Last Updated on September 23, 2021 by BookScouter
Finding an internship doesn’t have to be daunting.
With a clear goal and right resources, you’re well on your way to getting a great internship!
We’ve found the top internship platforms and outlined how to best use these tools to land your ideal internship.
Below is a list of the top five internship search platforms (with two bonus tools). We’ve broken them down into categories.
First, we highlight platforms you can access on your own. Next, you’ll see platforms that you need a college email to use. Last but not least, there are two bonus platforms that your college must have a partnership with for you to access. All are beneficial and worth using to find your internship.
Top Platforms you can research on your own:
Let’s start with Internships.com.
This platform is powered by Chegg, which you may be familiar with already. This tool uses the Chegg expertise in empowering and equipping students for success to provide you with excellent tools.
Best Features:
You can create your own profile
Search by category, location, or type keywords into the search box
They offer resume, application, interview, and job advice to help you prepare for an internship and your career
Notes popular searches and trending markets
Next up: LinkedIn!
Did you know that you can use your LinkedIn account to search for internships? Pretty rad right? Especially since your profile can include your resume, link to your website, and samples of your portfolio already.
Hit search and then start making those connections. Don’t be afraid to click “Connect.” When you do, make sure you send a message letting the hiring manager know which position you are interested in learning more about or how to apply.
Best Features:
Provides tips and resources for interns
Easy to make connections with those hiring or current interns
Ability to see if you have mutual connections who may be able to introduce you
You can read articles and resources that the organization has created to learn if it’s the type of company culture you are looking for
Third up is Wayup!
Wayup is a leader in helping college students find internships and jobs right out of college. They partner with over 20,000 employers to connect them with their next best hire, AKA you!
Best Features:
Share information about yourself and they’ll highlight jobs that fit your experience and strengths
Create your own profile
Search for all sorts of opportunities all over the world
Ability to connect directly with those hiring
Receive tips and resources for interning, your major, how to apply, interviewing, and doing well at your job or internship
Review lists of types of internships you may be interested in based on your major
Next, we have: Idealist.com.
Idealist.com offers job, volunteer, graduate programs, and internship opportunities. They focus much of their efforts on companies making a difference in the world.
Best Features:
Can search for internships based on keyword, skill, interest or location
Able to use this platform for more than searching for internships
Ability to filter options by choosing location, remote/on-site, compensation, type of organization, area of social justice, and your skills/field
Career blog with tips and insights
The best platform to research using your college email address is Handshake.
Handshake is similar to the other search engines above, but with one caveat. You need a .edu email address to use this platform. Once signed up, Handshake is easy to use. This platform is very mobile forward, making the application process a little more relaxed.
Best Features:
Create your own profile
Relevant jobs are sent directly to you
Filter through opportunities
Apply to multiple jobs (as many as you want)
Read reviews from previous interns
Ability to direct message students who received job offers at the companies you are researching
See industry trends
Job recommendations based on your preferences
Career Tips blog
Top platforms connecting job opportunities directly to your school:
While any individual can sign up to use the platforms above, the following two internship opportunity databases are only accessible if your school has an account with them. Not sure if your school is a member? Reach out to either platform or your school’s career center.
First up, Experience.com.
This platform is key for employers. They post job opportunities that will be shared with the career centers at eligible schools (ahem, those who are members). Want to see if your school is on the list? CLICK HERE! You’ll want to make sure your school is on the list to ensure that YOU are eligible to apply for these amazing internship and job opportunities from tens of thousands of highly respected businesses.
Experience.com also offers sound advice on internships.
The next platform that your school needs to connect with is http://www.careershift.com/.
CareerShift provides tools to schools that empower students to find the right jobs for them. Perks include:
Setting alerts
Filtering via salary, company, location, field, etc.
Easy-to-use interface
Access to contact information of hiring managers
Search, store and organize searches and contacts
Before you begin your search, make sure you understand your goal when applying for the internship. The following tips will help you best utilize the internship platforms.
In addition to general work experience, ask yourself if you are looking for experience in a specific field?
Yes? Jot that down! The name of that “field” will be helpful as you begin your search.
Some examples of fields include:
Looking to grow with a specific company or learn a niche kill? These will also serve as great keywords.
Some examples of companies that hire interns:
Some examples of niche skills you can learn at internships are below. Type these skills in your “keyword” search:
Project management
Expand knowledge on a specific area of engineering
Business development
Private and public sector partnerships
Consulting
Event planning
Press releases
Social media marketing
Now, before you begin your search, also consider the amount of distance from your home you’d be comfortable traveling for your internship. Is it within a 15-mile radius or are you looking to relocate for the internship? On most platforms, you are provided a space to indicate location. This box may auto-populate your city. Depending on the platform, you may be able to indicate a radius around your home town or you could leave it blank. See what comes up!
Alright now with your keywords selected ( field of work, company, skill, and location), you are ready to use the platforms (head back up to the top of this post) to find your internship!
With these search engines, we hope you find the internship that will jump-start your fulfilling career!
Looking for even more guidance in finding a purposeful internship? Check out our full guide on How to Land a Great Internship and Make It Count.
