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Undergraduate Admissions

6 Tips for Landing Your First Internship

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student working with an advisor at the Office of Career Education

Internships give you the chance to build real-world experience, explore your career interests and make valuable connections, all while you’re still a student at Marshall. Whether you’ve never thought about an internship (until now!) or you’re ready to start exploring, here are some tips to help you get started.

  1. Start early and do your research: Check out companies that interest you and see if they offer internship opportunities. Explore online job boards, LinkedIn and campus career fairs to see what’s out there.
  2. Network, network, network: You’ll probably hear this a lot at Marshall, and for good reason. Chat with professors, classmates and alumni. Connect on LinkedIn, attend career events and join info sessions to learn about internship opportunities in your areas of interest. You never know who might point you toward the perfect opportunity.
  3. Build a strong resume and create a tailored cover letter: Think of an internship like a real job. Your resume should be polished and error-free, and your cover letter should show why you’re a great fit for that specific position. You want to highlight transferable skills and relevant projects and coursework (if possible). Also, remember to keep it concise — under a page, if possible. Bonus tip: Ask one or two friends (or mentors) to proofread before you hit send!
  4. Prepare for interviews: Once you land an interview, it’s time to get ready! Treat the process like a real job. Research the company and the role, practice common interview questions and come up with a few thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. And don’t forget to dress professionally!
  5. Apply thoughtfully and follow up: You’ll likely apply to multiple internships, but make sure each application is customized. Cookie-cutter submissions rarely stand out. Apply strategically, and if you secure an interview, send a polite follow-up email afterward to show your interest and appreciation.
  6. Use Marshall’s resources: Stop by Marshall’s Office of Career Education to get guidance on internships, fine-tune your resume and cover letter and ask any other career-related questions you have.

Ready to start your internship search? Reach out to the Office of Career Education for guidance. Not a Marshall student yet? Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to learn more about Marshall’s degrees and programs.