Guide On How To Write A Resume For Internship

As a college student, you understand how difficult it is to find a great internship. You may also wonder why anyone would spend time crafting an internship resume and compete for unpaid work. Why not graduate and then find your first entry-level job?

Here’s the thing: internships give you an advantage when it comes to getting your first good job. More importantly, internships can help you determine what your first job should be.

Internship Resume Example

Sienna Hernandez

Intern Applicant

123-456-7890

siennahernandez@email.com

linkedin.com/in/sienna.hernandez

Objective

Dedicated and proactive Computer Science student seeking an internship at InternInnovate Hub to apply strong problem-solving skills and coding abilities to foster innovative solutions. Eager to utilize Python, Java, and C# expertise to contribute to the company’s objectives. Won the ‘Best Student Project’ award at university for a mobile app development project.

Experience

Software Development Intern

• ExperienceCraft Interns, Buffalo, NY
• June 2020–August 2020

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Assisted in developing software solutions using Java and C#.
• Participated in brainstorming sessions, contributing with innovative ideas.
• Assisted with bug tracking and resolution.
• Worked closely with a team of developers and learned about Agile methodologies.

Key Achievement:

Developed a project management tool as part of a team, which increased productivity by 20%.

Web Development Intern

InternSphere Solutions, Buffalo, NY

September 2020–December 2020

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Assisted in the design and development of web applications using Python and Django.
• Conducted website testing and identified areas to improve user experience.
• Collaborated with a cross-functional team to work towards common objectives.

Key Achievement:

Developed a client’s e-commerce site, leading to a 30% increase in online sales.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

• University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
• August 2018–Present

Relevant extracurricular activities

• Member of the Coding Club
• Participant in the University’s Hackathon

Academic achievements

• Dean’s List 2019, 2020
• Best Student Project Award 2020

Skills

• Problem-solving
• Python, Java, and C# programming
• Web Development
• Agile methodologies
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Attention to detail
  Creativity
• Teamwork

Certifications

Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer, Oracle, 2020

Languages

• English—Native proficiency
• Spanish—Advanced proficiency

Interests

• Building and coding robots.
• Volunteering at local coding boot camps for high school students.

What is an Internship Resume?

An internship resume emphasizes your transferable talents, education, and other attributes rather than your work history. Without a significant employment experience, it might be tough to decide what to include in your resume.

What is an internship?

An internship is a temporary position that gives college students or recent graduates work experience. Some businesses will pay interns. Others will not.

• Okay, but why waste time developing an internship CV when you won’t get compensated for it? What’s the difference between a college internship resume and a student CV, exactly?

Allow me to ask you a question.

Imagine you’re looking for your first job. Would you rather:

• Have a resume full of relevant work experience?
• Have a resume with little to no work experience?

Sure, you may always include that one summer job flipping burgers and your work study library position in your experience area. Still, that corresponds to almost no relevant professional experience.

This is especially true if you do not intend to become a cook or a librarian. This is why internships are not a complete waste of time.

Internships are a great way to build your student resume before you graduate. Internships also provide excellent opportunities to put your skills to the test.

Assume you have your heart set on working in a particular industry. An internship is an excellent opportunity to put that desire to the test. How can you know you’ll enjoy it if you haven’t tried it?

Let’s not forget the two most important benefits:

• The opportunity to exercise your skill set in the real world.
• The opportunity to do some serious networking.

Okay, suppose I’ve persuaded you. So, now what?

You will need to choose an internship that is a good fit for you and send a well-written internship resume sample.

How do you discover the ideal internship? Start by making a wish list.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of work do I want to try?
• What kind of work culture would suit me?
• What kind of professional and personal interests do I have?

Assume you’re a journalism major and a sports fan. Landing an internship at a large newspaper would be a significant accomplishment. However, working for a small sports journal may provide greater benefits. Once you’ve determined what you want, you may begin your research.

You’ll need to do research every step of the way:

• To know what companies are looking for interns.
• To know what to put on your summer internship resume.
• To know how to answer questions during your interview.

Begin by researching firms looking for interns. Make a short list of those that correspond to your wish list. Choosing an internship depends on a variety of criteria.

Here’s a few:

• Is it possible to get an internship where you live or will you have to move?
• Can you afford to move? How can you offset those costs?
• Will moving improve the likelihood of you getting hired down the road?

Tip: Get in Touch With a Hiring Manager Before Writing Your Internship Resume

Here’s how to get an internship:

• The ideal starting place is your school’s career resource office.

Why? First, many employers publish internship opportunities on school career boards.

Second, you can receive assistance with creating an internship resume sample. At the very least, find someone to edit the final copy.

• Next, tap into your network.

