Summer Internship Application Survival Guide

As summer approaches, college students across the country are scrambling to secure internships that will boost their resume and provide hands-on experience in their fields. 

It’s like applying for college all over again. You spend half of fall and all of spring semester applying for every internship you can find, sometimes waiting months for the chance to even interview, and it still doesn’t feel like enough.  

With thousands of applicants fighting for a limited number of positions, landing an internship is not easy. Prestigious programs often receive an overwhelming number of applications, making it essential for students to stand out.

It's terrifying. Sometimes everyone you know feels more qualified than you, and there are only so many internships you can apply to. The whole point of the internship is to gain experience, yet they expect us to already have five years of professional experience under our belts.

It feels like you are baring your soul to these companies in your application and not hearing anything back. Sometimes they won't even tell you that they decided to go in a different direction, and you just have to assume you didn't get it after a few months of no response.

For communications majors, the struggle is real. When looking through internship opportunities on LinkedIn, fields like journalism, public relations and marketing get paid anywhere from $5 to $30 less than STEM internships, making it difficult to gain hands-on experience without taking on financial strain. Without a paycheck, internships can feel less appealing, especially when relocation, transportation and living expenses are involved.

Networking can also feel like an uphill battle. If you don’t have industry connections, it’s easy to feel like you’re at a disadvantage in a hiring process that often relies on referrals. On top of all this, students have to balance coursework, extracurriculars and the grueling internship search — making time management essential.

All of this is to say: We understand. Even though the process is stressful, there are ways to make it easier and improve your chances of securing a summer internship. Here are some must-know survival tips for communications majors.

Survival Tips:

1. Start Early – Many top internship programs open applications in the fall. Make a list of deadlines and set reminders so you don’t miss your shot. And start asking for letters of recommendation as soon as you can! People get busy, and it is better to get yours before others start asking for theirs.

2. Tailor Your Application – One-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it. Customize your resume and cover letter for each position to highlight the skills that fit the role best.

3. Build Your Portfolio – Whether it’s writing samples, social media campaigns, press releases or graphic design work, having a strong portfolio is crucial for communications jobs. Feel free to be creative and have fun with it, just make sure to check your grammar!

4. Tap Into Your Network – Attend career fairs, join student organizations and connect with alumni on LinkedIn. Even a simple message can lead to a valuable opportunity.

5. Use University Resources – Career centers offer resume critiques, interview prep and even internship listings you might not find elsewhere.

6. Follow Up – If you haven’t heard back after applying, send a polite follow-up email. It shows initiative and can help keep you on an employer’s radar.

7. Gain Experience Where You Can – If paid internships are scarce, look for freelance gigs, student media opportunities or volunteer roles to build relevant skills. This will also help beef up your portfolio and better your chances at future jobs!

8. Don’t Let Rejection Stop You – Getting rejected is part of the process. Keep applying, and don’t be afraid to take a chance on positions you’re unsure about.

Our biggest recommendation to people applying for internships now would be to use every single resource available. There are still applications opening every day, and your credentials likely change every day; new in-class projects or certifications, for example, could enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile. 

Even if the process feels discouraging, strategic planning and persistence can make all the difference. By staying proactive, networking smartly and refining application materials, students can successfully navigate the internship search and land an opportunity that will help shape their careers. Even if you don't think you are qualified, apply. There might be something you have that a company may not even know they're looking for until they see it on your application.