How to Land an Internship in a Tight Market

College students know that internships are an essential career steppingstone — but landing one has gotten a lot harder. While we are still seeing numerous jobs and internships posted for Bentley students to view and apply to, a recent Wall Street Journal article reported that postings are well below previous years, creating a tight market for applicants and leaving college students scrambling to stand out. Part of what my team does in the Pulsifer Career Development Center is to help Bentley students figure out exactly how to do that. 

Understanding the importance of real-world work experience isn’t something new for Bentley: 90% of our students do at least one internship before graduating. But their success isn’t simply because they apply to more positions. They build signals of job readiness that employers can recognize quickly.  

5 Tips to Land Your Dream Internship 

How can college students stand out? Here are five strategies we share with students to prepare for internships before they’re even posted. 

1. Build your professional story early 

   A student should be able to explain their strengths, skills and interests and the value they bring to an employer. Employers notice candidates who connect courses, clubs, projects and experiences into a clear narrative. At Bentley, this is a big part of our career course for first-year students, Career Design Introduction 101. A strong story makes résumés, interviews and networking much more effective. 

2. Gain experience before the internship search begins 

   Internships often go to students who already have some form of experience — even if it’s informal. It could be involvement in a campus group, part-time work, research with a professor, volunteer work or case competitions. Employers want to see evidence of initiative, teamwork and problem-solving. Experience — of any kind — gives you credibility. 

3. Develop digital and durable skills 

   Today’s internship market rewards students who pair business fundamentals with practical tools. Key technical skills that many employers value include Excel, PowerPoint, Canva, data analysis tools (Tableau, Power BI), AI literacy and prompt engineering. But employers also value “durable” skills such as creativity, grit, adaptability and effective communication. A student who can show both technical fluency and strategic thinking stands out immediately. 

4. Be intentional about networking 

   Many students land internships through relationships, referrals and informational conversations rather than from blind applications. Students should connect with alumni, attend employer-hosted events, join relevant student organizations and do informational interviews to increase their chances. The goal is not to ask for a job. It’s to build familiarity. Employers often remember engaged students long before openings are posted. Networking is a lifelong endeavor. Remember there is only a one-letter difference between NETworking and NOT working. 

5. Treat the internship like an interview 

   Once you land an internship, treat it like an eight- to ten-week interview and networking opportunity. Beyond meeting — and exceeding — the expectations of the role, be curious and proactive. Ask thoughtful questions and learn from employees about their career paths. Build a mentor relationship with an experienced leader to create meaningful professional connections. If possible, identify “reverse-mentor” opportunities. For example, if you’re good at AI prompt engineering, offer to help your manager and team become more productive in that area. Stay engaged and energetic throughout your internship. In many cases, an internship can lead to a full-time offer, as employers often prefer to “recruit once — hire twice.”