{"id":4996,"date":"2023-08-18T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=4996"},"modified":"2024-01-31T16:34:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T21:34:21","slug":"when-to-apply-for-fall-internships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/basics\/when-to-apply-for-fall-internships","title":{"rendered":"When to Apply for Fall Internships: A Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fall internships \u2014 while not as popular as their summer counterparts \u2014 are a great way to get practical work experience, build job skills<\/a>, network, and learn what career you’re interested in. Their lesser popularity can actually benefit you if you’re looking for a less competitive application process and are willing to balance your time between an internship and school. If you’re interested in fall internships, here’s when and how to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Fall Internship?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A fall internship, simply, is an internship<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall Internships vs. Summer Internships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some fall internships are part-time to accommodate students taking a full course load while interning; others are full-time, and students either take a semester off or take a lighter course load. Some companies with fall internships pay interns, others don’t pay, and some offer course credit (and the time you spend doing them nets out to about the same time you’d spend in a class).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>Fall Internships<\/strong><\/td>Summer Internships<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Time of year<\/td>September to December<\/td>May to August<\/td><\/tr>
Hours per week<\/td>Generally 10-40; often more flexible options to intern and do school work<\/td>10-40; more often closer to a full 40-hour workweek<\/td><\/tr>
Payment<\/td>Paid, unpaid, and offers course credit; often more options to get course credit<\/td>Paid, unpaid, and offers course credit; more likely to come with a salary <\/td><\/tr>
Intern class<\/td>Smaller<\/td>Larger<\/td><\/tr>
Application competition<\/td>Not as competitive<\/td>Extremely competitive <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE: <\/strong>When to Apply for Summer Internships: A Timeline<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fall Internships Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While the benefits of summer and fall internships are generally the same \u2014 you build job skills, network, and gain practical experience \u2014 the timing of fall internships offers additional perks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application Competition<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First, fall internships are less competitive than summer internships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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<\/a> 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timing With Academics<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Type of Work<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Do Fall Internship Applications Open?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re interested in applying to fall internships, there are a few differences in the timeline depending on the company you’re applying to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n