Peer Career Consultant Blogs

Searching for internships can be overwhelming with so many platforms and opportunities available today. Between Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake, and countless company career pages, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to even begin. However, there are several other ways to find amazing opportunities that many students overlook. Exploring these alternative paths can help you stand out and discover internships you might not have found otherwise. 

Popular platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake are great places to start your internship search. They allow you to filter positions by your interests, major, and preferred location which makes it easy to explore hundreds of opportunities that match what you are looking for. However, one strategy many students overlook is checking company websites directly. Visiting a company’s career page gives you a better feel for its culture and values, helping you understand better who you might be working for. In addition, some organizations post internship openings exclusively on their own sites to attract more intentional applicants and manage a smaller pool of candidates. I’ve personally found several internship opportunities this way and would have never initially seen them listed on larger platforms. 

Another valuable approach is tapping into and growing your network. This can include connecting with SCU alumni through LinkedIn, reaching out to family and friends, or even talking with your professors, who may know of open positions or industry contacts. Career fairs are also great opportunities to expand your network and learn firsthand about what different companies have to offer. You never know where a simple conversation might lead. Connections create opportunities and your network is one of the most valuable resources you have when it comes to your internship search. 

My Experience: 

As a Management major and Retail Studies minor, I started my internship search on platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake. However, I quickly realized that I wasn’t getting many responses. It wasn’t until I began researching specific companies that aligned with my interests and experience that things started to change. By exploring their career pages and reaching out to recruiters directly I found opportunities that weren’t widely advertised online. Attending networking events and career fairs also helped me connect face-to-face with recruiters and professionals in the fields I was interested in. Those personal conversations often stood out more than an online application ever could. For example, I secured my sophomore year internship by connecting with a recruiter at a career fair where the position wasn’t even listed online. Through this experience, I learned that internship searches often extend beyond digital platforms and it's about building genuine relationships and using your network to uncover unique opportunities. 

Steps Towards Finding an Internship: 

1. Figure out what kind of internship you are looking for: 

• Identify the industries and roles that interest you
• Create a list of preferences such as location, job titles, company size, and internship length
• Reflect on what you want to gain from the experience-whether it’s hands-on learning, exposure to a new industry, or professional growth

2. Grow your network:

• Connect with people currently working in roles or industries you are interested in and schedule informational interviews or coffee chats
• Utilize the SCU alumni network, Career Center, and your personal connections through friends and family
• Attend networking events, career fairs, and company panels to meet recruiters face-to-face

3. Research companies you want to work for:

• Visit company career pages to see if they seem like a place you would enjoy working at
• If you find a recruiters contact information, reach out to introduce yourself and express interest
• Keep an organized document or spreadsheet to track applications and contacts

4. Start searching for roles: 

• Explore major platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake
• Check company career websites periodically to see if there are any opportunities
• Use search engines such as Google to discover other programs that may not appear on larger platforms

With all of this in mind, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of opportunities out there that align with your skills, goals, and interests. Every “no” is a chance to grow, learn, and refine your approach for the next one. And while internships are valuable, they are not the only meaningful way to spend your summer. Experiences like volunteering, research projects, or part-time work can help you build important skills and discover new interests. As you apply, take time to reflect on whether you can truly see yourself in the roles you are pursuing. Ask yourself: Do I connect with the company’s values? Do they treat their interns well and offer meaningful work? Is this a location I’d be comfortable moving to? Ultimately, applying for internships should be an exciting process and one that helps you imagine your future and explore new possibilities. And always remember there are opportunities everywhere waiting to be found!