14 Feb When Should You Apply for a Summer Internship? (With Application Tips!)
Summer is the most popular time for internships. Competition is fierce, especially in top cities like Barcelona, Seoul, and London. In 2023, three in 10 students experienced difficulty in securing an internship. If you want to land your dream internship, keep in mind that the timing of your application can impact your chances of success.
No matter the industry—whether it’s finance or tech, which are two of the highest paying internships, by the way—applying early can give you a competitive advantage. This gives you priority and employers more time to review your application. Spots fill up quickly, too, so being late could leave you with fewer options. A well-planned application strategy ensures you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
But when exactly should you start looking for internships and updating your resume?
The best time to apply for summer internships
If you want to secure a great summer internship, the best time to apply is earlier than you think. Three months ahead? Try a year ahead.
The good news is that many companies anticipate the high demand and open applications as early as a year in advance. If you start looking as soon as positions become available, you’re less likely to miss out on the best opportunities. Think of yourself as the early bird—getting the worm of your choice!
Here’s a timeline to give you a good idea:
Start your search as early as fall
Repeat after us: applying early means less stress. Many students underestimate the time required for applications. Between writing essays, securing recommendations, and preparing for interviews, the process can actually take weeks.
Start researching programs as early as fall to give yourself enough time to refine your application, prepare for interviews, and explore multiple opportunities. Being proactive can ensure that you meet your deadlines with confidence.
Set time to tailor your applications
One of the biggest mistakes students make is sending the same application to everyone. Those who procrastinate often resort to spamming their resume and accepting the first opportunity that comes their way. Rushing can also lead to mistakes, and of course, no company wants a sloppy application.
If you want to better your chances at landing your dream internship, take the time to customize your applications. Highlight strengths and skills that align with what the role is looking for to show why you’re the perfect candidate. You may find our most recent guide on crafting the perfect, tailored resume here.
Prepare for interviews
While waiting for companies to respond, use your time wisely. Aside from keeping an eye out for more internship opportunities, you can also start practicing for interviews.
Research commonly asked questions, rehearse your answers—in the mirror or with a friend—and be ready to discuss your skills and experiences confidently. You can even start planning your interview outfits!
Track application deadlines
Keep a list of each company’s application deadlines. Missing a deadline can mean missing an opportunity, so try to avoid it if possible. Set reminders, prioritize your top choices, and don’t wait until the last minute.
Remember that it’s also totally okay to follow up. If you haven’t received a response after a week, send a polite follow-up email. This actually shows your proactive attitude, and expresses your enthusiasm for that particular internship.
Keep moving forward
If you don’t get your first choice, don’t worry. Because you started early, you still have time to apply elsewhere. Phew!
Stay persistent, don’t lose heart, and keep looking for new opportunities.
4 tips to strengthen your internship application
If you find yourself having a hard time getting responses, perhaps it’s time to revisit some things. Here are four tips to help strengthen your application and boost your chances of getting accepted:
Quantify your achievements
Use numbers to showcase your impact. Don’t just say you improved this and that, but add a percentage to show exactly how much improvement you made.
Of course, no one expects students to already have plenty of experience on their resume. So instead, you can highlight school achievements, like taking on leadership roles or working on personal projects.
For example, if you’re applying for an internship in marketing, you can mention how you grew your personal TikTok page by a certain percentage in just three months! For an event planning internship, you can include how you assisted in organizing a university event that was attended by 400 students.
Write a strong cover letter
While it’s okay to ask an AI for help with your cover letter, don’t submit it as it is! Make it sound more like you—add a personal anecdote, and express what it is about that company that makes you genuinely want to intern with them.
It doesn’t have to be a two-page essay on what made you choose this industry, but adding a personal touch can help your letter stand out. For example, if you’re applying for a non-profit internship that focuses on protecting animals, share a heartfelt story that highlights your passion on animal welfare.
Don’t be embarrassed to show your enthusiasm, and explain why you’re a great candidate. Do research on the company’s goals and subtly point out how your skills and values align with their needs. A personalized cover letter overall makes a stronger impression than a generic one.
Stay organized
As mentioned, keeping track of deadlines is crucial. Create a spreadsheet to monitor application deadlines, required documents, and submission statuses. This prevents last-minute stress on your end, and ensures you don’t miss important steps in the process.
Set calendar events for key dates, such as interview schedules and follow-ups. Planning ahead keeps you on top of everything and makes your internship search so much smoother—trust us on this!
Explore different internship channels
LinkedIn isn’t the only place to find internships. Attend career fairs, check your university’s career center, and reach out to alumni or professors for leads. Feel free to check your dream companies’ websites, too, in case they have internship opportunities available.
Another option is to work with Internship programs like Absolute Internship, which connects students to guaranteed internships in your preferred industry across top cities in Europe and Asia.
Summer internship deadlines are just around the corner. If you haven’t started your application yet, now is the time. Don’t wait until it’s too late or you’ll miss the chance to gain invaluable real-world experience during your college years.
We are still accepting applications for our summer program. Take action today to secure your spot. Apply now and take the first step toward an incredible summer abroad experience!
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