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).

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.

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.

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.”

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!

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.

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!