How to Apply for an Internship: The Complete Process
Updated July 1, 2026
To apply for an internship, do both: apply to posted roles, and email companies directly (which reaches the many internships that are never posted). Direct outreach — a short, specific email with your resume — consistently gets more replies than online applications alone.
The full process
- Build a list of 20–50 target companies.
- Apply to any posted roles that fit.
- Email the rest directly with a short, personal note.
- Track who you contacted and follow up once.
Why direct outreach beats applying alone
Every posted internship is crowded; the unposted ones are wide open, and the only way in is to reach out. Doing both maximizes your odds.
Related: how to get an internship · cold email guide · templates.
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Get started →Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to apply for an internship?
Combine online applications with direct email outreach. The outreach reaches unposted roles and usually gets a higher reply rate.