How to Find Top Internships for Career Growth

Students are asking me: “𝐀𝐦 𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐟 𝐈 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫?” ❌ No, of course not. Industry experience is one of the most valuable things you can put on your resume but you can get creative with how you get that experience. Some of the best opportunities aren’t posted — they’re shared. Here’s how to make real progress without a formal internship: ⸻ 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐔𝐩 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐫𝐞 ⭐️ Check Eventbrite + Meetup — connect with local professionals, even for funzies ⭐️ Big names recruit heavily at SWE, SHPE, NSBE — I got my Apple internship through SWE ⭐️ Niche events: SF Tech Week, Afrotech, Latinx in Tech, Grace Hopper, MLH Hackathons, etc. Not-so-secret tip: These events let you upload your resume to conference-specific databases, and many secure next-day interviews/offers from this. ⸻ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 ⭐️ Look into Capital One’s Early ID, Google STEP, Goldman Sachs Insights, Facebook University, etc ⭐️ Campus ambassadorships — Microsoft, Notion, Adobe, etc → These often lead to referrals, experience, and paid gigs ⸻ 𝐒𝐚𝐲 𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 — 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 ⭐️ Research with a professor (just ask!) ⭐️ Helping a startup on a short-term project ⭐️ Freelance or launch your own product ⸻ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐃𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 — warm connections ⭐️ Professors: Many are ex-industry professionals — they have connections to companies or even graduated students in the workplace ⭐️ Alumni: Find grads from your school, ask about their path — then ask about opportunities ⭐️ Local companies & startups: Easier access, faster timelines ⸻ 5️⃣ 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐬 — 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 If you’re not learning 𝘰𝘯 the job, treat learning 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 a job. ⭐️ Courses: Coursera, edX, AWS (Google IT, IBM Data Science, Meta Front-End) ⭐️ Certs: CAPM, Lean Six Sigma, Scrum Master ⭐️ Projects: Scrimba, Frontend Mentor, GitHub -> show, don’t just tell Highlight “Projects” section on your resume + “Featured Posts” on LinkedIn ⸻ 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 ⭐️ LinkedIn | WayUp | Handshake | Jobright AI | Simplify New roles drop daily. Don’t count yourself out early. ⸻ 6️⃣ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝. ⭐️ Read: 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘈𝘵𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘴, 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘯 𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 — soft skills get you hired. ⭐️ Rest: Take that trip. You’ll never have this kind of freedom once PTO kicks in. Protect your energy — it’s a long game. I never liked reading myself, but committing to 1 book this year, small wins :) === 🔁: Repost to your network if you found this useful or tag a friend ➕ Follow me: Anna Chen for weekly career tips and job postings #NoInternshipNoProblem #EarlyCareer #NetworkingTips #UndergradOpportunities #TipsIWishIKnewEarlier

Tired of searching job boards daily and seeing the same posts? Try this: Search the other direction. Here's how: Find companies that match your skills first, then find people to connect with there. Go to perplexity.ai and search for "Give me a list of the 10 fastest growing companies in <field you are in> with <number of employees> in <location you want to work>" For instance, I tried: "Give me a list of the 10 fastest growing companies in healthcare data science with under 1000 employees in the US" Then I took that list and went to LinkedIN and looked each company up. This gave me a list of a bunch of potential companies to look at job postings, people who I could connect with, and ideas for job searches. Some of the jobs listed were remote, but didn't show up as remote through the LI search. I worked at a startup that doubled in size multiple years in a row. We definitely hired people who we stumbled across without a job req at all (one of my best hires ever was someone who sent us a cold email). We also loved when qualified people showed up without us doing any work. Putting your resume in is what everyone is doing. Connecting with someone who does something you genuinely think is interesting and cool - then telling them so - that is unique. Note: this only works if your profile is clear on your experience, capabilities, and grabs their attention quickly. If you need help with that, send me a DM and I can pass along my system for improving your LI profile.

