How to Get an Internship in 2026 (Even With No Experience)

Internships are more competitive than ever. Reporting from Inside Higher Ed shows there simply aren’t enough opportunities to meet demand.

But here’s what hasn’t changed:
Internships are still one of the strongest pathways to full-time employment. In fact, 62% of interns receive full-time offers after completing their internship, according to research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. 

So the opportunity is still there. You just need to approach it differently.

TL;DR: Your Internship Game Plan

If you skim nothing else, do this:

• Reframe your experience into skills (strong resume bullets)
• Prove initiative with a small project or work sample
• Apply early (most internships use rolling deadlines)
• Use warm networking + targeted cold outreach
• Build proof fast with a short job simulation

First, Let’s Clear Up a Big Myth

You do NOT need professional experience to land an internship. Most employers hiring interns aren’t expecting you to have already worked in the industry. They are looking for transferable skills, initiative, a willingness to learn, and genuine interest.

And “experience” doesn’t only mean a past job. It can include coursework, academic projects, student leadership, volunteer work, or independent portfolio projects.

In a tighter market, the question isn’t whether you have experience, it’s whether you can prove you have the skills.

>>MORE: Unsure where you stand? Our Job Personality Quiz can help you identify your strengths and narrow your internship search.

What Actually Makes You Stand Out Without Experience

If you don’t need work experience to get an internship, how do you get one?

Turn What You’ve Done Into What They Need

Your resume probably isn’t empty. It just needs some reframing. A lot of students underestimate what “counts” as experience. But employers don’t just look for job titles, they look for skills.

As Stewart Azor, Inside Sales Manager at the New York Yankees, explains, the best interns stand out through professionalism, communication, curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn. Notice what’s not on that list: prior industry experience.

Worked retail? That’s communication and problem-solving.
Led a class project? That’s collaboration and execution.
Taught yourself a new tool? That’s initiative and adaptability.

Start with the job description. Identify the top three to five skills listed, then reflect those same skills using examples from your own work, classes, clubs, or personal projects.

In a competitive market, tailoring your story beats mass applying every time.

Show Initiative Before You’re Asked

Across all jobs, companies are looking far and away for interns who are self-starters, Pineda says, so look for ways to go above and beyond the basic tasks of the application process.  For instance, Pineda recalls encountering an underclassman who was interviewing for an engineering internship.

“He had started to create a game within the game engine [the employer] used and gave it to interviewers,” she says. That candidate ultimately landed the role, even though it was typically reserved for college juniors. 

But don’t despair if you aren’t proficient in game or app design. There are other ways to demonstrate initiative.  

• Customize your resume for each role and highlight the skills listed in the job description.
• Include a small project or work sample with your cover letter, such as a few marketing slides, a website you designed, or a portfolio.
• You can also complete a Forage job simulation to build real world skills and show interest to recruiters. Explore the course catalog to find a program in your field.

Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn

Because employers aren’t looking to hire interns with a wealth of professional experience, they’re keeping an eye out for quick learners. They expect that when you’re in the internship, you’ll be able to pick up new skills and start getting work done fast.

How can you show this on your resume? For example, you might write something like:

• Collaborated and organized group research project successfully to submit work one week ahead of deadline
• Decreased club meeting time by 20% by training myself and group members on project management tool Asana
• Sped up design turnaround process by three days after implementing new team calendar and work flows 

>>MORE: How to Find Internships That’ll Jumpstart Your Career

Leverage Your (Full) Network

Still wondering how to get an internship with no experience? Many professionals were once in your position, and connecting with them can open unexpected doors.

Networking means building relationships in your target industry. Those connections can significantly increase your odds, especially without experience.

“Anything that comes your way, don’t take it lightly,” Pineda says. A small business opportunity can be just as valuable as a role at a large firm. “Friends and family count, too. Look for opportunity everywhere.”

You can also expand your reach by tapping adjunct professors who actively work in the field, attending local professional or trade events, and staying in touch with your college career center. Opportunities often surface when you stay visible.

Cold-Call

Consider contacting human resource professionals outside of your network as well via LinkedIn or, if possible, email. (Learn how to ask for an internship in an email.)

“You’ll get more ‘nos’ than ‘yeses,’” Pineda admits. “But there are quite a few [recruiters] that just want to help” job market newbies. 

Avoid cold-messaging directors or vice presidents, who are generally time-poor and more removed from individual job searches. Instead, target junior or senior recruiters, Pineda says. These individuals can identify roles at their companies — or put you in touch with recruiters and hiring managers at other companies who might be looking for someone with your skill set. 

>>MORE: Learn how to find recruiters and reach out to them (with templates!) on LinkedIn.

Timing Is the Advantage Most Students Ignore

Now let’s talk about something even strong candidates get wrong: Deadlines.

Many companies review applications on a rolling basis — meaning they evaluate candidates as applications come in and stop once roles are filled. That means applying near the deadline can actually hurt you.

Many major companies open internship applications in August or early fall. Some close by November or December. Others remain open only until roles are filled. . So, if you’re waiting until spring to apply for competitive summer roles, you may already be late.

>>MORE: Want a breakdown of major company internship deadlines by industry? Check out our full Internship Application Deadlines Guide.

Ready to get started? Learn how to apply for your first internship!

Image Credit: Brook Cagle / Unsplash