Finding and Applying to Internships
Lesson 6 - Fall Semester
Lesson Overview
Navigate the internship application process strategically and systematically. Learn where to find the best opportunities, how to track applications effectively, and master the art of applying when you don't meet every requirement.
Discussion Topics & Talking Points
Opening: The Application Game Reality Check
Question: "How many internship applications do you think you need to send to get one offer?"
- Most students guess 10-20
- Reality: Often 100-200+ applications for competitive roles
- It's a numbers game, but strategy matters more than volume
- Quality applications to right companies beat spray-and-pray
Mindset Shift: Rejection is not personal - it's just part of the process!
Beyond LinkedIn: Where to Actually Find Internships
The Hidden Job Market
Company Career Pages (Most Important!):
- Go directly to company websites
- Set up job alerts for new postings
- Apply within 24-48 hours of posting
- Often less competition than job boards
University Resources:
- JMU Career Services: Handshake platform, exclusive postings
- Department Job Boards: CS department often has exclusive opportunities
- Professor Connections: Industry contacts and research opportunities
- Alumni Network: JMU grads who can provide referrals
Specialized Job Boards:
- AngelList: Startup internships and early-stage companies
- Glassdoor: Company reviews and salary information
- Indeed: Broad search with good filtering options
- ZipRecruiter: AI-powered matching
- WayUp: Specifically for students and recent grads
- Forage: Virtual work experiences that can lead to internships
Industry-Specific Platforms:
- Tech: Stack Overflow Jobs, AngelList, Hired
- Finance: eFinancialCareers, Wall Street Oasis
- Consulting: Management Consulted, Vault
- Government: USAJobs, ClearanceJobs
Networking-Based Opportunities:
- Referrals from your professional network
- Career fair connections and follow-ups
- Informational interviews that turn into opportunities
- Professor recommendations and research lab positions
Application Tracking and Organization
Stay Organized or Get Overwhelmed
Essential Tracking Information:
- Company Name: Full company name and division
- Position Title: Exact title from job posting
- Application Date: When you submitted
- Application Method: Company website, LinkedIn, referral, etc.
- Status: Applied, Phone Screen, Interview, Rejected, Offer
- Contact Person: Recruiter or hiring manager name
- Follow-up Dates: When to check in
- Notes: Key details about role, company, interview feedback
Tracking Tools:
- Google Sheets: Free, collaborative, accessible anywhere
- Notion: More advanced with templates and automation
- Airtable: Database-like functionality with great filtering
- Huntr: Specialized job search tracking tool
Application Workflow:
- Find opportunity and add to tracker immediately
- Research company and save key information
- Customize resume and cover letter for role
- Submit application and update tracker
- Set follow-up reminder for 1-2 weeks later
- Track all communications and update status
Comprehensive 2-Week Application Blitz
Your Strategic Internship Application Campaign
Week 1: Research and Preparation
Days 1-2: Market Research and Target Identification
- Research and compile a list of 100 target companies across different industries
- Categorize companies by size (startup, mid-size, enterprise) and industry
- Create detailed profiles for your top 20 companies including culture, values, recent news
- Identify 50 specific internship opportunities currently posted
- Set up job alerts on 10 different platforms for your target roles
Days 3-4: Application Materials Optimization
- Create 5 different resume versions tailored to different role types
- Write 3 master cover letter templates for different company sizes/types
- Develop a portfolio of 10 different project descriptions for various audiences
- Create a personal website showcasing your best work
- Prepare answers to 20 common application questions
Days 5-7: Application System Setup and Initial Wave
- Set up comprehensive application tracking system
- Submit 25 high-quality applications to your top-choice companies
- Research and connect with 15 employees at your target companies
- Set up Google Alerts for your target companies to stay informed
- Create calendar reminders for all follow-up activities
Week 2: Volume and Follow-up
Days 8-10: High-Volume Application Period
- Submit 50 additional applications using your optimized materials
- Customize each application with specific company research
- Follow up on applications submitted 1-2 weeks ago
- Attend 2 virtual career fairs or company information sessions
- Conduct 3 informational interviews with employees at target companies
Days 11-12: Networking and Referral Generation
- Reach out to 20 professionals for informational interviews
- Ask your network for referrals to specific companies
- Engage with company social media and employee content
- Join relevant professional groups and online communities
