Securing an internship in a tech company requires a combination of technical skills, strategic preparation, and networking. The most common hard skill required for an IT internship is Java, with 12.6% of IT interns having this skill on their resume. Customer service is the second most common hard skill, appearing on 10.3% of resumes.
Preparation for a tech internship should ideally start one season ahead of time. This involves deciding the kind of internship you want, exploring multiple avenues to find internships, and strategically preparing for recruitment. It’s important to understand the industry and the company you’re applying to, build a portfolio full of relevant projects, and tailor your resume and cover letter to each company you apply to.
Networking plays a crucial role in securing a tech internship. This can involve reaching out to alumni or professionals in your intended field via platforms like LinkedIn. Even if these connections don’t directly lead to an internship offer, they can be beneficial for future job opportunities.
Tech internships are not limited to students pursuing degrees in computer science, engineering, information technology, or data science and analytics. Students from business, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, advertising, finance, human resources, and legal services can also benefit from a tech internship.
Tech internships provide practical experience, networking opportunities, potential school credits, and sometimes even competitive compensation. They allow individuals to apply their skills in real-world situations, which can boost their resume and increase their employability. Some tech internships may even lead to part-time or full-time job offers.