Your network can play a huge role in helping you find the perfect internship.

Who qualifies as “your network?”

• Professors and Advisors
• Colleagues and Peers
• Alumni Students
• High School Contacts
• Relatives
• Relatives of Peers
• Community Professionals

If you know someone who works in your business or has connections, don’t be hesitant to contact them. Yes, it’s daunting, but it’s also very worthwhile.

Here’s an example email script that you can follow:

Hello [Insert Name of Contact – Use Appropriate Titles],

This is [Insert Your Name]. We met at / You know me from / I am a close friend of [Insert person, place, or thing]. I hope things are going well for you.

I am contacting you because I am finishing up my studies in [Insert Your Major]. I understand that you have connections within my industry as well. Would it be possible for us to meet in person or chat by phone?

I’m looking for internship opportunities right now, and I would love to get your advice and insights. Here’s my phone number [Insert Phone Number]. Is it okay if I add you as a contact on LinkedIn?

Thanks for your time,
[Insert Your Name]

The message is short and to the point. It enables you to express your wants without appearing pushy. You’re also complementing the person by asking for useful suggestions and insights.

The letter also offers the recipient different options for assisting you. They may have nothing more to offer than tips on how to write an internship resume. On the other side, they may offer you an internship that is ideal for you.

Cold call your dream companies.

Let’s say certain companies are at the top of your wish list. You want to work in fashion.

Perhaps not The Devil Wears Prada. However, you have a shortlist of magazines, ateliers, agencies, and merchants that you would be willing to try on. You investigate them. There are no internship programs. So, now what?

It’s time to find someone you can contact. In the meanwhile, engage with the company on social media. Explore their websites and hunt for additional work opportunities.

Once you’ve acquired some useful information, try cold contacting the company. Pick up the phone and call your point of contact.

Otherwise, you can write a personalized email outlining your goals and interests. Keep in mind that you will want to make contact before delivering a sample resume for an internship.

Ask your contact person if you can send your example internship resume despite the absence of open vacancies. Then wait till they give you the green light to send your paperwork.

Why?

• The company may keep your summer internship resume on file and call you when an opportunity does arise.
• You’ll gain valuable insight into the way the company recruits.
• You’ll have an opportunity to figure out how to make a resume for an internship.

What’s better than cold-calling your ideal company? Meet a salesperson in person. So, why not date Ryan Gosling while I’m at it?

While, it might sound a little far fetched, there are ways to connect face-to-face:

• Job Fairs
• Community Events
• Industry Events
• Extracurriculars

Simply introduce yourself whenever the occasion arises. A face-to-face interaction is the most effective way to pique someone’s interest in hiring you as an intern.

Online Resources For Finding Internships And Connections

If you are still struggling, here are a few resources to add to your arsenal:

• LinkedIn

Use LinkedIn to look for internships and establish a solid professional presence. Professor recommendations can help you optimize your profile. Showcase your volunteer efforts, extracurricular interests, and accomplishments.

The site is an excellent location to begin creating a master, first-time internship resume that you can tweak for different situations later. Click on the jobs tab and type “internships” into the search bar. You can narrow down to those that are relevant to your degree program.

Remember: Companies pay to post. That might limit what you can find to offers from large business and organizations.

• Internships.com

Many smaller businesses hunt for interns on internship.com because it is free. The website provides over 100,000 internships from throughout the world. Some are paid, while others don’t.

• Glassdoor

Glassdoor is one of the major American employment boards, and you may find offers from most organizations there. You may also read evaluations on what it’s like to work for other companies.

Search by professional field and geographical location. Glassdoor sources its offerings from corporations, job boards, and partner organizations.

• Alumni Networks

Check out your college’s alumni network. Alumni who are in situations to hire interns frequently begin by making offers at their old mater’s career office. Alumni frequently want interns from their institutions, so make this one of your first stops.

• Google

Check out Google. Yes, it sounds too simple. However, when searching for paid and unpaid internships in your field, you will come across a wide range of opportunities. You will find chances that include all facts, prerequisites, and deadlines. You can also search by geographical area.

• Internmatch.com

Internmatch.com features over 30 companies advertising internship opportunities. One advantage is that you will receive notifications for relevant positions after registering.

• Idealist

If you want to work in the nonprofit sector, this is where to look. The list also contains international roles. There are paid and unpaid listings, and the variety is extensive.

If you decide to apply for a position abroad, keep in mind that they may require a resume rather than a college résumé for an internship. What is the distinction between an international resume and a college student internship resume? There isn’t much of a difference, however you should look into Resume criteria for other nations. You’ll also want to make sure you follow any instructions you get.

Here’s How to Write a Summer Internship Resume

Congratulations! You’ve made it this far. Now, you have a decent list of internship opportunities to pursue.

