What do you do if you're struggling to secure an internship in your field of study?

1. Update your CV regularly. 2. try to gain insights by connecting with people who are already doing the internship in the same field 3. Acquire technical skills in the meantime 4. Always remember that consistency is the key 5. Acknowledge your accomplishment even if it's as small as getting a reply from that cold email you sent last week.

During the height of COVID-19, securing an internship in my field seemed impossible. With opportunities scarce, I decided to pivot and volunteer remotely for a nonprofit that needed help with tasks related to my studies. Though it wasn’t a traditional internship, I gained valuable experience, built my skills, and expanded my network. This led to a recommendation for a remote internship later on. The lesson? Be adaptable, seek alternative paths, and leverage every opportunity to learn and grow—even in challenging times.

If you're having trouble securing an internship in your field, broaden your horizons by exploring related industries, roles, or geographic locations. Consider remote opportunities and network with professionals to uncover new possibilities. This approach increases your chances of gaining relevant experience and expanding your career options.

La recherche de stage dans un domaine précis est parfois difficile. Afin de se donner toutes les chances, il est recommandé de se laisser plus de choix en élargissant les possibilités. C'est ce que nous recommandons à nos étudiants au sein du campus

If I’m struggling to secure an internship, I’d expand my search to include smaller companies or startups. I’d also network with professionals in my field, attend industry events, and use social media to connect with potential opportunities. Volunteering or taking on freelance projects to gain relevant experience would also be on my radar.

Conecte-se com professores, ex-alunos e profissionais da área para buscar orientações e possíveis indicações. Participe de eventos, workshops e conferências relacionados ao seu campo para conhecer pessoas influentes e ampliar suas conexões. Além disso, considere utilizar plataformas de networking profissional, como LinkedIn, para se engajar com grupos e discutir com especialistas da área.

Le réseautage fait parti intégrante de la recherche de stage. Une organisation précises est à établir afin de ne laisser passer aucune opportunité professionnelle. Pour cela, des forums de recrutement sont organisés au sein de mon campus.

Maya was struggling to land an internship despite multiple applications. Realizing her skills needed sharpening, she dove into online courses, learning Python and machine learning. She also started a personal project, creating an AI-driven book recommendation app, and volunteered to build a website for a local nonprofit. As her skills grew, so did her confidence. When the next internship season arrived, Maya's improved portfolio and experience led to several interviews. She soon received an offer from a tech startup, proving that refining her skills had been the key to unlocking new opportunities.

It is true that when studying, it is challenging to have the means to ask for professional feedback. However, it isn't easy to find enough time since looking for a job or an internship is a job by itself. In a highly competitive job market, it is becoming increasingly more difficult. Companies have many applicants, some with great backgrounds from good universities, even with master's degrees and such. Therefore, finding professional headhunters or truly experienced contacts and friends is an excellent idea to help you build a suitable CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn page. That could help you avoid common mistakes and highlight what makes you unique.