Summer Internships for College Students: Tips for the Search

Summer internships are one of the best ways for college students to gain real-world experience, build their resumes, and explore career paths. Whether you’re looking to work in education, healthcare, business, or a nonprofit setting like Camp Starfish, finding the right internship can set you up for future success. 

Here are some expert tips to help you secure the perfect opportunity.

1. Start Your Search Early

The best summer internships for college students fill up quickly! Many organizations begin recruiting months in advance (Camp Starfish begins recruiting for summer interns in October the prior year!), so start researching and applying for positions as early as possible. 

Searching for an internship in advance also shows you’re an eager candidate that has true interest in working with that company. The longer you wait to apply for an internship, the more likely an interviewer may perceive you as someone who procrastinates or is not as interested in the opportunity as candidates who applied sooner (i.e. this opportunity wasn’t your first choice).

internship search

2. Define Your Goals

Think about what you want to gain from an internship. Are you looking for hands-on experience? Networking opportunities? A potential job offer? Knowing your goals will help you target the right positions.

During the interview process, make sure you are asking your interviewer how an internship with their organization will help you achieve your career goals. An internship making copies at a top company may look good on paper, but an internship with a lesser-known organization that gives you more in-depth training and responsibility may actually set you up to be a better candidate for your dream career. 

career goals

3. Use Multiple Resources

Don’t rely on just one method to find internships. Check out:

  • College career centers – Many schools have databases with exclusive summer internships for college students.
  • Online job boards – Sites like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed are great places to search.
  • Networking – Talk to professors, family, and alumni who might know of opportunities.
  • Company and organization websites – Some internships aren’t widely advertised, so check the career pages of organizations you admire.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in a specific type of internship, you may set up a Google Alert with your email so you are notified whenever a company posts that type of internship online. Indeed has a great article about how to set this up yourself.

internship interview

4. Customize Your Application

A generic resume and cover letter won’t stand out. Tailor your application for each internship, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Emphasize leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving—especially if you’ve worked in roles that involve responsibility, like coaching or mentoring.

When writing a cover letter, do your best to encapsulate the mission of the organization you’re applying to and how you plan to further that mission. As an interviewer for Camp Starfish, reading letters that say, “I’m a hard-working individual who is eager to gain experience in child development,” is not as impactful as reading, “I’m a hard-working individual who is eager to help children with emotional, behavioral, and learning challenges succeed by providing them with individualized support in a therapeutic setting like Camp Starfish.” 

resume writing

5. Be Open to Unique Opportunities

Many students focus on corporate internships, but nonprofit and other alternative internships (like those at Camp Starfish) offer incredible hands-on experience in leadership, communication, and teamwork. These skills are highly valued across all career fields.

Additionally, some alternative internship opportunities may offer unique perks that corporate internships do not. For instance, those who choose an internship at Camp Starfish get to enjoy traveling to a new part of the world while having the benefit of free housing, laundry, meals, and more while working for the organization. You may meet some of your closest friends doing your internship in an unexpected setting!

summer internships for college students

6. Prepare for Interviews

Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss your experiences, strengths, and what you hope to gain from the internship. Research the organization beforehand and come prepared with the ability to explain how the experience you already have will be of benefit to the organization. 

If you do not have prior experience, you may want to focus on learning more about industry trends. Talk about your coursework in that area or books that you’ve read that are relevant to the company. If you can, you may want to consider shadowing someone in the field you’re interested in so you can discuss that experience in your interview.

handshake

7. Follow Up

After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and may ultimately be what lands you the position!

Consider a Summer Internship at Camp Starfish!

If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider a summer internship at Camp Starfish! Our programs offer college students the chance to develop leadership skills, gain experience working with children with special needs, and build meaningful connections—all while having an unforgettable summer.

Explore our internship opportunities today and take the next step in your career journey!

📢 Apply Now

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Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

Photo of Danielle Lubbers

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers during the summer.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”