6 Uncommon Ways to Find an Internship (That Actually Work)

When it comes to finding a great internship, most students automatically start with the tried-and-true job search platforms. While useful, job search platforms are also the most crowded when the rush to apply for internships begins. Luckily, there are other less common ways to find an internship that you can explore alongside your usual application methods.

Network the Right Way

By now, we’ve all heard how important networking is for your career, but what does this actually mean in practice? For most students, the idea of networking sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

When you’re just starting out, try connecting with people you already know like your professors, classmates, former supervisors (if you’ve had a part-time job), or family members who work in industries you’re curious about. Let them know you’re exploring internships and ask if they’d be willing to share how they got their start. These conversations often lead to introductions, referrals, or insider advice on upcoming opportunities.

If you want to take things a step further, reach out to alumni from your school or on LinkedIn. A short, polite message can go a long way, and most alumni would be happy to help. Here’s an example of a short message to help you get started:

• “Hi, I’m an economics major at [Your School] exploring internship opportunities in [Your Industry]. I saw that you work at [Company Name] and would love to hear about your experience there if you have a few minutes to chat.”

Use LinkedIn as More Than a Digital Resume

LinkedIn isn’t just for established professionals; it’s also one of the most powerful tools students can use to find internships. When you’re looking for an internship, you can use LinkedIn to build visibility and attract opportunities.

Start off by posting about projects you’ve been working on in class, any leadership roles you have on campus, or topics related to your career interests. For instance, if you’re an accounting major learning about financial analytics, share a short post about a key insight or concept you found interesting. The reason for this is employers and recruiters will sometimes browse LinkedIn to find motivated students who demonstrate curiosity for their industry (or company).

You can also follow companies you’re interested in to stay on top of internship announcements before they hit job boards. Comment thoughtfully on their posts to get your name in front of hiring managers or recruiters.

Target Startups and Small Businesses

Many students dream of interning at big, well-known companies, but smaller organizations can offer just as much (if not more) hands-on experience. Startups, nonprofits, and small businesses often have real needs but limited time or resources to post internship listings—that’s where you (yes, you!) come in.

Set aside some time to conduct research on local or early-stage companies that align with your interests, and send a short, proactive email introducing yourself. Explain what skills you bring to the table and how you could help. Check out this example message:

• “Hi [Name of Contact], I’m a junior majoring in marketing at [Your School]. I’ve been following [Company Name] and I love the work you’re doing in digital brand strategy. I’d love to contribute by helping with social media campaigns or content development this summer. Would you be open to a brief conversation?”

Even if the company doesn’t have a formal internship program, they may be open to creating one once they see your enthusiasm for your role and the work their company has been doing.

Check Out Professional Associations

Professional associations are, in a nutshell, designed to connect individuals in a specific profession and support professional development as well as the overall advancement of that profession. Thus, these associations are excellent resources for students. Many professional associations have student memberships that provide access to networking events, mentorship programs, and exclusive internship listings.

Let’s say you’re interested in a career in finance. You might consider checking out organizations like the CFA Institute or Financial Management Association, as they often share internship opportunities with members. For marketing students, the American Marketing Association has regional chapters that regularly host career fairs and panels. Joining early on helps you learn about your industry and meet professionals who could one day become mentors—or even future colleagues.

Leverage Campus Resources

Your school’s career center isn’t the only place to look for internship help. That’s right—professors, academic advisors, and even student organization leaders often have personal connections with employers. Some departments even keep internal job boards or mailing lists with opportunities that never make it to public sites.

If you’re specializing in a field like technology, engineering, or communications, check if your department partners with local businesses or alumni for student placements. Sometimes these opportunities are only announced in class or through department newsletters, so it pays to stay engaged.

Along with this, don’t underestimate the power of your classmates. Group projects or club events can be great for connecting with peers who’ve already interned somewhere interesting, and they may be able to help (or even refer you) the next time a company is hiring.

Attend Events Without a “Networking Agenda”

Career fairs, industry panels, and even casual get-togethers can lead to opportunities, sometimes in ways you might not expect. Instead of walking into every event with the goal of landing an internship on the spot, think of the events as chances to learn and connect.

When you talk to company representatives, ask questions about their culture, what skills they value in interns, and how they got their start. People tend to remember genuine curiosity more than a rushed elevator pitch, and often, a simple follow-up email after a good conversation can set the stage for future opportunities. Here’s an example message to help you get started:

• “It was great meeting you at [Name of Event]! I really enjoyed learning more about [Topic], and I’d love to stay in touch.”

All of this isn’t to say that you should ignore the traditional methods of finding yourself an internship. Instead, try thinking creatively and diversifying your search methods. If you put yourself out there, you’re bound to come up with something that’s a good fit for your future career goals.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.