When to Apply for a Summer Internship 2025
Get your applications ready!
While most of us would like to spend our summers off without having to think about school or work, the reality is that adding a summer internship to your resume will help you stand out from other applicants once you begin your career search in earnest and maybe even snag you your dream job. But now the question is, “Where do I even start when it comes to applying for internships?”
The entire internship process varies between companies, but there are plenty of things you can do to increase your chances of getting the internship (and maybe even getting hired in the future). Here’s a quick guide on everything you need to know when it comes to applying for summer internships.
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What is a summer internship?
A summer internship is a position a student or trainee works in an organization or company in order to get relevant work experience for certain jobs or positions. It also acts as a primer to your career track, giving you hands-on experience in the field you hope to find a job in once you graduate.
Some internships offer pay, but most are unpaid positions. The experience is temporary (i.e., not a permanent position) but offers the student work experience while learning about a specific job. Most employers look for relevant internship experience on resumes when students are applying for their first jobs after graduation.
When to Apply for a Summer Internship
So, now that you’ve decided to apply for a summer internship program, it’s important to know when to start getting all your application materials ready. Here are some basic guidelines to note as you’re sending off applications.
Timeline
The timeline for summer internships varies by each specific program, but there are a few general rules to follow when it comes to sending in your application.
- Large and/or highly competitive programs: applications can open as early as a year and a half before the program begins. For example, if you want to apply to the summer 2025 program, applications may have opened in the fall of 2024.
- Smaller companies: applications may open a year ahead of the program date and will likely remain open a few months before the program actually starts.
Tips When Applying for a Summer Internship
Ready to start sending in applications? Hold up for just a second—there are a few tips you should know before you start applying for a summer internship. Give yourself the best odds of being picked so you can score your dream internship during the summer.
Apply Earlier Than You Think
It might surprise you to know that it’s never really too early to apply for summer internships. Even if you’re not planning on getting an internship until the summer of your junior or senior year, applying during your freshman year is a solid idea. This is especially true if the internship offers a direct path to your future career goals.
The earlier you get your internship experience, the better. But don’t worry if you’re already past your freshman year in college. Just plan on applying as early as possible to have the best chance of getting selected for an internship. A good rule of thumb is the more competitive the internship, the earlier you should apply.
Check Deadlines
Similar to college applications, some internships have hard application deadlines, while others are more flexible. Be sure to keep track of all your deadlines so you don’t miss out on sending in your application.
Larger companies with a fixed number of internships available usually have stricter deadlines and usually make their decisions earlier in the year. Smaller businesses are generally more flexible during the internship application and recruiting process.
Prepare Your Resume
Getting your resume ready is an integral process of the summer internship process. While it can be tedious to update your resume, making sure it’s as professional and readable as possible will pay off in the long run. Include all relevant experience and even college courses that directly show your aptitude for the internship.
It’s also not a bad idea to have someone else proofread your resume before you send it off. A fresh set of eyes might catch any typos you missed or help you showcase your skills in the best way possible.
Network as Much as You Can
Networking events usually happen on college campuses to help recruit students for internships or jobs throughout the year. Take the time to swing by these events and meet as many people as possible.
If you meet someone who could potentially mentor you or help you along your career journey, be sure to keep in contact with them so they know you’re interested in any internship positions they have available.
Read Through the Application Directions
While this should go without saying, each internship application will have its own specific set of instructions and requirements. One application might require a portfolio, one might require a certain number of references, and one might require a transcript.
Don’t make a silly mistake and be rejected for the internship before you even have a chance to interview. Double-check all application directions and submit the proper materials for each one.
Get Interview Ready
So you got the interview—congratulations! Now it’s time to get ready for arguably the most important step of the internship application process. You’d rather go in over-prepared than under-prepared.
Do some research on the company and come up with a few reasons why you’re the ideal candidate for the internship. Make sure you have something professional to wear and have a few questions ready for the interviewer. You’ve got this!
