By Colleen Batchelder, Contributor
Forbes.com
If you’re like most first-year college students right now, you may be thinking, “Life is good, my courses are all set, and there’s nothing else on the horizon except for next weekend’s beach blanket bingo party.” So why would you even consider applying for internships now, especially when the majority of your peers are just trying to increase their GPA and their social influence on campus?
I know it’s unusual to start searching for internships during your first year of college, but what if I told you that standing out from the crowd and doing something differently is precisely what’s needed to land your dream job? Think back to any success story, and you’ll find that the underdog is the one who steals the show. And you, my friend, may certainly feel like the underdog, especially if you decide to apply for internships and compete in the same rooms as talented juniors and seniors.
However, even if you feel like a fish out of water or out of your league, I can guarantee you this: The fact that you decided to venture out before you felt like you were 100% ready gives you a competitive edge. If you’re brave enough to step out in confidence, you’re a sure candidate who will lead with initiative, innovation and curiosity. So, are you ready to get into the internship game? Read on for how to get started.
You Can Get Internships As A Freshman (And You Should)
As a freshman in college, you may feel a little green around the gills. After all, your experience in the job market is sure to be minimal. But you, my Gen Z reader, are teachable. And if there’s one thing all businesses want, it’s someone who is willing to show up with the passion and desire to learn new skills.
In fact, many employers value working with people who are considered coachable and motivated to grow professionally. And why wouldn’t they? With the endless influx of AI, it’s no wonder that adaptability is the new superpower in business. So, now that you know businesses are open to having you intern, let’s talk about when you should start looking for these applications and what to do if you’re already behind schedule.
When Is The Best Time To Start Looking For Internships?
Don’t feel like you have to have everything sorted out in one weekend. Finding the right internship takes time. Pace yourself and set weekly objectives to complete. The key is to understand the big picture and then work backwards with the details.
For instance, let’s say your major is marketing and you hope to land an internship in New York City over the summer. Follow this blueprint below:
- Create a list of your top five programs that you think would be a good fit.
- Write out the deadlines and qualifications you need for each internship.
- Check if you need to add anything to your skillset to boost your resume.
- Create a list of what actions you need to take in order to fill in those gaps.
Once you have done everything you can do to increase your chance of being accepted, it’s now time to apply, hope for the best, and breathe. Because if you’ve completed everything above, that’s all you can do. Now, it’s up to fate.
What Internships Are Available For College Freshmen?
Certain companies tailor their internships to be age-specific and only allow freshmen and sophomores to enter into their programs. Three of them include:
- Explore Microsoft is an 8-week (India) or 12-week (U.S.) summer internship program specifically designed for first-year and second-year college students.
- The Bank of America Global Technology Freshman Summer Analyst Program is a 10-week program designed to provide a unique opportunity to gain exposure to life at the financial institution and also make significant contributions to the team.
- The Two Sigma First Year Software Engineering Internship is a 10-week summer internship program held at the company’s New York City office in Soho.
Where Can Freshmen Find More Of These Internships?
If you want to do some more digging and look at your specific industry, you can join job websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn and others, and look through their database for other opportunities. Another option is to leverage your network on career platforms such as Handshake and reach out to fellow students and alumni who have previously interned at companies that interest you. They can connect you with the right people or inform you about opportunities that align with your major and skillset.
How Do You Stand Out When You Have No Experience?
“From what I’ve seen — and having been an intern myself a few years ago — the best interns stand out by being proactive and genuinely curious,” says Hardik Ruparel, the founder of EasyReferrals, a cloud-based platform that turbocharges the job referral process. “I understand most interns hope to convert their role into a full-time offer, but I strongly recommend approaching the experience primarily as a learning opportunity,” he notes. “While technical skills do matter, we place even more weight on how curious and proactive an intern is.”
Jade Walters, an employer branding consultant and the founder of The Ninth Semester, a career resource for young professionals, echoes this sentiment. She suggests, “My biggest advice for interns is to not be afraid to ask questions. As an intern, you’re not expected to know everything at your new organization. Don’t be afraid to ask your manager questions about the work you’re doing, the team, the company, etc. They’re here to support you.”
Getting an internship as a freshman helps you stand out and provides the connections you need to land your dream job after graduation. But it doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes strategy. So, take some time to list your top companies, research the internship qualifications, then step out in confidence by filling out that application. Remember, you’ll never get anywhere by sitting on the sidelines. It’s time to play the game and win.
To view the full article, visit: https://www.forbes.com/sites/colleenbatchelder/2025/08/13/college-freshmen-start-internship-search-early/
