It’s summer internship recruitment season and landing that crucial internship can feel like a daunting task. You might be glancing at this blog post bracing yourself for yet the same generic advice – “Yes, I know, I know,” you think, “write a good resume, dress well, and nail the interview questions.” Yet, despite all that, you’re still waiting for that callback or are just not confident.

Don’t worry – I’ve got you. After chatting with current students and recent grads, I’ve compiled a few lesser-known tips that can help increase your chances of landing an internship.

Give me a chance, these tips are cool, I promise

Tip 1: Kick-start a self-started project

An innovative, self-directed project demonstrates initiative, passion, and enhances your portfolio beyond typical experiences. Make sure you share your project on GitHub, Behance, a blog, personal website, or social media – employers love links.  

Examples to ignite your imagination: 

If you’re a design student, reimagine packaging and visuals for an existing company. For instance, envision revamping Coca-Cola’s cans and website to boost their presence in a major event like the Super Bowl. Another creative approach is to reimagine book covers, as demonstrated by @ez.bookdesign.

If you’re a business student, audit a company with publicly available reports, such as Amazon. Identify key risks, develop mitigation strategies, and present an intriguing comprehensive audit report. 

Bonus Tip:

Use generative AI to spark ideas if you’re struggling for inspiration (but remember, the work should be your own).

Tip 2: Join niche forums/communities 

Explore Reddit, Discord, Slack, Glassdoor, Whirlpool Forums, mentoring programs, faculty email subscriptions and other niche communities related to your industry. These platforms offer authentic insights, job postings, and connections that mainstream sites may miss.  

I know someone who gained access to an exclusive marketing job Slack feed through her mentor in the UTS Lucy Mentoring Program. Could there be individuals in your network, or perhaps connections you could cultivate through a mentoring program, that might lead you to similar hidden resources? 

Don’t forget to subscribe to university faculty emails through platforms like Canvas. For example, if you’re a journalism student we have Journalism Central on Canvas, where exclusive job postings and opportunities are shared that you won’t find anywhere else online. Have you explored what subscriptions your faculty might offer? 

Who might be your plug for exclusive resources?

Tip 3: Digital stalk for insights 

Here are two steps for making the most of LinkedIn: 

1. Research previous interns:  Search “company name + intern” on LinkedIn.  Send them an invitation and connect over coffee. You might gain insider tips on the company’s recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge. 
2. Reverse-engineer careers: Study current employees and their experience. Go to the organisation’s LinkedIn page and explore the “Employees” tab. This isn’t about mimicking these people’s career paths – it’s about understanding the various ways to break into the industry. Also, note down any new companies to consider for your internship search as you review these profiles. 

Just some healthy productive stalking, you know?

Tip 4: Leverage your unique perspective and background 

If it’s relevant to you, seek out organisations dedicated to offering internships to specific communities, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIAQ+, low-income, and first-generation students. These programs prioritise diversity and can provide tailored opportunities aligned with your identity and career goals. 

Tip 5: Prepare for silence with a mental health plan 

While you meticulously plan your interviews, resumes, and cover letters, emotional preparation for rejection and disappointment often gets overlooked. Make a written list (yes, pen and paper) of your support network —therapists, mentors, friends, and family—to bolster resilience and sustain your job search. Because, when spirits are low and tears are close, it can be challenging to think of who to turn to.

Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on sometimes, and it makes you more hopeful, resilient and productive in your internship search.

Conclusion 

Finding an internship isn’t easy, but by employing innovative and unconventional tactics, you can significantly broaden your opportunities. Remember, setbacks pave the way for comebacks. Stay persistent, leverage your unique strengths, and don’t be afraid to explore new strategies beyond the usual advice. 

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash.