How to Land Internships with No Experience
Getting an internship when you have no experience can feel impossible. Every listing seems to want “2+ years in the field,” and you’re wondering how you’re supposed to gain experience… when no one gives you a chance to start.
The truth? Most students start with no experience. The key is knowing how to present what you do have — your potential, your curiosity, and your hustle. This guide breaks down exactly how to land internships even if your resume is blank and your LinkedIn feels lonely.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset — You Do Have Experience
You might not have a previous internship, but that doesn’t mean you bring nothing to the table.
Think about:
Class projects and presentations
Part-time jobs or volunteering
Leadership roles in clubs or sports
Freelance gigs, personal projects, or hobbies
Online courses and certifications
Hiring managers know you're a student. They're not looking for perfect — they're looking for someone who learns fast and shows effort.
Step 2: Build a “Starter” Resume That Highlights Potential
You don’t need a stacked resume — just one that shows you're intentional.
What to include:
Education: University, major, expected graduation, GPA (if it’s decent)
Projects: Academic or personal — what did you build, solve, or lead?
Skills: Software, tools, languages, or anything relevant to the role
Coursework: List a few key classes that relate to the field
Volunteering / Campus involvement: Show teamwork and initiative
Certifications: Add anything from LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, etc.
Make sure your bullet points focus on results, not just tasks.
Bad: “Worked on group project in marketing class”
Good: “Led a 3-person team to create a mock campaign that reached 5,000 students via Instagram”
Step 3: Start Small, But Start Now
You don’t need to land a dream internship at Google right away. Aim for experience that builds momentum:
Campus jobs or research assistant roles
Virtual internships or “micro-internships” (check platforms like Forage or Parker Dewey)
Freelance work (design, writing, coding) on sites like Fiverr or Upwork
Volunteer projects — offer to help a local business with social media, websites, or admin work
Student clubs or competitions that simulate real work
These are legit resume builders that show you’re serious about your career — even before it officially starts.
Step 4: Write a Killer Cold Email or Cover Letter
If you have no experience, your intro email or cover letter needs to make one thing clear: why you care and what you bring.
Structure it like this:
Introduce yourself: School, field of interest, what you’re studying.
Express enthusiasm: Why this company or field?
Show what you’re doing to learn: Courses, projects, or certifications.
Offer value: What small thing could you help with? Social media, research, writing?
Example:
Hi [Name], I'm a second-year Business student at NYU passionate about digital marketing. Though I don't have formal experience yet, I've built a small audience on TikTok, completed HubSpot's content marketing course, and love analyzing how brands go viral. I'd love to contribute as an intern or even volunteer — especially with social media or writing. Could we chat for 15 minutes about any opportunities or advice you might have?
Even if they don’t have a spot, you’ve made a strong impression — and many do respond.
Step 5: Leverage LinkedIn and Your Campus Network
You don’t need “connections” — you just need to start reaching out. Use these hacks:
Search “[your major] + internship” on LinkedIn
Filter by your university — alumni are way more likely to help
Message them with a short ask:
“Hey, I saw you interned at [Company]. I’m a student at [University] and really interested in that field. Any advice for someone just starting out?”
Also check your school’s career center, job boards, Slack groups, and professor announcements. Some of the best opportunities never get posted publicly.
Step 6: Practice Interviews Early (Even Before You Get One)
When your first interview comes — you don’t want it to be your first time talking about yourself. Practice:
Why you’re interested in the field
What your strengths are
Stories from school, clubs, or side projects that show initiative
A time you worked on a team or solved a problem
You can practice with a friend, record yourself, or even simulate interviews using tools like Duetoday AI — it lets you interact with your lecture material, generate mock questions, and prep with AI before the real thing.
Step 7: Apply Broadly — But Tailor Every Time
The first internship you apply for probably won’t say yes. That’s okay. Most students land something after applying to dozens of roles.
But never spam a generic resume and cover letter. Tailor each application by:
Mentioning the company name and why it interests you
Reflecting their language in the job posting
Highlighting your relevant class project, skill, or experience
Yes, it takes more time — but it works.
Step 8: Use Tools That Boost Your Workflow
You’re already juggling classes, exams, and maybe a part-time job. Use tools that cut the busywork.
Duetoday AI helps students manage their academic life by:
Recording and transcribing lectures
Turning them into notes, summaries, or presentations
Creating AI-generated flashcards and quizzes
Letting you chat with lecture content for fast review
Organizing your study schedule in one place
It helps you stay on top of school while making time to apply, research, and prep for internships. You can try it free — it's perfect for students who are building toward real-world opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Everyone Starts with “No Experience”
Landing your first internship with no experience isn’t about luck — it’s about persistence, smart positioning, and small wins that build momentum. Focus on what you can control:
Your curiosity
Your willingness to learn
The time you put into outreach and preparation
Your resume might start blank, but your potential isn’t. Start where you are, keep building, and don’t be afraid to ask for opportunities. Most students who get hired didn’t wait — they went for it.
FAQ
Do unpaid internships count as experience?
Yes! As long as you're learning and contributing, unpaid or volunteer roles are completely valid on a resume.
How many applications should I send?
Aim for at least 20–30 targeted applications. Focus on quality, but don’t be afraid to apply widely.
What if I don’t know what field I want yet?
Try internships in multiple areas. It’s better to test now than commit to a career you’re unsure about later.
Can I get an internship as a first-year student?
Absolutely. Many companies offer early-stage internships or shadowing programs. Start small and build.
Do online courses actually help?
Yes — especially when you apply what you learn. List certifications and show projects built from them.