment can be a struggle.
However, an internship can help get you going. To help you know exactly how to make a resume for an internship before applying, you can take a look at the following sample.
[Jane Smith]
[Programmer]
[123 Resume Street, Salt Lake City, UT | 555-555-5555 | Janesmith@randomemail.com]
Objective
A driven and enthusiastic Computer Science major seeking a summer internship position at XYZ Tech Inc. Strong foundation in coding (Python, Java), system design, and analytical thinking. Aiming to utilize my skills acquired through projects and coursework to gain practical experience and contribute to your team’s innovation efforts.
Education
State University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Expected Graduation: May 2025
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development, Database Systems.
- Project: Developed a simple currency converter app using Python
Skills
- Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, JavaScript, HTML/CSS.
- Software: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent teamwork and communication abilities.
Volunteer Experience
Web Developer, Local Non-Profit Organization | June 2022 – Present
- Developed and maintained the organization’s website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, increasing web traffic by 40%.
- Collaborated with a team of volunteers to integrate an online donation system, raising $5,000 in funds over six months.
Extracurricular Activities
Computer Science Club, State University | Member | August 2020 – Present
- Participated in a team-based project to develop a mobile application for campus navigation.
State University Coding Competition | Participant | April 2022
- Developed an innovative software solution as part of a four-person team within 48 hours.
Resume example for an internship with no related experience
It’s completely normal if you are fed up with a type of job and want to break into something new, and yes it’s possible to take part in an internship without college backing.
If you want to know how to write an internship resume with no experience in the field you can review the following example to know exactly what specific skills, certifications, and more that you should add.
[Jane Smith]
[Editor]
[123 Resume Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 55555 | 555-555-5555 | Jdoe@randomemail.com]
Objective
Detail-oriented and resourceful professional seeking to transition into the field of digital marketing through an internship at XYZ Marketing Company. Bringing strong communication, project management, and content creation skills honed through five years in the publishing industry to contribute to innovative marketing campaigns.
Education
City College, Bachelor of Arts in English Literature | Graduated: May 2016
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Project management and team coordination
- Content creation and editing
- Familiarity with social media platforms
- Basic understanding of SEO and Google Analytics
Professional Experience
Associate Editor, ABC Publishing | June 2016 – Present
- Managed project timelines for over 20 book publications annually, coordinating with authors, designers, and printers.
- Wrote and edited promotional materials, contributing to a 30% increase in book sales over three years.
- Leveraged social media platforms to promote upcoming titles, reaching a follower base of 10,000+ on Instagram and Twitter.
Certifications
- Google Digital Marketing Fundamentals | May 2023
Extracurricular Activities
City College Newspaper | Editor | September 2014 – May 2016
- Led a team of writers and designers to deliver a weekly publication, managing content, layout, and distribution.
Even if you have no relevant history or education in the field you’ll have an easier time finding an internship without experience if your resume is presented with the right motivation and transferable skills.
Where To Find Internships
Large companies and businesses are often looking for interns, you just have to know where to search for opportunities. With a better understanding of the best techniques used to apply for an internship, it’s time to look at the best ways to find internships.
Some of your options include:
- Academic advisors: These experts often know about various internships, so it’s a good idea to regularly discuss your interests and career goals with them.
- Company websites: Companies typically post internship opportunities directly on their website.
- Networking: Friends, family, and alumni networks can provide insights and might refer you to potential opportunities.
- Social media: Companies advertise opportunities on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and of course LinkedIn.
- Job fairs: These events set up by colleges, employers, or even the government provide direct interaction with company representatives. Learn about their internship programs and make an impression.
It’s also a good idea to use more than one of these options. The more tools and connections you use the more chance you have of finding the right internship.
How To Apply for an Internship
Before applying, you’re going to have to follow a few steps and make sure that you can stand out from the rest of the applicants.
While recruiters understand that you are most likely new to beginning an application process, making rookie mistakes never looks good.
Here are the basics when applying for an internship in 2025.
- Start your search early to give yourself time to consider all of your options.
- Find out when the application is due and ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
- Try to get a professor or someone you trust to draft a recommendation letter that speaks to your best qualities.
- Make sure all the attachments are in the right format, e.g., if it’s a PDF file, be sure it has an appropriate file name like “SmithResume_Final_January2025” or whatever the date of submission was.
- Ensure there aren’t any typos or grammar errors. Grammar and spelling mistakes reflect poorly on you, even if they don’t impact comprehension!
- Prepare for the interview if you advance to that point in the process.
The internship listing should specify if you need a cover letter, but if you aren’t sure, you can try and contact the person who posted the listing.
Key Points
Resumes for internships as a college student or an inexperienced employee can be done correctly if you follow the tips in this article.
Just remember to:
- Choose the type of internship that works best for you
- Visit the correct places to find opportunities such as job fairs and social media
- Describe and highlight your relevant skills and expertise in your resume
- Make sure your documents are error-free
Getting an internship with no experience can be daunting. Although it doesn’t need to be.
Whether you’re looking for an unpaid position or a paid one, there are plenty of options out there that can set you up for success.
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