Creating Internships

You don’t always have to wait for the “perfect” internship to pop up online — you can create one. Lots of smaller companies, non-profits, and startups would love an intern… they just don’t have a formal program (yet). That’s where you come in.

Step 1: Reflect & Research

Before you reach out, get clear on a few things:

• Who inspires you?
  Find an organization whose work you genuinely care about. Maybe you love their mission, support their cause, or are obsessed with their product or service.
• What do you want out of the experience?
  Want to build on a class project? Try a new kind of work environment? Strengthen a skill or explore a potential career? Know what you’re hoping to gain.
• Who should you contact?
  Look for someone working in a department you’re interested in, someone you share something in common with (hello, LinkedIn alumni tool!), or someone connected to someone you know.

Step 2: Write Your Pitch

Now that you’ve got a goal and a target org in mind, it’s time to make your move:

• Tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant skills.
  – Check out sample resumes
• Draft a 1-page proposal letter (kind of like a cover letter) that answers these questions:
  – Why are you interested in this organization?
  – How could you contribute? (Think: projects, challenges, or communities they serve)
  – What makes you qualified? (Highlight your strengths, even if you’re still learning!)
  – What do you hope to learn?
  – When could you start, and how many hours per week can you commit?
• Write a short, professional email to introduce yourself and attach your resume + proposal.
  Keep it confident, clear, and enthusiastic.
• Have someone review your docs — then polish them up so they shine!

Step 3: Reach Out & Follow Up

This part might feel intimidating, but it’s often where the magic happens:

• Ask for a quick chat to talk through your proposal — or send your materials directly to the right person.
  • If you don’t hear back in a week or two, follow up. (Then follow up once more if needed.)
• Always say thank you — especially if someone takes time to chat with you or review your materials.

You don’t have to do this in a perfect order! You can even start by having an informal conversation and build your proposal based on what you learn.

Final Tips

• Be bold & take initiative – most students never propose their own internship. That alone sets you apart!
• Show your excitement – passion is contagious. If you light up when you talk or write about something, it shows.
• Make it easy for them – spell out exactly how you can help. Don’t make them guess what to do with you.