So, it’s time to write your internship resume. Your college student internship resume is going to look a lot like a regular student resume.

So, what’s the difference?

You are applying for an internship. Hiring supervisors will not expect you to have job experience. You are applying for an internship. Hiring supervisors will not expect you to have job experience.

As a result, your undergraduate student internship resume may differ from your post-graduate student resume. The end goal is to make your student resume stand out by including internship experience.

Still, resumes for an internship should fulfill the same requirements as any other resume. Because you have little to no employment experience, your resume should only be one page. For an internship resume, adopt a typical resume format, such as reverse chronological.

Contact Information

As you may think, your resume should begin with contact information. Provide your name, phone number, and email address. You do not need to mention your address, especially if you are applying for a position out of state.

If you have a relevant personal website or blog, consider including a link. You can also stimulate the recruiting manager’s curiosity by mentioning your social media handles.

Resume Objective

You should include a resume objective statement below your contact information. A resume objective informs a hiring manager about your current situation and your future goals. At the same time, it prioritizes the demands of the employer. Not your needs or ambitions.

Here’s a sample resume objective for an intern resume:

RIGHT

• Detail-oriented English Major seeking to leverage excellent written and verbal communication skills to succeed as an Intern at XYZ company. Excel at working on teams with +3 years of experience as Captain of the Lacrosse team at Xavier University.

WRONG

• Dedicated Biology major seeking an Internship to improve my research and lab skills.

Education

You may have some work experience, but it is unlikely that it is relevant to your field. That is okay. Hiring employers expect this from college students.

That is why you should start with your education section rather than your professional experience. After all, your schooling has provided you with the majority of the necessary talents you already possess.

If you are like most interns, you have not completed your studies. In that scenario, here’s an example of how to list your education on a college student internship resume:

• University of Dayton (2014 – present)
• Expected to graduate in 2018 with a BA in Psychology. Current GPA – 4.0.

Also, include a course description. List the lessons and projects that are most relevant to the sort of internship you have chosen. Remember to personalize it to the internship description. You might want to include various classes and projects for each internship application.

Experience

In terms of work experience, you cannot yet include internship experience on your undergraduate student résumé. However, you can add any odd jobs you have had in the past.

Adding jobs, even those that are unrelated to your trade or sector, demonstrates that you are responsible and know how to work. – You can also include voluntary or nonprofit work. Internships can also be listed in the experience part of your resume.

As you finish internships, you will record them in your experience area as “jobs.” That’s the primary distinction between an undergraduate student internship  resume and a student resume after graduation.

Skills

You’ll want to use your skills in two ways. First, create a talents section. Put your strongest and most relevant abilities here.

Next, incorporate abilities from the internship description into your college intern resume. Include some in your resume’s purpose, course description, and experience section.

You should pay extra attention to soft skills. Are you an excellent writer? Do you have any sales experience? How about leadership skills?

Soft skills are useful in practically any position. For an internship, prioritize your strongest soft talents in the top third of your resume.

Additional Sections

Is your skills-based internship CV looking a little empty?

You should absolutely consider include a section on hobbies and interests. Again, your focus should be on displaying your abilities and experience. Choose hobbies that demand abilities related to your internship. If you’ve discovered that the organization has a specific work culture, you can choose activities that match that.

For example, if you work in a fast-paced setting that involves a lot of teamwork, consider athletics as a pastime. Finally, create a section for research projects, extracurricular activities, and publications.

Finishing Touches – What to do Before Sending Your Internship Resume

Before you send your first college internship resume, you should consider a few things.

First, ensure that you have received comprehensive instructions on how to submit your student résumé for an internship.

Instructions might include:

• Acceptable File Formats
• Email Subject Line
• Name of the Contact Person
• Where to Upload Your Resume
• Other Items to Include
• These are not friendly suggestions.

Failure to follow these instructions may result in quick rejection. Remember that many organizations use tools to check emails and resumes. If you use the improper subject line or file format, your summer internship resume may be lost.

Imagine missing out on a fantastic internship because you couldn’t follow directions. What should you do if you’re interested in a company but can’t discover any internship opportunities?

You may have to submit your résumé for an internship “cold.” However, you will want to personalize it as much as possible. If you can acquire the hiring manager’s name, that’s ideal.

At the very least, try to obtain the name of the HR contact person. This isn’t the best technique to make contact, but if it’s your only option, it’s worth trying.

Here are three other things you need to do:

• Write a cover letter.
• Proofread your college intern resume.
• Tailor your resume to every internship offer.

You should conduct extensive research on the company. Only via research will you be able to personalize your resume to the needs of the firm.

