A playbook for how to get an internship.

Updated February 2026

These days, it's more challenging than ever for recent graduates to find a job. In our uncertain economy, with daily reports of how AI is replacing traditional entry-level jobs, candidates are facing increased competition for fewer roles. So how can you stand out from the crowd and land the job of your dreams when you graduate?

Internships are the answer. Whether paid or unpaid, in-person or virtual, internships allow you to gain experience applying your skills in an authentic, real-world environment. They show prospective employers that you have what it takes to hit the ground running on day one and can make a valuable contribution to their organization.

Project-based internships are especially valuable. Why? Because instead of having a time-based role (e.g. summer internship) or a support position (e.g. jack-of-all-trades marketing intern), you can point to specific deliverables which have a bottom-line impact.. For example, optimizing SEO for a small-business website to drive more leads or applying for grant funding to launch a new initiative for a nonprofit.

In this blog, we’ll share some helpful tips on how to get an internship so you can gain experience and improve your future job prospects.

Prepare a resume and cover letter.

The first step in looking for an internship is to create a resume and cover letter that will attract the attention of hiring managers.

As a student or recent graduate, your internship resume should highlight achievements from your academic career, related projects, and any work experience you may have (even if it is limited) that will interest employers. Here are some pointers:

Focus on education

List any relevant coursework or academic honors that align with the internship near the top of the resume.

Highlight projects

Include academic or personal projects that demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge.

Relevant work experience

Don’t forget to include part-time jobs or volunteer work with similar responsibilities and skills to the internship you’re applying for.

Skills section

Clearly list any technical or soft skills that are pertinent to the internship, including software, languages, or durable skills.

Achievements

Where possible, quantify your accomplishments with metrics to show how you’ve made a significant impact in your previous roles or projects.

Although cover letters aren’t always required, they give you another opportunity to show how you can be a valuable asset, so we recommend you include one with your application. Here are some tips for writing an effective cover letter:

• Personalize: Always tailor your cover letter to the specific internship and organization. This includes addressing it to a specific individual or group and ensuring it's loaded with information specific to the company and the position you’re trying to land.
• Introduction: Begin with a compelling opening that captures the reader's attention. Think about what makes you unique or what you will be able to contribute to the position. Express your enthusiasm for the field and any connections you have with the company.
• Body: Highlight experiences and projects that are relevant to the internship. Ensure that you highlight the specific qualifications listed in the internship description and connect your background to them.
• Closing: Reaffirm your interest in the position and mention any enclosed materials (like your resume, portfolio, or references). Indicate your desire for a personal interview and thank the reader for considering your application.

Explore various internship sources.

The key to finding the right internship is to cast a wide net and explore a variety of resources. Some common ones include:

Your college career center

A great starting point, offering resources tailored to help students transition from academic life to professional environments.

Local or industry career fairs and workshops

Whether in-person or virtual, these events provide valuable opportunities to learn about organizations and internship opportunities directly from recruiters.

Your network

It’s never too early to start cultivating a network of personal (e.g. family, friends, etc.) and professional (e.g. professors, former colleagues, etc.) contacts who may know of internship opportunities.

Direct company outreach

You can show initiative and genuine interest by contacting organizations directly via personalized email or through social media channels to inquire about internships.

Job sites

Platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed are not just repositories of internship listings; they also offer valuable insights into company cultures and the experiences of past and current employees. These platforms allow you to:

• Quickly submit your resume to a broad range of opportunities that align with your skills and interests.
• Use advanced filters to narrow down search results by location, industry, job type, or even specific companies, ensuring you find the best matches.
• Read reviews and explore ratings to get a sense of what it’s really like to work at various organizations before you even apply.

Check out Riipen’s experiential learning platform.

Riipen specializes in virtual, project-based internships and has connected thousands of students and recent graduates with work-based learning opportunities in its global marketplace. Its network of employers includes small businesses, nonprofits, and multinational organizations in nearly every industry, making internships more accessible and eliminating geographical barriers.

The platform is ideally suited for:

• Students or recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience directly related to their career fields.
• Individuals who have limited local internship opportunities, such as those from rural areas.
• International students who have challenges securing internships due to visa constraints.

Students can access Riipen through their academic institution or directly through our various programs such as Riipen Labs, Level UP, or FuturePath.

Reese Naumann, a student at the University of Alberta, accessed Riipen through Level UP. “Level UP is an amazing way for students to get real-life, applicable work experience while still managing their education,” she shared. “Many jobs and industries are shifting further toward a focus on experience rather than education for hiring decisions, so this program ensures students have the best of both worlds when they head out into the job market.”

Queens University student Jordan Hurvitz also found an internship via Riipen, which helped her gain experience. “Working at Mrkt365 through the Riipen Futurepath program is a great opportunity for any intern looking to refine/learn new skills to crush any opportunity in the future.”

Prepare for the interview.

After applying to several internships with your well-crafted resume and cover letter, you’ve been invited to an interview! Here’s some advice on how to get ready for your big day:

• Practice common interview questions. Start by familiarizing yourself with typical interview questions that you might face and practice answering them out loud, providing clear, concise, and compelling responses that highlight your relevant skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the role.
• Understand the company. Thoroughly research the company, its products, services, mission, values, etc. Not only will this help you demonstrate your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity, but it can also set you apart from other candidates.
• Align your skills with the company’s needs. During your interview, clearly demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and career goals align with the company’s objectives.
• Prepare insightful questions. Most of the time, the interview will conclude with time for you to ask any questions, so it’s a good idea to have some prepared in advance.

With this playbook, you’ll be well on your way to finding a project-based internship that will give you the experience you need to find the job of your dreams when you graduate. For more tips on career development and the hiring process, visit Riipen.