Fall internships offer a valuable opportunity to gain experience, develop job skills, and explore careers while still in school. They’re often less competitive than summer internships, making them an underrated option for students. Here’s when and how to apply.
What Is a Fall Internship?
A fall internship, simply, is an internship that takes place in the fall, typically from September to December. It’s a learning experience where you do entry-level work for a company.
Fall Internships vs. Summer Internships
While the obvious difference between fall and summer internships is what season the two experiences take place in, fall internships can also vary in their weekly hours and pay.
| Fall Internships | Summer Internships | |
| Time of year | September to December | May to August |
| Hours per week | Generally 10-40; often more flexible options to intern and do school work | 10-40; more often closer to a full 40-hour workweek |
| Payment | Paid, unpaid, and offers course credit; often more options to get course credit | Paid, unpaid, and offers course credit; more likely to come with a salary |
| Intern class | Smaller | Larger |
| Application competition | Not as competitive | Extremely competitive |
>>MORE: When to Apply for Summer Internships: A Timeline
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Fall Internships Benefits
Like summer internships, fall internships help you build job skills, gain experience, and grow your network, but they also come with a few unique advantages.
Application Competition
Fall internships are less competitive than summer internships.
“There are far fewer students competing for fall internships, which dramatically boosts your chances of landing a great opportunity compared to summer,” says Adebayo Samson, career coach and founder and CEO of Academicful. “Some students have even reported getting nearly zero responses after sending in their applications for summer internships only to receive numerous, exciting offers after applying for fall internships.”
Timing With Academics
While balancing academics and an internship can be challenging, you might find it beneficial to get practical work experience while you’re studying. A fall internship can be the bridge between the classroom and the workplace.
“Fall internships often align with the academic calendar, allowing students to integrate their internship experience with their coursework seamlessly,” Matthew Warzel, certified professional resume writer and former Fortune 500 recruiter, says. “This synchronization can enhance the practical application of their studies and enable them to apply newly acquired skills and knowledge immediately.”
Type of Work
The timing of fall internships also changes the types of projects you might get to work on, says Jenna Guarneri, CEO of JMG Public Relations.
“The fall season frequently corresponds with heightened industry activity and an upsurge in projects and initiatives within companies,” Guarneri says. “This provides an opportunity for interns to experience more work on a meaningful level at their internship.”
When Do Fall Internship Applications Open?
The timeline for fall internships depends largely on the company.
- Large or highly competitive companies(like Cisco, Amazon) may open applications as early as a year before the internship begins.
- Smaller companies typically open applications a few months before the internship, often during the spring for fall roles.
Why the difference? “Big corporations might have earlier application entrance dates and deadlines due to their structured recruitment processes, while startups or smaller companies might have more flexibility and shorter lead times,” Aristida Markauskaite, HR business partner at Yard Venture, says.
Fall Internships Tips
Apply Early
Even though fall internships are often less competitive, applying early is still important. To stay ahead, keep an eye on:
- Company internship pages: Many companies post internship timelines or offer alerts when applications open.
- Company social media pages: Employers often share openings on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
- General application timelines: Some industries, like consulting and investment banking, open applications much earlier than students expect.
- Early identification programs: Also known as pre-internships, student leadership programs, or career discovery programs, these opportunities can help you build skills, expand your network, and sometimes apply for internships before applications officially open.
>>MORE: Ultimate Guide to Internship Application Deadlines and Open Dates
Applying early is essential because many companies review applications on a rolling basis, not after the deadline. The sooner you submit your application, the less competition you face.
Demonstrate Your Interest Early, Too
Recruiters are more likely to remember candidates who show genuine interest in the role and company. Two of the best ways to do that are through networking and Forage job simulations.
Networking helps you build relationships and get in front of recruiters. As Matthew Warzel says, “Attending career fairs, industry events, or virtual workshops can help you connect with professionals in your field and increase your chances of landing an internship.”
You can also demonstrate your interest by completing a simulation. These free programs let you experience what it’s like to work at a company, and employers can see that you’ve completed them.
Stand out to recruiters
Try a Forage job simulation to showcase your skills and connect with top companies.
Plan to Balance School and Life
Before committing to a fall internship, make sure it fits realistically into your schedule. Consider your coursework, extracurriculars, job commitments, commute, and personal time. Internships are valuable, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your GPA or well-being.
Reach Out to Companies You’re Interested In
Not every company that offers summer internships hires fall interns, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask.
“Always make the ask,” Leslie Chang, director of strategy and policy at Caelux, says. “If you’re interested in pursuing an internship but aren’t sure if a company is hiring, reach out to the recruiter through email or LinkedIn. At Caelux, we’ve hired several interns when we weren’t looking simply because these students were motivated and demonstrated their interest in the company by being proactive.”
Research Your Financial Options
Not all fall internships are paid. In fact, 40% of internships are unpaid.
If you’re considering an unpaid role, check with your career center about scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities that may help cover costs while you gain experience.
Nail the Application
Ready to apply? It’s time to make your application stand out.
“Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight how you can contribute to the company’s goals,” Warzel says. “Additionally, utilize your academic resources, such as career centers and professors, to seek guidance and polish your application materials.”
>>MORE: How to Apply for an Internship
Once you get to the interview, Paul Bramson, executive coach and leadership, sales, and communication expert, recommends asking specific questions about the program, like:
- How have past interns contributed to the team’s success, and what are some tangible outcomes they’ve achieved?
- What kind of training and onboarding can I expect if I were to join the team?
- What opportunities exist for interns to take on more responsibilities as they gain experience?
“Asking astute questions during an internship interview is a great way to demonstrate your interest, curiosity, and readiness to contribute,” Bramson says.
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