Everyone has been asking me how to get offers at companies like Dell & Tesla I don't go to a top 500 school. I'm an immigrant, so I don’t have uncles at these companies. But I still landed internships at Dell and Tesla, here's how: 1. Hustle, Hustle, Hustle - When I was a freshman, I did everything on campus. Joined every organization, went to every career event, signed up for LinkedIn, Handshake, and even some random platforms my school pushed. This helped to get the attention of professors and faculty. So when a national competition came up (HBCU Battle of the Brains), they nominated me to represent the school. We ended up placing 2nd nationwide, Dell was a sponsor, and a recruiter passed my resume to a hiring manager. That’s how I got the internship. 2. Projects - Do interesting stuff. I'm CEO of Sorce, so I’ve seen thousands of resumes. Everyone has a LangChain chatbot now - that won’t make you stand out. My Tesla manager said the only reason he interviewed me was because of a side project: a tool for detecting AI-generated text right after ChatGPT launched. Do projects that you care about and is interesting. Even better, work on something that's useful and people use. 3. Conferences - Go to conferences and hustle. I got the Tesla internship by handing my resume to a Tesla recruiter at AFROTECH - simple as that. I didn’t even think I was going to be a top candidate, but I shot my shot. Attend every conference you can. Sneak in if you have to. No shame in trying. 4. Numbers - Don't forget the numbers game. Every new application you send is a new shot at goal and increases your odds of getting the internship. It's a marathon. So keep applying for roles, keep connecting with people on linkedin and keep editing your resume. This is also why we built https://lnkd.in/etr6msZG, it's basically AI to help you apply for jobs faster. If there's any other tip I might have missed, please add it in the comments! If you liked this, repost.

How I Turned LinkedIn Content Creation into a Job Opportunity During the first year of my Masters program, I struggled to find an internship despite good grades, ongoing learning, and impressive projects. After hundreds of applications resulting only in rejections, I realized I needed a different approach to capture hiring managers' attention. I began sharing knowledge from my coursework on LinkedIn, specifically targeting the medical device industry. This strategy worked better than I could have imagined—instead of continuing to apply for positions, a hiring manager who had seen my content reached out to ask if I was looking for a job. That's how I secured my internship. Why This Matters For Your Job Search In today's competitive job market, relying solely on traditional applications often isn't enough. You need to ensure you're being noticed by people within your industry—professionals who can see your work and capabilities without even looking at your resume. How To Get Noticed There are multiple effective approaches: Start writing LinkedIn posts about your niche interests, ensuring you're providing genuine value to readers Join professional societies, committees, and organizations Apply to present posters, participate in tracks, or speak at industry events Key Organizations in Biotech and Medical Devices Some prominent organizations worth connecting with include: 1.DRUG INFORMATION ASSOCIATION (DIA) 2.Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) 3.TOPRA - The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs 4.ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering) 5.ASQ - World Headquarters (American Society for Quality) These organizations have representatives from around the world. When you present at their conferences, you gain significant exposure and get noticed by potential hiring managers from global companies. At this point, these professionals don't need to scrutinize your resume—they've witnessed your capabilities firsthand. Why wouldn't they want you on their team when you've demonstrated exceptional skills? Additionally, attending such conferences allows you to build a global network and stay current on industry developments. Have you tried building visibility through LinkedIn or industry events? What’s worked for you? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Still Internship Hunting? It is Not too late! I know summer is approaching fast, and not having an internship yet can feel overwhelming. But contrary to popular belief, it’s NOT too late! Last year, I got my first internship offer at the end of April—and by the end of my search, I had 5 internship offers(All paid, different roles, different locations in the US). Here’s what worked for me: 🔹 Last-Minute Openings Exist – Many students receive multiple offers but can only accept one. When they decline others, companies scramble to fill those positions urgently. This creates last-minute opportunities that need to be filled fast. Keep applying because employers at this stage are often less picky! 🔹 Being Interview Ready – Sometimes, we’re so focused on getting that interview call that we forget to prepare for the actual interview. A strong resume gets you the call, but solid preparation gets you the offer! Make sure you’re practicing common interview questions and refining your storytelling skills. When that opportunity comes, you want to ACE it! 🔹 Being Open to Different Roles – While landing an internship in your dream role is ideal, gaining U.S. work experience is even more crucial. Look for roles with transferable skills. For example, I was passionate about Product Management, but I took a Product Marketing internship because it aligned closely. That experience strengthened my profile! 🔹 Flexibility on Location – Many students hesitate to relocate, but remember: internships are temporary, and they’re your gateway into the U.S. corporate world. Being open to different locations significantly increases your chances of securing a great opportunity. 🔹 Don’t Be Too Picky About Visa Sponsorship – Of course, it’s great if a company sponsors visas, but that only becomes relevant if you get a full-time offer. The reality is, more than 80% of the people I know had to restart their full-time search because many companies offer internships but don’t have headcount for full-time roles. Regardless of sponsorship, an internship gives you relevant experience, exposure to corporate culture in the U.S., and valuable connections—all of which significantly boost your chances of landing a full-time role later! 🔹 Maximize Your Summer, No Matter What – Worst-case scenario, if you don’t land a paid internship, there are still plenty of ways to build your skills and strengthen your resume. Consider unpaid internships, contract gigs, research work, or even remote opportunities with international companies. The goal is to use your summer wisely so that by the time full-time recruiting starts, you’re in a much stronger position with relevant experience and a solid network. Tip: So many of my friends received their offers in May for June start dates so stay consistent, stay prepared, and be ready to say YES when the right opportunity comes! 🚀 #InternshipHunting #CareerGrowth #InternshipOpportunities #JobSearchTips #InterviewPreparation #Networking #Upskilling

