12 Mar 10 Tips to Stand Out in Your Business Development Internship Application
Applying for a business development internship can be equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking.
You know the competition is tough—there are hundreds of other students aiming for the same role, whether it’s a business development program internship, a marketing and business development internship, or even an international business development internship.
The question is, how do you stand out?
Today, nearly 50% of all college students will complete an internship. If you’re serious about landing that dream position, you need a strategy that highlights your potential and separates you from the stack of resumes sitting on a recruiter’s desk.
Whether you’re applying for a business development executive internship or a business development summer internship, we’ve broken down 10 actionable tips to help you nail your application and leave a lasting impression.
1. Show That You Understand the Role
First things first—you need to know what business development actually entails. Look beyond the impressive job titles like “business development intern” and dig into what the role involves.
Most internships combine several key areas like sales, marketing, relationship-building, and strategy. Familiarize yourself with terms like “sales funnel,” “lead generation,” and “client onboarding.” The more grounded you are in the responsibilities tied to, say, a business development associate internship, the better equipped you’ll be to tailor your application.
Make sure to show recruiters that you understand the company’s target audience and how the role contributes to the overall business. Did you research how a business development sales internship operates differently in a startup versus a multinational company? If not, that’s a good place to start.
Pro tip: Mention specific examples of how your past experiences—whether professional or academic—tie into what the role demands.
2. Nail Your Resume Format
Your resume is your first handshake with recruiters, so make it count. Keep it clean, concise, and relevant.
Start by highlighting experiences that align with key aspects of a marketing and business development internship or a similar role. This includes internships, part-time jobs, extracurricular projects, and even class assignments where you used sales or marketing skills.
Use actionable language to describe your experiences. For example:
- Instead of “helped with organizing tasks,” say “managed a team of 5 to streamline outreach efforts.”
- Replace vague phrases like “responsibilities included” with results-oriented statements like “increased client engagement by 20% through tailored outreach strategies.”
Don’t bury the key details. Put your most relevant skills—such as CRM tools, data analysis, or communication—front and center in your resume. Tailor each application to the specific internship; no one likes seeing a one-size-fits-all resume.
Most importantly, think beyond the jobs. This is especially important if you’re applying for a role and don’t have much work experience that aligns with its duties. Consider volunteer work, extracurriculars, and anything else that might help you shine as the ideal candidate.
3. Craft a Killer Cover Letter
Ah, the infamous cover letter. It can feel like an annoying hurdle, but when done right, it’s your golden ticket to impressing recruiters. A cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your personality and explain (briefly) why the role excites you.
Focus on storytelling—anecdotes that prove you’re the perfect fit. For example, share how you took charge during a school marketing competition or led a fundraising effort that taught you to negotiate effectively. Avoid generic phrases like “I’m passionate about business”; instead, be specific about why this business development internship excites you.
Bonus points if you include something specific about the company’s recent success or projects; it shows you’ve done your homework.
4. Leverage Your Soft Skills
Sure, technical skills like data analysis or proficiency in CRM platforms are essential for a business development program internship, but don’t underestimate the value of soft skills.
These include your ability to negotiate, communicate effectively, and build relationships—all core aspects of a business development intern job.
Mention how you’ve demonstrated these skills in past experiences. Did you organize campus events that required you to hustle and secure sponsorships? Talk about it. Were you the point of contact for a group project that earned rave reviews for coordination? That counts too.
Recruiters want to see that you’re not just book-smart but people-smart.
5. Highlight Key Achievements
Results speak louder than anything else on your application. Whether it’s boosting sales, increasing engagement rates, or completing projects ahead of schedule, your achievements show your potential to thrive in the role.
Suppose you’re applying for an international business development internship. If you’ve previously connected with partners in different countries or collaborated on cross-border projects, that’s something worth shouting about.
Quantify your achievements when possible—numbers catch recruiters’ eyes. For example:
- “Generated 50+ qualified leads through a social media campaign for a college fundraiser.”
- “Reduced onboarding time by 15% by creating streamlined processes for new hires.”
6. Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Businesses love candidates who go beyond surface-level research. Whether it’s understanding key industry trends or having opinions about emerging technologies, your knowledge can help differentiate you.
If you’re eyeing a business development sales internship, brush up on sales strategies, customer acquisition methods, or even CRM platforms like Salesforce.
Applying for a marketing and business development internship? Know what’s hot in digital marketing, like email automation or social media algorithms.
Mentioning industry-specific knowledge in your interview or application might just give you the edge you need.
7. Customize Each Application
This can’t be stressed enough—personalization is everything. Generic applications rarely grab attention, so take the time to customize every resume, cover letter, and even LinkedIn message.
Include specific details that show you’ve taken time to understand not only the internship but the company as well.
If you’re applying for a business development summer internship at a startup, reference how their mission resonates with you. If the internship is for a multinational company, highlight your multicultural experiences or ability to adapt to diverse environments.
8. Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile
If recruiters search for your name online (and trust us, they will), you’ll want to make sure your LinkedIn profile impresses. Your profile should reflect everything you’ve included in your resume, but go one step further by showcasing additional projects, articles you’ve written, or skills you’ve endorsed.
Don’t forget a professional headshot and engaging summary. If you’re applying for a business development executive internship, your LinkedIn profile should position you as someone who’s driven, dynamic, and ready for the challenge.
9. Upskill with Online Courses and Certifications
Nobody expects you to be an expert, but showing you’ve taken the initiative to learn new skills instantly boosts your credibility. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in sales, marketing, and even CRM training—perfect for anyone thinking about a business development associate internship.
Certifications like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Salesforce also make a great addition to your resume. They prove you’re proactive about expanding your knowledge and filling in any gaps.
10. Connect with Alumni and Professionals
Networking isn’t just for extroverts—it’s a crucial part of securing an internship. Reach out to alumni from your university who work in business development. Shoot them a message on LinkedIn explaining that you admire their career path and would love some advice on breaking into the field. These connections might lead to a referral or valuable insights.
If you know someone who’s already been through a business development program internship, ask them for tips on how to stand out or even what to wear for your interview (because yes, presentation matters).
Your Internship Awaits with Absolute Internship
Applying for a business development internship doesn’t have to be intimidating. By showing initiative, personalizing every aspect of your application, and demonstrating your potential through past achievements, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream role.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, why not start with Absolute Internship? We specialize in connecting students with world-class opportunities in business development intern jobs, international placements, and more.
Applications are open, and the perfect internship could be just one click away.
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