Finding and Applying to Internships

Lesson 6 — Wednesday, February 10, 2027 • King 150, 5:45–6:45 PM

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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.

Job Search Application Strategy

Lesson Slides

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Finding and Applying to Internships

Where to look, when to apply, and how to play the numbers game

Lesson 6 February 10, 2027 Job Search

The Internship Timeline

⚠️ Big Tech companies (Google, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft) open applications in August–October for the following summer. If you wait until January, you've missed them.

  • Aug–Oct: Big Tech, top consulting firms open applications
  • Nov–Dec: Mid-size companies, startups, government agencies
  • Jan–Mar: Smaller companies, local businesses, late-cycle openings
  • April+: Backfill spots, government, non-profits

✅ If you want a summer internship — start applying the prior September. Yes, that early.

Where to Search (Beyond LinkedIn)

Best Platforms

  • Handshake — Specifically for students, JMU-connected companies
  • Indeed — Broad, lots of smaller companies
  • GitHub Jobs / Levels.fyi — Tech-specific
  • Company career pages — Apply directly, not through aggregators

CS/IT Specific

  • Intern Supply List (GitHub) — Huge aggregated list updated yearly
  • PittCSC GitHub list — Curated internships for CS/IT students
  • AngelList / Wellfound — Startup internships
  • USAJobs.gov — Government IT roles

Reading a Job Description Like a Pro

Most JDs are wishlists, not requirements. Understand what's actually required:

  • "Required" — These actually matter. Hit 60%+ of these before applying.
  • "Preferred" — Nice to have. Don't let these stop you from applying.
  • "1–3 years experience" for internships — This is HR boilerplate. Apply anyway.
  • Long lists of technologies — They want people who can learn, not people who know all of these

✅ If you meet 60–70% of the requirements, apply. The worst they can say is no.

The 70% Rule

70%

If you meet 70% of the requirements, you should apply. Period.

Studies show men apply when they meet 60% of requirements, while women apply only when they meet 100%. Both are wrong — 70% is the sweet spot where your time is well spent.

💡 Exception: If a JD says "must have Python experience" and you've never used Python — maybe learn it before applying to Python roles.

Your Application Tracking System

You'll apply to 30–100+ companies. Without a tracker, you'll forget who you applied to.

Track these columns:

  • Company, role, date applied
  • Application method (direct, LinkedIn, Handshake)
  • Status (applied, screen, interview, offer, rejected)
  • Contact name/email at company
  • Follow-up dates
  • Notes from interviews

✅ Use a Google Sheet. It takes 2 minutes per application and saves massive stress later.

Tailoring Without Starting From Scratch

You need tailored applications, but you don't have 2 hours per job. Here's the 20-minute method:

  1. 5 min: Read the JD. Highlight 5–10 key skills/buzzwords.
  2. 10 min: Adjust 3–4 resume bullets to mirror those keywords naturally.
  3. 5 min: Update your cover letter opening paragraph (if required).

💡 Keep a "master resume" with all your experiences. For each application, copy it and trim/adjust. Never start from a blank page.

The Follow-Up Email Template

Send 5–7 days after applying:

Subject: Following Up — Software Engineering Internship Application

Hi [Recruiter Name],
I applied for the Software Engineering Internship on [date] and wanted to follow up to express my continued interest. I'd love the opportunity to discuss how my experience with [relevant skill] could contribute to your team. Thanks for your time!

Best, [Your Name]

✅ This email alone can move you from the "reviewed" pile to the "interview" pile. Send it.

The Numbers Game Reality

At top companies, the acceptance rate for internship applications is:

1–3%

Even strong candidates get rejected constantly. It's not personal — it's volume.

  • Target 50–100 applications for a competitive summer internship
  • 1–3 offers is a great outcome from 100 applications
  • Each rejection is data — use it to improve
  • Your first year applying is your worst year — keep going

✅ The students who get offers aren't smarter. They apply to more companies and follow up more consistently.

Key Takeaways

  • Start applying in September for the following summer — not January
  • Use Handshake, company career pages, and the PittCSC GitHub list
  • Apply if you meet 70% of requirements — the worst is a rejection
  • Track every application in a spreadsheet
  • Follow up after 5–7 days. Most students don't. You should.

🏠 Homework: Set up your application tracker. Apply to 5 internships this week using the 20-minute tailoring method.

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:

  1. Find opportunity and add to tracker immediately
  2. Research company and save key information
  3. Customize resume and cover letter for role
  4. Submit application and update tracker
  5. Set follow-up reminder for 1-2 weeks later
  6. Track all communications and update status

Homework

Apply to 5 internships this week. No overthinking — if you meet 70% of the requirements, you're applying. Start a simple spreadsheet to track company, role, date applied, and status. You'll thank yourself later.

Not mandatory, but volume matters early on. Five applications builds the habit and the data to improve. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity.

Submit through the Homework tab when done.

📝 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

Apply to 5 internships this week. No overthinking — if you meet 70% of the requirements, you're applying. Start a simple spreadsheet to track company, role, date applied, and status. You'll thank yourself later.

Not mandatory, but volume matters early on. Five applications builds the habit and the data to improve. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity.

Submit through the Homework tab when done.

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