How to find summer internships: Tips for college students

For college students, summer is prime time to level up your career with a co-op or internship. At UC, co-ops are paid career experience integrated into curriculum, while internships may be paid or unpaid and are often less integrated into curriculum.

The search can feel competitive, like everyone’s showing off the flashiest resume, but with a little strategy, you can find a position that gives real-world experience, builds your network and points you toward your future career. Let’s dive into exactly how to find a summer internship that excites you.

Bearcats, we’ve got you covered:
UC students can access AI resume and cover letter builders, skills assessments, professional portraits, and more to get internship-ready fast on our Career and Co-op Support site.

A summer internship isn’t just another line on your resume — it’s a sneak peek into your future. Co-ops and internships allow you to:

• Gain real-world experience outside the classroom
• Network with professionals in your field
• Strengthen your resume and stand out for future jobs
• Figure out what you enjoy (and don’t) 

Even if you’re early in college, exploring summer internships or co-ops can give you a head start on figuring out what you want to do after graduation.

Co-ops and internships can fill up fast. Some companies post summer positions as early as January. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have and the less stressed you’ll feel.

Pro tip: Keep a spreadsheet with application deadlines, company names and notes about each role. More organization now = less panic later.

Before you start applying, consider:

• Which industries or roles are you curious about?
• Are you looking for a co-op or an internship?
• Do you want a paid summer internship, or would you consider unpaid experiences if they offer a strong enough learning opportunity?
• Remote, hybrid or in-person; what works for you?

Defining your priorities will help you focus your search and find opportunities that are a good fit.

Finding the right internship doesn’t mean aimlessly scrolling job boards — you’ve got plenty of UC-specific resources designed for college students like you:

• UC’s co-op resources: Expert guidance, a cooperative education focus, and a website packed with the resources students need to thrive in today’s competitive job market
• UC Bearcat Promise Career Studio: Job listings, workshops and one-on-one support
• Handshake: A go-to platform for UC students with tons of co-ops and summer internship programs
• Career fairs and on-campus events: Meet employers face to face at UC-hosted career fairs or company info sessions. You’ll find these under “Events” in Handshake.
• Company websites: Don’t forget to check the careers page of companies you admire, and keep an eye on sites like LinkedIn for new postings.
• Professional organizations: Industry-specific associations often have student opportunities

Pro tip: Don’t overlook smaller companies, nonprofits and public organizations; they often provide hands-on experience that big corporations can’t.

You resume your first impression. Make yours stand out:

• Highlight relevant projects, coursework and skills
• Tailor each cover letter to the specific internship
• Include leadership roles, volunteer experience and technical skills

Need a resume boost? Try BigInterview’s Resume AI or schedule a session with a career coach for personalized tips and guidance.

Instead of mass-applying to every co-op and internship, focus on quality:

• Target internships that match your career goals
• Follow deadlines and application instructions carefully
• Leverage your network — professors, classmates and alumni can help open doors

If you land a virtual or in-person interview, be ready:

• Research the company
• Practice common interview questions ahead of time
• Think about how your experiences connect to the role

Pro tip: Practice mock interviews with a friend or book a session with a UC career coach. 

Want more interview tips? Take a look at our blog: 7 internship interview tips to help you land the role.

Not every application results in an offer and that’s totally normal. Persistence is key. Every resume, every interview, and every networking conversation brings you closer to landing the co-op or internship that’s right for you.

• Paid summer internships for college students are great if finances matter, but don’t discount unpaid experiences that offer valuable skills.
• Explore summer internship programs beyond your major or comfort zone to discover new opportunities.
• Apply to multiple roles, but track everything carefully to avoid confusion.

Landing a summer internship or co-op isn’t about luck — it’s all about planning, persistence and knowing where to look. Start early, focus on opportunities that match your goals and use the resources UC provides to make your applications shine. 

Every resume you send, every interview you do and every connection you make gets you closer to a co-op or internship that could kickstart your career. 

Ready to start exploring for summer internships? Explore opportunities and get personalized guidance at the UC Bearcat Promise Career Studio and start turning your internship goals into reality today.