How to Find the Right Internship in 5 Steps (Even If You're Clueless Where to Start)

You're sitting in your dorm or scrolling job boards thinking: How do I even find an internship? Where do I start? You're not alone. The truth is, most students aren't taught how this works, not clearly, anyway. But there is a way to approach it, even if you feel behind or unsure.

I sat down with folks from Simplify, a tool built specifically for internship seekers, to break this down. They've seen what works, what doesn't, and what students tend to overthink. Here's how to make your internship search a lot less overwhelming, in five clear, doable steps.

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1. Know Your "Why"

Before you start applying, take 15 minutes and ask yourself: What am I actually hoping to get out of this internship?

Is it:

• To get a return offer and secure a job early?
• To finally gain some real experience in your field?
• To get paid and support yourself over the summer?
• To figure out if you even like this kind of work?

You don't need one perfect answer. But if you don't know what you want, it's easy to waste time on roles that won't get you anywhere. Your goals will shape what you should be looking for.

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2. Be Honest About Your Starting Point

You're not being "realistic" if you talk yourself out of good roles, but you do need to understand your current position.

Ask yourself:

• What's on my resume right now?
• How much time do I have before apps open?
• Do I know anyone in the industry or at my target companies?
• What's going to be a stretch? What's actually within reach?

This helps you focus. You might realize you need to spend 2 weeks building a portfolio before applying to design roles. Or that if you want a software engineering internship, you should start practicing LeetCode now, because cramming DSA a week before interviews won't cut it.

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3. Learn What's Out There (and When It Happens)

This is the step most students skip, and it shows. You wouldn't apply to a job without reading the description, so don't go into internship recruiting without knowing the landscape.

• Research the cycle. Tech, finance, and consulting recruit in late summer. Media, research, and nonprofits post later in winter or spring. Some internships for freshmen open in the summer (yes, they exist), while others don't show up until March.
• Figure out where to look. Sites like Simplify centralize internships across industries, with filters for deadlines, roles, and paid options. (Honestly: stop doom-scrolling company career pages.)
• Talk to people. Ask career services what deadlines to watch. DM someone who interned where you want to work. Search job boards and set alerts.
• Stay organized. Keep a simple spreadsheet or Notion board with deadlines, contacts, and roles you care about. Add bookmarks. Calendar reminders. Whatever works.

If you're asking where to look for internships, this is where it begins, not just scrolling, but building a system you can stick to.

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4. Start Early on What Compounds

If you're aiming for a software internship, don't wait to brush up on LeetCode or system design, the roles may open in August, but the prep starts now.

If you're going for design, start your portfolio, even if it's rough.

If your dream is to work at McKinsey, don't cold message people the day the job goes live. Build real connections before recruiting season starts. A referral is ten times more likely when you've had a conversation, not when you send a blank connection request two hours after the listing drops.

Also: nobody owes you a referral. So be kind. Be human. And ask with respect.

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5. Accept That You Won't Be Perfect, Yet

If you're hiding your projects, delaying that post, or holding off on applying until your resume feels "ready"... I get it. But that fear of imperfection will slow you down more than a rejection ever will.

Be visible:

• Share your work, even if it's not polished
• Publish a blog post or portfolio
• Open source something
• Post a project on LinkedIn or GitHub

The only way to improve, and get noticed, is to be seen. Feedback doesn't come in the dark.

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3. Keep Talking to People

This is where the magic happens.

Most referrals, mentorship, and insider tips don't come from networking events, they come from casual conversations with people who understand where you're at and want to help. But they can't help you if they don't know what you're looking for.

Be specific when you reach out:

• "I'm looking for summer internships in biotech research."
• "I'm hoping to land a UX internship in a healthtech company, any advice?"

Clarity gives people something to respond to. General asks = general replies. Targeted questions open doors.

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4. Use the "I'm Still Early" Advantage

There's one thing students consistently underestimate: people want to help early-career students.

You're not annoying for asking. You're not behind. In fact, if you're looking at internships now, even before sophomore year, you're ahead of most people.

Don't be afraid to say:

"I'm still early in my college career, but I'm really curious about your path."

Most professionals want to pay it forward. Someone helped them, and they remember what it was like to be you.

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Bonus Steps: Reach Out. Apply. Interview. Repeat.

There's no magic here. Once you've done the thinking, prep, and organizing, you have to actually click submit.

• Reach out to people before the role opens.
• Apply even if you're not 100% qualified.
• Practice interviews, especially for technical roles.
• Follow up.
• Do it again.

This is where tools like Simplify can help streamline things, keeping your deadlines, resumes, and applications in one place. But no tool will do the work for you.

You don't need to be perfect. You need to be consistent.

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Final Thoughts: Stay Clear, Stay Organized, Stay Hungry

Finding the right internship doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you:

• Know what you want
• Understand what's possible
• Build toward it step by step
• Ask for help when you need it
• Keep going, even when it's slow

So if you're still asking how do I get an internship, start with the process above. Then keep at it.

The right internship isn't just about the title or company. It's the one that moves you forward.

And you're closer to it than you think.

Want to find an internship that matches your skills and interests? Join Simplify and get matched with relevant job openings. Over 200 million applications were submitted through Simplify this year - start using it to find your next internship today!!