A excellent resume and cover letter are not tailored to your specific needs. They are adapted to the demands of the business. Here are some things to remember.

Personalize Your College Internship Resume And Cover Letter

Whenever feasible, address both documents to a specific individual. Never send the identical summer internship resume and cover letter to every company on your list. Here is a complete sample of a cover letter for an internship.

Use Relevant Keywords

Use keywords from the internship description on your resume. The individual examining your resume will look for keywords. Examine the duties, job criteria, and qualifications to choose the most appropriate keywords. You’re seeking for specific abilities, years of experience, etc…

When writing your resume, be careful to include these keywords wherever possible.

Make Sure Mandatory Keywords Are Near The Top of Your Resume

Some of the keywords you use will allude to abilities and expertise that are required. In other words, if you lack the necessary expertise or experience, you are not qualified for the position.

For example, the employment offer could include that leadership abilities are required. Make sure these keyword skills are first.

How to Clean Up Your Online Presence

Assume you don’t provide information about your social media accounts in the contact information box.

You should still expect potential employers to look into your online activities after reviewing your summer internship resume.

Remember that even if your postings are set to private, nothing you post is ever deleted. To begin, use your best judgment. That is why you should begin using social media as a professional tool immediately.

Start a blog about your field or interests. Connect with companies and leaders in your field. Create a professional website to serve as your online portfolio.

Many college students choose WordPress because it is free and affordable. Instagram is an excellent choice for displaying photos of your work.

And most important of all, make sure you’re on LinkedIn.

Here’s How to Stay in Touch with Contacts After an Internship

After you’ve sent your summer internship resumes, aced the interview, and impressed your employer, it’s time to say goodbye. But you’re not finished yet. The final thing you should do is request a letter of recommendation.

Ask for a letter of recommendation around two weeks before your internship ends. This allows your supervisor time to evaluate your performance. They’ll also have time to compose something meaningful.

Keep in mind that asking for a recommendation is a tricky situation. Request that your supervisor meet with you.

A meeting allows you to share your experiences and express gratitude. You can also assess your achievements and efforts.

Remember that it is acceptable to ask more than one person for a letter of recommendation. When you land an internship, you never know who you could meet. You might also request a letter of reference if someone expressed an interest in your career, gave you guidance, or served as a mentor.

You should also write thank-you emails. Send individual emails to all of your team members and supervisors. Mention the exact events you shared and the lessons you learnt.

Key Takeaway

Yes, landing and surviving an internship may appear exhausting. Fortunately, with a proper internship resumes, it will be more easier than you expect. Just remember to follow these crucial strategies:

• Customize every resume you send out to match the internship description.
• At the top, put a resume objective—in it, don’t write what you want out of the internship. Focus on what you have to offer!
• Spice up your resume with your academic and extracurricular achievements.
• Don’t omit the skills section. Let them know what your best, most relevant skills are!

FAQs

How to make a resume for an internship?

To write a resume for a student who is looking for an internship:

• Start with a resume header containing your contact information.
• Follow with a strong resume objective that serves as an opening statement.
• Describe your work experience, if you have any, or list volunteer work.
• Add education to your resume, with 1–2 bullet points on your most significant academic achievements.
• Decide which skills to add to your resume based on the internship description.

How to write a resume for college internships?

To create an impressive résumé for a college student seeking for internships for the first time, follow these steps:

• Go with the reverse-chronological resume format.
• Make sure your college resume for internships has a proper resume structure and includes the right resume sections (including ones that feature additional information).
• Write a good resume objective and describe relevant soft and hard skills to show your value.
• Create a targeted resume that caters to each specific position (i.e., not just one general resume that you sell to every employer).

How to put an internship on a resume?

• First, bear in mind that employers are looking for relevant experience, so consider whether the internship provided it and is worth mentioning. Then, on your resume, describe it as regular work experience, stating that you were an intern.

How to write a resume objective for internships?

• An internship resume with no experience requires a resume objective. Unlike a resume summary, which talks down the most visible career accomplishments, your internship resume’s emphasis statement should stress on transferable abilities and what you hope to accomplish.

However, the main goal of both is to show your value to the potential employer. To do this:

• Tailor your resume to the job description to match those expectations.
• Bring out relevant academic achievements on your resume to reflect your potential.

When applying for internships online, should you include a cover letter with your resume?

• Even if it is not specifically needed, drafting an internship cover letter is a good idea. In the case of a resume for recent grads with little experience, it’s an opportunity to clearly explain your motives and competencies, persuading the hiring manager that you’re the best applicant for the position.

Why shouldn’t you put your GPA on your resume for internships?

• You should only include a high GPA on your resume. Otherwise, it may have a negative impact on your application.