How To Find An Internship (Without Losing Your Mind)

Internships feel like one of those things everyone says you need, but nobody really tells you how to find them. This search can feel especially overwhelming. But, landing an internship doesn’t have to feel like a mystery, and below are a few effective ways to get started:

1. Let Linkedin Do the Hard Work

Linkedin is like an adult version of instagram, honestly.

Here is how you can make it work for you:

• Use the Jobs tap and type in filters such as “Internship”, “Summer 2026”, “Remote”, or whatever it is you’re looking for.
• Turn on “Open to Work” so recruiters know you are looking for opportunities 
• Follow companies and organizations you care about, and would want to intern with
• Connect with Skidmore alumni, grads love helping students
• Send a message! A nice message goes a long way and can open doors.

2. Talk to Your Professors 

Your professors are extremely connected.

They:

• Know colleagues at other colleges
• Have friends in certain industries
• Collaborate on research
• Are the first to hear about new opportunities

If you tell them what you’re looking for, they can help point you in the right direction of what you’re seeking. Don’t be afraid to reach out! Professors are here to help, and want to help. It just means you’re thinking ahead!

3. Use Skidmore’s resources

We have:

• The OCSE for internships abroad
• Career Development Center (CDC) for resume reviews, job boards, and database access
• Handshake, it lists internships curated for Skidmore students 
• Department newsletters share internship and research openings 
• Peer advisors can help you find opportunities 

4. Just… Google It

You would be shocked as to how far a simple search can take you.

You can honestly just type in:

• Summer 2026 internships in …
• Paid remote internship 
• Internship in … for …

Google can also help you find smaller organizations you won’t find on big job boards. These places usually want interns, and have a much smaller group of applicants. 

5. Tell Everyone You’re Looking

Whether it be your friends, your family, your family’s friends, everyone. Opportunities spread by word of mouth, and people will remember and send you listings. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. 

Finding an internship isn’t about being the most “qualified”, it’s about being proactive. Whether you’re doom scrolling through LinkedIn, emailing a professor between classes, or googling openings while in bed, the right opportunity is out there.