How to Find and Secure Fall Internships

A Step-by-Step Guide

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SCALIS EarlyCareers
01 Jul

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How to Find and Secure Fall Internships: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fall internships are a smart way to gain experience while balancing academic responsibilities. Unlike summer roles, fall internships often have smaller applicant pools, giving you a better chance to stand out, if you act early and strategically. Here’s how to find and land a great opportunity this fall.

Personally, my favorite internships during college happened throughout the academic semester, not during the summer, so I’d strongly encourage everyone to figure out how to balance work and school at the same time!

1. Start Your Search in June or July

Many companies begin listing fall internship openings during the summer, especially in industries like tech, marketing, finance, and nonprofits. Start checking:

  • Job boards: LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed, WayUp

  • Company career pages: Especially for firms you admire

  • Campus career centers: They often have exclusive listings

2. Target the Right Roles

Fall internships are usually part-time and more flexible than summer programs. Focus on roles that:

  • Align with your career interests or major

  • Offer real skill-building (avoid coffee runs and busywork)

  • Allow remote or hybrid work if needed for your class schedule

3. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

Customize each application with:

  • A resume that highlights relevant coursework, projects, or student org roles

  • A concise cover letter that explains your interest in the company and what you can contribute this fall

4. Network Strategically

Reach out to:

  • Alumni in your field on LinkedIn

  • Professors or advisors for leads

  • Mentors or past internship managers for referrals

Even a short message can lead to a valuable tip or intro.

5. Be Interview-Ready

Have stories prepared to demonstrate:

  • Time management (balancing work and school)

  • Problem-solving and adaptability

  • Initiative (side projects, club leadership, etc.)

Practice common behavioral interview questions and research the company beforehand.

6. Follow Up and Stay Organized

Track your applications in a spreadsheet. After interviews, send thank-you notes that reiterate your interest and key strengths.

Bonus Tip: If you’re not seeing the right opportunities, consider cold-emailing smaller organizations or professors with research labs. Express your interest in contributing part-time—many roles are never posted.

In this episode of Career Hack, Brandon Amoroso chats with Charlotte Lidster, Senior Talent Partner at Chapter 2, about the evolving landscape of recruitment. From leveraging AI to navigating networking in the digital age, Charlotte shares invaluable insights for job seekers and employers alike. Whether you're an early-career professional or a seasoned candidate, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in today's competitive job market.

Key topics:

🚀 The impact of AI on recruitment and how to use it effectively in your job search.

🧠 Building a strong personal brand and networking on LinkedIn.

✅ The importance of tailoring job applications for success.

🔑 Choosing between startups and corporate environments in your early career.

🌍 International recruitment trends and what to expect in 2025.

Follow SCALIS on social to stay updated with early career opportunities and exciting new trends!