Startup Internships: 10 Tips to Get an Internship with a Growing Company
Interning with a startup can be a great opportunity for students, recent graduates, and people early on in their careers who want to gain valuable experience and grow their professional networks. But how can you find the startup internship that’s right for you? And what can you do to set yourself apart and ensure your resume gets noticed? The Viaduct team is sharing 10 tips to help you in your search.
Related: What Makes Working at a Startup Special?
- Do Your Research: Startups vary in size and structure. Some teams that are just starting out might only be a few people, while a more mature company may employ dozens or even hundreds of people. Take the time to research different startups and find those that align with your interests, skills, and career goals. Look for startups in industries that you want to learn more about or that are working on projects you find interesting.
- Build Your Network: Networking is crucial when it comes to landing an internship at a startup. Attend networking events, industry meetups, and startup pitch competitions to meet founders, employees, and industry professionals. Be sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and use the platform to connect with people in the startup ecosystem. If you’re a student or recent graduate, tap into your school’s career services or alumni network to leverage resources and meet people who may be able to guide you in your search.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experiences (clubs, projects, classes, previous internships), hard and soft skills, and achievements that make you a good fit for the startup.
- Craft a Good Cover Letter: A cover letter is a great way to showcase the reasons you’re interested in interning with a growing organization and share more about your background. Startups are typically looking for interns who can hit the ground running. Use your cover letter to highlight your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and willingness to learn.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for internship openings to be advertised. Reach out to startups directly to find out about internship opportunities, even if they’re not actively hiring.
- Demonstrate Passion and Enthusiasm: Startups want interns who are passionate about their mission and excited to contribute to their growth. During any interviews and interactions with the team, communicate your enthusiasm for what the company is doing and where they’re headed. Take time to familiarize yourself with the startup’s origin story and any big milestones. Follow them on social media to keep a pulse on what’s going on within the organization.
- Prepare for Interviews: Research the startup thoroughly and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Be ready to discuss your past experiences, skills, and how they relate to the internship role. Practice your responses to common interview questions. If the interview is in-person, consider bringing a few copies of your resume. Consider taking notes during the interview so you can incorporate some key points into your follow-up email.
- Be Flexible and Adaptable: Startups operate in a fast-paced environment where things can change quickly. Show that you’re flexible, adaptable, and willing to take on new challenges and learn new skills. Think about real-life examples where you’ve displayed these attributes.
- Seek Feedback: If you don’t land an internship after applying or interviewing with a startup, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Constructive feedback from startup founders and employees can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your approach for future opportunities.
- Follow Up: After interviews or networking events, send a thank-you email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to connect. Reiterate your interest in the internship and why you’re excited about the possibility of working with their team.
Interested in interning or working for a startup? Head over to the Viaduct Job Board to see open positions—and good luck with your search!
Related: How to Build a Successful Internship Program for Your Startup
This blog was authored by Viaduct’s Director of Recruiting and Business Operations Tom Hausler.
