How to Land Your First Internship (Even If You Have No Work Experience)

Breaking into your first internship can feel like trying to get invited to a party where the bouncer only lets in people who’ve already been inside. It’s frustrating, especially when every listing asks for experience—but you need the internship to get experience. Here's the good news: thousands of students and career-changers do it every year. You can too. Here's how.

1. Start with What You Do Have: Skills, Projects, and Coursework

You may not have job titles on your resume, but you do have value to offer. Think about:

• Class Projects: Did you build a website, analyze data, conduct research, or collaborate in a group? That counts.
• Personal Projects: Created a passion project? Wrote a blog? Managed your student club's Instagram account? That’s real work.
• Transferable Skills: Communication, organization, leadership—soft skills from school, volunteering, or hobbies matter too.

Format these experiences clearly in your resume, using action words and results.

2. Build a Simple but Strong Portfolio

Depending on your field, a basic portfolio can make a huge difference. If you’re in:

• Tech/Data: Publish your code on GitHub. Include README files explaining each project.
• Design/Marketing: Create a personal website with visuals, campaigns, or mockups.
• Writing/Research: Upload polished samples or publish on platforms like Medium or Substack.

Your portfolio shows initiative, creativity, and skill better than a GPA ever could.

3. Leverage Campus Resources (Seriously)

Use what your school offers:

• Career Center: Resume reviews, mock interviews, internship databases.
• Professors and TAs: Ask if they know research openings or industry contacts.
• Student Clubs: Join clubs related to your field and volunteer to lead small initiatives or events.
• Job Fairs and Employer Info Sessions: These are goldmines for making connections and learning what companies want.

4. Apply Strategically (Not Just to Big Names)

Aim wide, not just high.

• Startups and nonprofits are often more open to first-timers.
• Apply to on-campus roles, student research assistant positions, or co-op programs.
• Use job boards like Handshake, WayUp, LinkedIn, and niche sites in your industry.

Customize every resume and cover letter. Show that you’ve researched the company and explain why you’re a great match.

5. Network Like It’s Your Job

You don’t need a huge network—you just need to start talking to people:

• Reach out to alumni on LinkedIn.
• Attend webinars, virtual meetups, or conferences.
• Ask people for informational interviews (10–15 minute chats to learn about their job and journey).

Always follow up with a thank-you note and stay in touch. People often refer candidates they’ve talked to—even if it’s just once.

6. Ace the Interview by Being Real

You don’t need to pretend to be experienced. Instead, focus on:

• Your curiosity and willingness to learn
• Stories of when you took initiative, solved a problem, or worked with others
• A positive, thoughtful attitude

Practice with a friend or your career center. Be prepared with questions for them too—it shows maturity and engagement.

7. Create Your Own Internship

If no one’s hiring, don’t wait. Reach out to small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, or nonprofits and offer to help for a few hours a week.

Say something like:
“I’m a [student in X] looking to build hands-on experience. I noticed you [do X] and I’d love to help with [Y]. I can offer 5–10 hours a week.”

Even a short, unpaid project can become a standout resume bullet and lead to referrals.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first internship is hard—but it's not impossible. Be proactive, persistent, and creative. Focus on what you can control: your skills, your story, and your effort.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere—and this is your start.