You’ve spent hours of your life writing essays on why you want to join X firm and copying and pasting your middle school results into what feels like hundreds of different application forms, only to be met with rejection after rejection. What adds salt to the injury is seeing the same generic email every time:
“We are sorry to inform you that we will not be proceeding with your application at this time. Unfortunately, due to the large number of applications received, we are unable to give individual feedback.”
“Having successfully secured a handful of internships for this summer, I feel I have come out of this process with a few key pieces of advice, and, of course, about two dozen rejection emails”
It seems as if all the time you have spent researching all these firms and tailoring your responses to their application questions has been in vain. And you’re left wondering – what can you do better next time? We have all been there. That sinking feeling when it seems like everyone around you is securing incredible internships – working with the United Nations, top-tier law firms or other prestigious organisations – while you picture yourself spending your summer at your part-time job. But do not despair! Having successfully secured a handful of internships for this summer, I feel I have come out of this process with a few key pieces of advice, and, of course, about two dozen rejection emails.
First, start early! Everyone is probably starting to look at opportunities around October, even if they are talking about it. While this might mean you will be receiving rejection emails even before Christmas, future-you will be grateful. Even without getting individual feedback, revisiting an unsuccessful application a couple of weeks later will probably help you recognise areas of improvement. Thus, the earlier you start, the more time you have to refine your approach when applying for internships.
Secondly, if you figure out what application questions are commonly asked, work on a strong answer while leaving room to adapt it for individual firms. In this way, completing an application will not feel like it takes you hours anymore, instead you will be able to copy and paste 80% of the information, while fine tuning the remaining 20% to fit each role you are applying to. Another helpful tip is to edit your CV or draft cover letters regularly. Editing in smaller increments makes the process far less overwhelming than rewriting everything in one go.
If none of these have worked for you, what should you do if you have found yourself without an internship and it is already the end of March? Hopefully the last couple of months have taught you how to “sell yourself” better when applying for internships. If you still have it in you, it is still worth looking out for a handful of internships with later deadlines, some companies continue hiring well into spring. If these options don’t pan out, consider reaching out to smaller businesses asking if you would be able to do some work experience or intern with them. While this might mean taking an unpaid internship, it could still be a valuable opportunity to gain some experience and build connections in your field.
“At the end of the day, your career won’t be defined by one summer”
Lastly, try not to compare yourself to your peers. Just because others you know have secured internships for this summer does not mean that that is the right path for you. Plus, it is worth bearing in mind that once you enter the workforce, you will most likely be working until retirement, so what’s the rush? If this is your last college summer, consider doing something fun, like a J1 program. Having recently found myself at the US Embassy surrounded by college students getting their J1 visas, I realised that not everyone is fixated on internships. It was pretty eye-opening to realise that some people simply try to make the best of their summers, without worrying about being productive or what to put on your resume. And maybe, if you haven’t gotten an internship yet, this is your sign to embrace a different kind of summer experience. At the end of the day, your career won’t be defined by one summer.
