How to Find U.S. Internship Opportunities: 5 Easy Steps for Internship Search Success

Interning at a U.S. company is a great way to build valuable career skills and grow your global network, all while learning more about American culture. Before you secure an internship, you have to find one first! While the internship search can seem daunting, it’s a necessary part of the process and AIFS Professional Pathways is here to help. Plus, once you find the right internship, you’ll be glad you took the time to make a thoughtful effort. Below, we’ll go over some tips for how to find an internship in the U.S. 

1. Take Advantage of Online Internship Platforms

Use online job boards, networking platforms, and internship websites to find open positions. Some of the best U.S. internship websites include professional websites and job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Websites like InternMatch are dedicated to supporting and matching interns with host companies. You should also search for industry-specific platforms.  

Different companies use different platforms, so by selecting a few to monitor, you will increase your chance of seeing more opportunities. 

Positions are posted daily on these platforms, and candidates begin applying quickly. To help ensure you don’t miss out: 

1. Create an account and upload your up-to-date resume. 
2. Set-up daily or weekly alerts with key industry and job title terms.  
3. Download platform apps and enable notifications. 

This way you can be one of the first to apply to positions of interest and get notified when you receive a response from a prospective company. 

2. Explore Company Websites

Many internships are posted directly on company websites, not on external job boards. Look for pages on companies’ websites with titles like “Careers,” “Employment,” “Work with Us,” or “Get Involved.” These pages often include current openings, application instructions, and contact details for hiring managers.

Research a diverse set of U.S. companies you’re interested in, from large companies whose names you recognize to small companies you have never heard of. Bookmark the career pages of at least 30 of these companies and check them regularly for updates.

Additionally, if you have access to the contact information of hiring managers, Human Resources (HR), or directors or project leads, you can reach out to them with a short message asking if there are any upcoming openings and if they could let you know when they’re looking to fill a new position. Be sure to briefly introduce yourself and motivation in a compelling and professional way and attach your resume!

3. Network, Network, Network

Networking is one of the most effective ways to secure a job or internship opportunity in the U.S. Some experts estimate that 70% of job candidates find their next role through their network. 

To build and leverage your network, start by researching companies and key people like past event speakers/attendees and alumni from your school on LinkedIn. Send a friendly and assertive message to introduce yourself and explain your goals and interest in their company/industry. In that message your goal may be to: 

1. Share that you are a motivated young professional in the field, and if they become aware of any internship or training opportunities at their company, you would appreciate their consideration. 
2. Request an informational interview. You’re asking for 15 minutes of their time for a call to ask them questions about their interesting work, professional journey, and what it’s like working at their company. This provides you with an opportunity to learn and for someone to get to know you. If you make a good impression, they will be more likely to help in the future! 
3. Simply introduce yourself, acknowledge something that impresses you about their work, and thank them for connecting with you. In a follow-up message on a later date you can ask if they are aware of any opportunities or request an interview. 

Don’t forget to leverage your personal network—reach out to your friends, family, and professors, they may know someone in the industry or at a company in the U.S. that you’re interested in. 

Reaching out once isn’t enough to maintain a strong network! You don’t want your network to forget about you. Stay on top of mind by commenting on professional social media posts, sharing professional insights or work on platforms, attending virtual events, and reading what your contacts publish so that you then have a reason to reach out to them with thoughts or questions. A thoughtful note or a quick check-in once in a while can keep the connection alive and lead to future opportunities. 

4. Find a Position You Like? Make Your Application Stand Out 

Once you find an internship you want, it’s time to apply. Follow these steps to give yourself the best chance during the internship application process: 

1. Apply directly on the company’s website when available, carefully follow all instructions, and submit optional materials. 
2. Only submit professionally formatted, up-to-date, and edited application materials. 
3. Email or message the HR contact or recruiter to reinforce your interest and confirm the application was received. 
4. Tell relevant members of your network that you applied and share your resume. 
5. Follow up weekly with a polite email. Let them know you’re available for interviews and can provide references. 
6. Engage with the company and employees on social media. Like, comment, and show genuine interest. 

Also, don’t let “U.S. citizens only” or “visa sponsorship not provided” stop you from applying. Most companies are in fact unable to sponsor visas for interns, and that’s okay! If you’re qualified and eligible for the J-1 visa program, apply anyway; we can help you with visa sponsorship down the line. 

5. Stay Organized and Proactive 

Treat your U.S. internship search like a personal project you’re passionate about. Remember, this is something that can set you up for future success, so doing the bare minimum may not be enough to land a career-making opportunity, or any at all. Follow this checklist to ensure you stay on track: 

1. Set your platform alerts, create a list of companies you’re targeting, and sign up for industry/company mailing lists. 
2. Take note of important deadlines and application requirements, so you never miss out on an opportunity.  
3. Keep track of your applications, related contacts, and follow-up dates. Organize all of this information in one place like a Google Doc, a color-coded notebook, an Excel sheet—whatever works for you. 
4. With every new connection and application, set yourself apart by always sending professional thank-you messages and follow-ups. 

AIFS Professional Pathways — Your Internship Partner and Sponsor 

Interning in the U.S. on a J-1 visa is a great way to develop your career at an American company. While the process may seem challenging, using these smart strategies and getting help from a J-1 visa sponsor like AIFS Professional Pathways makes it all possible. Plus, with unmatched customer service, comprehensive health insurance, 24/7 emergency support, and so much more, you can confidently intern in the U.S. with AIFS Professional Pathways by your side. 

Learn More About J-1 Visa Sponsorship