Question for students and recent graduates:
One of the biggest mistakes I see during internship recruiting is waiting until applications open to start preparing.
Many students focus on applying, but overlook the fundamentals that make them stand out: building a strong resume, networking with intention, practicing interviews, and creating a clear strategy before recruiting season begins.
My advice: start earlier than you think you need to. The students who are most successful are usually the ones who spent time preparing before they ever submitted an application.
What’s the biggest mistake you made during your internship search?
Was it:
• Applying too late?
• Not networking enough?
• Having a weak resume?
• Focusing only on big-name companies?
• Something else?
Looking back, what’s the one thing you wish someone had told you before you started recruiting?
Curious to hear everyone’s experiences, as sharing experiences may prevent someone else from making the same mistake.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key insights and lessons learned from others' experiences during internship recruiting:
Networking is Crucial: Many users emphasize that networking is far more impactful than grades alone. Building genuine connections can help get your resume noticed in a competitive stack. Start early, reach out to alumni, professionals, and peers, and focus on creating meaningful relationships. As one user put it, "NETWORK. NETWORK. NETWORK."
Start Early: Waiting until applications open is a common mistake. Successful candidates often begin preparing well in advance by refining their resumes, practicing interviews, and researching companies. This preparation gives them a significant edge when recruiting season begins.
Targeted Approach: Instead of applying to a large number of companies, focus on a more targeted strategy. Build relationships with people at firms you're genuinely interested in and tailor your applications accordingly. Online applications can often feel like a "black hole," so networking and referrals can make a big difference.
Practice Technical Skills: For roles in finance, proficiency in tools like Excel and familiarity with PC shortcuts can be critical. One user shared how forgetting PC shortcuts during a modeling test cost them a role. Make sure you're comfortable with the technical requirements of the job.
Leverage Your School's Resources: Many students overlook their school's career office. Use it to your advantage—ask questions, attend events, and seek guidance. You're paying for these resources, so make them work for you.
Be Intentional with Networking: When reaching out, be prepared with thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in the other person's career. Avoid generic or transactional approaches. As one user noted, networking is about demonstrating the skills needed to build business relationships, which are essential for long-term success.
Learn from Mistakes: Reflect on your past experiences and identify areas for improvement. For example, proofreading emails, preparing for interviews, and avoiding last-minute applications are small but impactful steps.
Looking back, many users wish they had started earlier, networked more intentionally, and focused on building relationships rather than solely relying on applications. These lessons can help you avoid common pitfalls and set yourself up for success.
Sources: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), A non-target's failure, Some advice on getting a job or internship by Monty09, Did my GPA screw up my application?, The Do's and Don'ts for Summer Analyst
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