Your first internship starts before the application.
A practical guide to building proof of work, finding opportunities and making thoughtful applications.
Choose one direction
Pick a role you want to explore, such as development, design, operations or marketing. Read a few role descriptions and list the skills they repeatedly ask for. Focus your first project on a small set of those skills.
Build something you can explain
A small finished project is easier to discuss than a long list of courses. Describe the problem, your approach, what you built and what you would improve. Use your own work and be clear about any templates or assistance you used.
Apply with context
Keep your résumé concise and link to relevant work. Explain why the role interests you and how your project relates to it. Track applications and follow up politely when appropriate. Quality and relevance matter more than sending the same message everywhere.
Check the opportunity
Confirm the organisation, supervisor, responsibilities, duration and compensation in writing. Be cautious with requests for payment or sensitive documents early in the process. Ask what you will learn and how your work will be reviewed.
