Internships give students real-world experience, professional connections, and resume-building skills. Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors or a college student preparing for your first professional role, an internship connects your classroom learning with hands-on career experience. A paid internship or even a short-term summer program can set you apart when applying for full-time jobs after graduation.
Applying for internships involves several steps: creating a resume and cover letter, submitting applications, interviewing and providing references. Each step gives you a chance to show your professionalism and enthusiasm for learning!
Where to Find Internships
Finding the right internship fit takes research and planning. Luckily, there are trusted resources that make the search easier, and Fastweb is o one of the best places to start.Why Use Fastweb as a Resource
Fastweb offers thousands of internship listings across industries, from technology and healthcare to business, marketing and media. Students can folder internships by location, field of study or pay type such as paid internships and remote internships, making it easier to find opportunities that match your goals.How to Use Fastweb Effectively
Start by creating your free Fastweb profile and completing your student profile. This helps personalize your results with internship, and scholarship matches that fit your education level and interests. Be sure to update your profile regularly so you get matched to the best internship opportunities for you.Helpful Features
Fastweb offers more than listings; we provide a helpful career toolkit for students. You’ll find these resources helpful on your journey to land an internship:- Sample resumes and cover letters to help you get started.
- Interview preparation guides, including internship interview questions.
- Career advice articles covering networking, professional skills, and
- Interview preparation guides, including internship success tips.
Applying for Internships
Creating Your Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume should highlight your skills, education, coursework, and any experience you have (volunteer work or class project work, too). Keep it concise and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Your cover letter should introduce yourself, why you’re applying, and showcase the value you can bring to the organization. Explore these resume and cover letter resources to download templates and examples that stand out.Internship Interviews
Interviewers know that students often have limited professional experience, so they focus on attitude, soft skills, and potential. Show enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn. Research the company ahead of time and come prepared with thoughtful interview questions.Common Internship Interview Questions
- Why are you interested in this internship?
- What skills or experiences make you a good fit?
- Tell me about a time you solved a problem or worked on a team.
- What do you hope to learn from this internship?
Making the Most of Your Internship Experience
Once you’ve landed your internship, focus on learning and growing. Take initiative: ask questions, seek feedback, and volunteer to help with new projects or tasks. Build your network by connecting with mentors and peers. Many students turn their internships into full-time job offers by showing professionalism, reliability, curiosity and teamwork!How to Stand Out During Your Internship
- Arrive on time and ready to go each day.
- Show interest in learning from others in your department.
- Keep a record of your achievements and feedback.
- Follow up with your supervisor after your internship ends to maintain the connection and build your network.
Additional Tools and Resources
Beyond internships, Fastweb offers many resources to help students at every stage of their academic and career journey, including:
- Scholarship search tools for education funding.
- Student financial aid resources to help you prepare for college costs.
Internship FAQs
Are internships usually 40 hours a week? Most internships range from 20 to 40 hours per week, depending on whether they’re part-time or full-time internship positions. Summer internships are sometimes full-time, while internships during the school year may be part-time. What salary should I expect as an intern? Pay varies by field and company. The average hourly wages for bachelor’s degree level interns is $23.04, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. This is a high benchmark, as many interns do not have enough experience for the bachelor-level internship pay. A good rate for paid internships is typically $15-$25 per hour, though large corporations and tech companies could pay more. Is a 3-month internship enough? Yes, a three-month internship can provide meaningful experience if you participate fully. Many summer internships last 8-12 weeks. Are most internships paid? Paid internships have become increasingly common, especially in private-sector and technical roles. Nonprofits or smaller businesses may offer for-credit opportunities. What should you take away from an internship? A better understanding of your career interests, a new skill and professional contacts and references. Keep notes on what you learned to add to your resume and future job applications. What does a good internship program look like? A great internship program will give you the chance to work on real projects. Are unpaid internships worth the time? If the internship provides valuable training, connections or college credit How to stand out for an internship? Customize your application for each opportunity, demonstrate professionalism, and highlight transferable skills. Ask a friend to help you with a mock interview to practice common interview questions. How to actually find internships? Use trusted sites like Fastweb, LinkedIn, and campus career centers. What is one website you can go to look up internship opportunities? Fastweb is a leading internship resource for students, providing updated listings. Internship experts at Fastweb research and vet each internship before placing it on the database.You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