📜 This will be a long post! 🌟 How I Landed My Dream Internship in Data Analytics 🌟 Many of you have reached out to me on LinkedIn asking how I managed to secure my internship at Genentech-Roche, especially in such a challenging job market. I thought I’d share some key strategies that personally worked for me: 1️⃣ Identify Your Key Strengths and Align Your Projects: Understanding your strengths and aligning your educational projects towards industries you're interested in is crucial. Having over three years of experience in Pharma & Healthcare allowed me to target my applications more effectively. Choose your projects wisely during your education; they make a significant difference when identifying relevant industries. 2️⃣ Develop Your Own Data Analysis Projects: I built a strong portfolio through personal projects. This initiative wasn't just about adding to my portfolio but truly developing a skill set that was attractive to employers. It demonstrated my commitment and capability in data analytics outside of academic requirements. 3️⃣ 360-Degree Networking: Effective networking goes beyond just making LinkedIn connections. I engaged deeply with the network by attending events, having meaningful conversations, and ensuring mutually beneficial interactions. I always follow up with a personal note and a memory of our conversation, which helps me stay memorable. And yes, when I meet someone at an event, I take a screenshot of their LinkedIn profile and send them a personalized message later—this has helped me build a robust and supportive network. 4️⃣ Be More Than Just Academics: Standing out in a competitive market means being an all-rounder. From the start of college, I was active in leadership roles, applied for scholarships and fellowships, and participated in various events. The key is to use your time wisely—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Stay tuned for a future post on how I plan my days to make them super productive! 5️⃣ Align Your Resume and Persist in Your Efforts: Making sure my resume matched at least 50-60% of the job requirements was essential. I also made a point to reach out to people already working in organizations I was interested in. People are generally very receptive and helpful when you ask for guidance. Above all, maintaining hope and working diligently on each application have been crucial to my success. The final piece that kept me motivated and disciplined throughout this journey was having a friend Pallavi Nair who was in the same boat—sharing the challenges of job searching with someone who truly understands made all the difference. These steps didn't just help me land an internship; they paved the way for future opportunities and growth in my career. Feel free to connect and discuss more on these topics—I’m always open to sharing more about my journey! 📆 Schedule a 1-on-1 call with me: https://lnkd.in/gP9qK3h2 #SummerInternship #DataAnalyst #CareerDevelopment #NetworkingTips #Linkedin #job

