Why Internships Are Tough — and How to Beat the Odds

I’ve helped many students land better internships. Some students I worked with had sent over 200 applications and got only a 2% interview rate. After refining their approach, they jumped to 10%. Below are the biggest obstacles to internships, why internships even exist, and how to boost your chances.

Why Landing Internships is Hard

1. Supply and Demand

• 600,000+ CS Students: Each year, around 600K students study computer science and related programs in the U.S.

• 1 to 10 Ratio: Some estimate that for every 10 full-time roles, there’s only 1 internship spot.

• Budget Cuts & Layoffs: At this market, companies often scale back internships first when tightening budgets.

  
  

2. Standing Out Is Tough

• Similar Backgrounds: Many internship applicants share similar coursework and projects.

• Demonstrate Unique Value: You need to show how you’ll contribute and grow, despite limited experience.

  
  

3. Limited Job Search Skills

• Resumes & Interviews: Most students haven’t polished these skills.

• Networking: Most students don’t know how to network effectively.

  
  

Why Internships Even Exist

1. Trial for Full-Time: Companies can test potential hires without committing to a permanent role.

2. Short-Term Projects: Some tasks don’t warrant a long-term hire; interns fill these gaps.

3. Mentorship: Many professionals enjoy guiding new talent, and interns benefit from on-the-job learning.

   
   

How to Overcome These Hurdles

1. Start a Club, Network Directly

   • Create a club or group at your school and invite industry pros to speak.

   • Show genuine interest in their work, then ask if they’re hiring interns.

2. Attend Events with Purpose

   • Volunteer at conferences to meet key players.

   • Research who will attend so you can make targeted connections.

   • Tip: Smaller companies may hire interns only a month or two before they need them.

3. Focus—But Not Too Narrowly

   • Aim for something like Software Engineer + AI Integration rather than overly specialized niches.

   • Reuse Your Process: Target roles in domains with enough postings (100–300).

4. Create a Support Group

   • Team up with peers to practice interviews and share leads.

   • Keep references private, but help each other with everything else.

5. Invent Your Own Internship

   • Offer a short-term project idea. Showing initiative can convert a “no” into a “yes.”

   • Departments Often Need Help: They might not list official openings, but welcome extra hands.

6. Try Informational Interviews

   • Talk to professionals about their roles, even if there’s no open position.

   • One conversation can reveal hidden internships or spark new possibilities.

7. Rewrite Your Resume to Stand Out

   • Put in the effort to refine your resume until it truly shines.

   • Avoid “Jack of All Trades”: If you’re a junior engineer, tailor your resume to the specific niche or internship you want.

     
     

What About Pay?

For full-time roles, pay is often fixed or heavily regulated. Internships, however, can be far more flexible—and no one cares later about your internship salary. If compensation is low but you gain real-world experience and key connections, it can still be worth it. Once you have that experience, future employers focus on what you did, not what you were paid.

Final Thoughts

Internships can be harder or easier depending on your approach. I’ve seen students I helped go from 2% to 10% interview rates by refining their resume, focusing on the right roles, and showing real curiosity.

Because internships often come from department budgets, you could be one conversation away from an offer even if no position is listed. Stand out by networking in-person, pitching your own projects, and improving your skills. These steps will help you secure an internship, gain valuable experience, and pave the way for future full-time opportunities. Good luck!