- Attend industry meetups or virtual events
Days 13-14: Analysis and Strategy Refinement
- Analyze your application success rates by company type, role, and method
- Identify patterns in rejections and areas for improvement
- Update your materials based on feedback and results
- Plan your next wave of applications based on learnings
- Create a 3-month application strategy going forward
Required Deliverables:
- Application Tracking Spreadsheet: 75+ applications with full details
- Company Research Database: Detailed profiles of 20 top-choice companies
- Customized Resume Collection: 5 different versions for different role types
- Cover Letter Templates: 3 master templates with examples
- Personal Website/Portfolio: Professional site showcasing your work
- Networking Outreach Log: Record of all professional contacts made
- Application Success Analysis: Data-driven insights on what's working
- 3-Month Application Strategy: Plan for continued job search efforts
Success Metrics:
- Volume: 75+ applications submitted
- Quality: 100% customized applications (no generic submissions)
- Response Rate: Track and aim for 10%+ response rate
- Networking: 25+ new professional connections made
- Interviews: Goal of 3+ phone screens or interviews
Bonus Achievements:
- Receive a referral from someone in your network
- Get invited to an on-site or final round interview
- Receive positive feedback on your application materials
- Land an informational interview that leads to an opportunity
- Get featured or mentioned by a company on social media
How to Complete This Assignment: Step-by-Step Guide
Your Complete Internship Application Blitz Roadmap
🔍 Week 1, Days 1-3: Research and Target Identification
What to do: Identify 50+ internship opportunities across multiple platforms
How to do it:
- Search LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, company websites, and university job boards
- Create spreadsheet with company name, role, deadline, requirements, and application status
- Research each company's culture, values, and recent news
- Prioritize applications by fit and deadline
Example submission:
"Found 52 internship opportunities: 15 from LinkedIn, 12 from company websites, 10 from Indeed, 8 from university job board, 7 from networking connections. Top targets: Google SWE Intern (due March 1), Microsoft PM Intern (due Feb 15), local startup Full-Stack Intern (rolling basis). Spreadsheet includes application deadlines, required skills, and company research notes."
📝 Week 1, Days 4-7: Application Materials Customization
What to do: Customize resumes and cover letters for top 20 positions
How to do it:
- Tailor resume keywords to match job descriptions
- Write compelling cover letters highlighting relevant experience
- Prepare portfolio pieces that demonstrate required skills
- Practice answering common application questions
Example submission:
"Created 5 resume variations: SWE-focused (emphasizing coding projects), PM-focused (highlighting leadership), data-focused (showcasing analytics projects), startup-focused (entrepreneurial experience), big tech-focused (technical depth). Cover letter template customized for each company with specific examples of relevant projects and cultural fit."
🚀 Week 2, Days 8-12: Application Submission Blitz
What to do: Submit 25+ applications with proper tracking and follow-up
How to do it:
- Submit 5+ applications per day with customized materials
- Track submission dates, confirmation emails, and next steps
- Connect with recruiters and employees on LinkedIn after applying
- Set up Google Alerts for companies you've applied to
Example submission:
"Submitted 28 applications: 8 big tech companies, 12 mid-size companies, 8 startups. Received 15 confirmation emails, connected with 12 recruiters on LinkedIn, sent follow-up messages to 5 employees. Application tracker shows status for each: 'Applied', 'Under Review', 'Phone Screen Scheduled', etc."
📞 Week 2, Days 13-14: Follow-up and Relationship Building
What to do: Execute strategic follow-up and continue networking
How to do it:
- Send thank-you emails to anyone who provided referrals
- Follow up on applications after 1-2 weeks if no response
- Continue building relationships with employees at target companies
- Plan ongoing application strategy for next month
Example submission:
"Follow-up strategy: Sent thank-you notes to 3 alumni who provided referrals, followed up on 8 applications with no response after 10 days, scheduled 2 informational interviews with employees at target companies. Next month plan: Apply to 15 more positions, attend 2 career fairs, continue networking with 5 new connections weekly."
Homework Submission Reminder
Submit Your Application Blitz Results!
After completing your 2-week application campaign, submit your homework through the Homework tab. This is a major assignment that demonstrates your commitment to landing an internship!
Submission Deadline: Two weeks from today's meeting
This assignment counts as double points - make it count!