This is what I always tell first and second year Computer Science students 👇🏽 It's what helped me get into programs with Microsoft, Capital One, and ServiceNow. 1️⃣ Start with exposure, not perfection. You don’t need to know your exact path right away. In fact, most students don’t. Your first priority should be getting exposed to what’s out there: tech roles, career paths, skills, tools. The easiest way to do that? Hang around people who are already figuring it out. Student orgs have students who have gone through similar paths as you and are more than happy to share what they’ve learned. Whether it’s through workshops, mentorship, or casual convos after meetings you’ll pick up more than you think. Ask around, search online, ask classmates. It varies by university, but here are a few you’ll find at Florida International University: INIT FIU SHPE @ FIU ALPFA FIU Break Through Tech StartUP FIU 2️⃣ Learn by Trying. You don’t figure out what you like by thinking, you figure it out by trying it. Start small. Try a course, build a project, mess around with a new tool. Here are some solid places to start: CodePath: https://www.codepath.org/ ColorStack: https://lnkd.in/ekeun-4y Extern: https://www.extern.com/ DeepLearning.AI: https://lnkd.in/eW4bRXWR Most of them offer hands-on projects, recommended courses, and strong communities. #Hackathons and #personalprojects are also a solid way to: - Get out of your comfort zone - Meet other builders - Connect with recruiters - And most importantly -> learn Bonus: Everything you do here can go on your resume. Need help making one? Use this template: https://lnkd.in/eg-mUX5a You’ll need that resume to... 3️⃣ Apply to programs, conventions, summits, and internships. Almost every org or club mentioned above will constantly share links to these opportunities. My advice? Don’t spend all your time applying blindly. Dedicate 10% of your time to applications. Spend the rest doing Steps 1️⃣ and 2️⃣, which is what actually matters. That way, you’ll know where you want to apply, and you’ll stand out when you do. 🎯 If you’re an international student: Your best move is to attend hackathons and conventions where you can talk directly to recruiters. How do you find those? Again, student orgs. Most host their own or can even sponsor you to attend other ones. Some conventions to check out: ALPFA Inc - Association of Latino Professionals For America Convention: https://lnkd.in/eg2fvsRp SHPE National Convention: https://lnkd.in/eEnWyTsb Anything you think is missing? Let me know. I’m also open for any call, just send me a DM!

Day 20 of my internship search... I have requested to connect and reached out to a number of people on the campus recruiting teams of the companies I'm excited about. No responses (although some did accept my request to connect). You know who is responding? The executives in the departments that I'm interested in. "Head of..." "VP of..." "Director of..." Here is my advice: 1. Stop limiting who you're reaching out to. Shoot your shot at executives, managers, interns, freelancers and everyone in between. It never hurts to try, and you never know who might be consulting or interviewing on roles you're interested in. 2. Don't make it just about the internship...learn about the leadership team, the types of projects handled by the department, the workstyle of the team, what's upcoming for the company. Those AI cover letters only get you so far, informational interviews give you a chance to make it personal and share wheat you're excited about. 3. Don't see an internship available in your area of interest? Ask if one is coming. If there isn't one, then you just put a seed in the head of leadership that it's something students are interested in. Even if it doesn't help you when you need it, it might help others later down the line 4. Attend virtual sessions! AEG did an awesome virtual session last week that included the hiring team, current interns and interns that later got hired full time. These aren't just the first time a company can potentially put a face to an application, they're soft networking events. 5. Ask about learning opportunities that might be valuable to your applications. Online certificates, early career leadership programs, how to build your portfolio, these things matter! Every week, I try to do 2-10 intro calls (depending on who responds) with my new connections or people I have connected with and have not been able to speak directly with (s/o to germany lancaster and Celena Fields for speaking with me last week). I dedicate Mondays and Fridays specifically to these calls and they are invaluable. If you're reading this and we haven't be able to connect past the profile, feel free to reach out or keep an eye on your Inbox. #graduateintern #internshipsearch