Hi, it's me again, and I want to talk to you about something that can make or break your career—internships. I’ve been on both sides of the internship game, as an intern struggling to figure out my path and later as a mentor helping others do the same. I’ve seen how the right internship can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
But trust me, not all internships are created equal. Picking the right one isn’t just about padding your resume; it’s about finding the experience that will truly send you on the path to your biggest aspirations. Here’s the lowdown on how to choose an internship that not only fits but accelerates your career goals.
Listen, before you start applying left and right, you’ve got to ask yourself, What am I trying to achieve here? Back when I was in college, I jumped into my first internship thinking, “Hey, any internship is better than none.” I ended up filing papers in a corner cubicle for two months without any idea of how it tied back to my career. Lesson learned. The better move? Start by outlining your career goals.
Think about what you want to gain right now and where you want to be in the long run. For me, short-term, I needed to master communication skills and get some hands-on experience in the business world. Long-term? I saw myself in a leadership role, guiding teams and creating strategies. Once I figured that out, it became easier to zero in on internships that matched those ambitions.
Whether you’re aiming to fine-tune specific skills like coding or dreaming about becoming a creative director, clarity makes all the difference. Write it down. Stick it to your wall. Use it as a filter for all your internship decisions.
This part is critical. I’ve met so many interns over the years who show up without knowing what they hope to learn. You don’t want to be the person saying, “Uh, I’m here for… experience?” when someone asks you why you chose their company. Think about the hard and soft skills you need to sharpen.
After analyzing its own data, ZipRecruiter found that 93% of employers specifically ask for soft skills from applicants. These include abilities like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are often just as important as technical expertise. Understanding the skills gap between where you are now and where you want to be will help you filter out internships that don’t offer the learning opportunities you need.
Once you know what you want, the next step is figuring out where you want to go. Industries and companies are not one-size-fits-all.
Consider industries that excite you. If you’re passionate about technology, look for internships in software development, IT consulting, or digital marketing. If you’re drawn to healthcare, an internship in a hospital or pharmaceutical company could be the right move. Aligning the industry with your long-term goals ensures that the work you’re doing will have a direct impact on your career path.
"The most fulfilling internships are those that align with your passions. When you're genuinely excited about the work, it's easier to go the extra mile and make a lasting impression."
Culture matters, folks. A lot. I’ve been in internships where I felt like just another number in the system—zero feedback, no relationships. And then there were internships where the culture made me want to stay forever.
Do your homework. Read reviews, talk to past interns if you can, and check out the company’s social media vibe. Are they serious and formal, or do they seem like a fun, collaborative bunch? Pick the environment that fits your personality and learning style.
Now that you know where you want to go, ask yourself what you’ll actually be doing there. A few years ago, I had a mentee, Sarah, who was thrilled to snag a big-name internship. Turns out she spent the entire summer stapling papers and running errands. Lesson? Don’t just look at the name on the door. Take a close look at the job description.
Make sure the responsibilities offer value. Will you engage in meaningful work? Will you be challenged? When I joined an internship that promised collaboration and big-picture projects, I learned how strategy meetings worked behind the scenes—and that experience helped me land my first full-time gig.
Always prioritize internships offering tangible learning opportunities. Work on projects with real impact. Internships that only teach you to fetch coffee won’t help you get ahead. Instead, look for roles where you’ll apply your skills or even step outside your comfort zone.
An internship should be an immersive learning experience. Beyond job responsibilities, examine the company's mentorship and development programs.
A structured mentorship program can be a game-changer in your internship. Mentors not only guide you through the tasks of the internship but also provide invaluable advice on career planning and professional development. Look for internships that offer access to senior professionals willing to invest time in your growth.
Many companies offer formal training sessions as part of their internship programs. These could be workshops on specific technical skills or soft skills like leadership and communication. A company that prioritizes your development will prepare you for your future career beyond just the internship experience.
Oh boy, I can’t stress this enough—networking is gold. Early in my career, a mentor taught me this simple truth: Your success is often tied to who you know as much as what you know. Internships are the perfect playground to build those relationships.
During one internship, I made it a point to schedule coffee chats with at least one senior team member every week. I learned so much from their stories and perspectives—and wouldn’t you know it, one of them ended up referring me for a job two years later! Connections matter, people.
Some companies have amazing alumni networks that keep past interns connected and help with job placements. Before joining an internship, ask if they have something similar. A strong alumni network can be like having an ace up your sleeve.
I’ll be real with you—practical stuff like location and pay shouldn’t be overlooked either.
My first-ever internship was two hours away from home. The commute almost killed me—by the time I got to work, I was exhausted! Consider how the location will affect your daily schedule. If relocating is an option, this could open up some exciting opportunities. And, of course, think about whether you’d thrive in a virtual setup or need face-to-face interaction.
With the rise of remote work, more internships offer flexible, virtual opportunities. If you’re seeking a remote internship, evaluate how the company handles communication, team dynamics, and workflow.
Remote internships can be beneficial, especially if you want to balance other responsibilities, but be sure they still offer the same level of learning and mentorship as in-person roles.
Getting paid is great, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. When I took an unpaid internship early on, I worried it might not be worth the financial strain. Luckily, it was rich in learning experiences and networking opportunities, which paid off in the long run. Weigh the benefits carefully, including compensation, mentorship, and perks like housing or meal stipends.
Some internships offer added benefits like housing assistance, transportation stipends, or gym memberships. These perks can ease the financial burden and make the experience more enjoyable. When considering an offer, make sure to weigh these factors alongside compensation.
Finally, look beyond the “here and now.” A great internship doesn’t just teach you—it sets you up for what’s next.
When I interned at a consulting firm, they made it clear from day one that they hire most of their interns full-time. That clarity was super reassuring and kept me motivated. If future employment is important to you, ask questions about the company’s track record with interns.
Even if an internship doesn’t guarantee a full-time role, ask yourself how it positions you for broader career opportunities. Does the company have a big name in the industry? Will the experience open doors in other ways?
One key outcome of any internship is the ability to showcase your work through a portfolio and gain strong professional references. Even if the internship doesn’t lead directly to a full-time position, it should offer valuable projects you can include in your portfolio, demonstrating your skills to future employers.
Also, cultivating relationships with supervisors and colleagues during your internship can lead to glowing references supporting your job search. Make sure the internship provides opportunities to create tangible work products and build lasting professional relationships.
When searching for the ideal internship, it's important to consider how your academic background and extracurricular activities can complement the roles you're exploring. Tying your existing experiences to your internship search helps you identify positions where you can thrive and contribute from day one.
Look for internships that allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you've gained from your studies. Whether you’re majoring in engineering, business, communications, or the arts, some internships will help you put classroom theory into real-world practice. This alignment strengthens both your academic understanding and professional readiness.
Extracurricular activities can demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and initiative. If you’ve been part of student organizations, sports teams, or volunteer projects, consider how these experiences translate to an internship setting. These activities often provide soft skills—such as problem-solving, time management, and communication—that are highly valued in internship roles.
Listen, choosing the right internship can seem overwhelming. But trust me, when you find the right one, it’s worth everything. It’s not just about a paycheck or a line on your resume—it’s about learning, growing, and setting yourself up for a future you’re excited about.
Take your time, reflect on your goals, and don’t be afraid to aim high. And hey, if you’re worried about making the “perfect” choice, don’t. There’s no such thing. Every experience teaches you something, even if it’s what you don’t want to do.
You’ve got this! Go out there, find that internship, and start building the career you’ve always dreamed of. I can’t wait to hear about the big things you accomplish.
