How To Get An Internship As A Transfer Student: Strategies to Build your experience
Introduction
Securing an internship as a transfer student can feel daunting. Whether you’re coming from a community college or transferring between four-year institutions, you may face unique challenges, such as limited connections, a compressed timeline, or unfamiliarity with your new university’s resources. However, with the right strategies, networking techniques, and proactive mindset, you can land competitive internships in any industry—even in highly selective fields like tech, finance, consulting, and healthcare.
This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to help transfer students secure internships, leverage their new university’s resources, and gain valuable professional experience.
Step 1: Start Early & Understand the Internship Timeline
When Do Companies Recruit?
Internship recruitment cycles vary by industry. Transfer students must be especially proactive to avoid missing deadlines. Here’s a general timeline:
Finance & Consulting: Applications open 6-12 months in advance (as early as July/August for summer internships).
Tech & Engineering: Many companies start recruiting in September/October for summer internships, with some extending into the spring.
Healthcare & Research: Hospital and lab internships often recruit 3-6 months in advance.
Marketing, Communications, and Nonprofits: Hiring is more flexible, but larger organizations may have structured cycles beginning 4-6 months ahead.
Actionable Steps:
Research internship timelines for your field. Use resources like Handshake, LinkedIn, company websites, and career fairs.
Create an application tracker (Google Sheets, Notion) to monitor deadlines.
Set reminders to apply early—many deadlines come up faster than expected.
Step 2: Build a Competitive Resume & LinkedIn Profile
While this guide won’t focus on resume-building in depth (see your upcoming resume template guide), here’s a brief overview:
Resume Tips for Transfer Students:
Highlight transferable skills from past coursework, projects, jobs, and extracurriculars.
Quantify impact (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 40%” vs. “Managed Instagram page”).
If you lack experience, focus on class projects, leadership roles, or volunteer work.
Optimizing LinkedIn:
Update your profile to reflect your new university.
Add a strong headline and summary that highlights your career interests.
Connect with alumni, classmates, and recruiters in your field.
Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature and actively engage with industry professionals by commenting on posts or sharing insights.
Step 3: Leverage Your New University’s Resources
Your university provides invaluable support to help you land internships—take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Many transfer students hesitate to reach out for help, but career services, job portals, and faculty connections can be game changers in your internship search. Universities invest heavily in helping students secure jobs, and these resources are there for you—so don’t hesitate to use them!
Career Services
One of the first things you should do after transferring is schedule a meeting with a career advisor. Many universities have dedicated transfer student career support, and an advisor can help tailor your application strategy to your unique background.
Take full advantage of resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and career workshops—these can provide crucial guidance and help you feel more confident when applying to competitive internships. Many career centers also host employer networking events and career fairs, which provide excellent opportunities to connect with recruiters.
Handshake & Job Portals
Many universities use Handshake, a job portal designed specifically for college students and recent graduates. This platform allows you to apply for internships, set up job alerts, and attend virtual and in-person networking events.
Additionally, universities often have exclusive partnerships with employers, meaning some internships are only available to students from your school. Be sure to check Handshake, university job boards, and employer recruiting events regularly so you don’t miss out on these hidden opportunities.
Another great resource to explore is your university’s alumni mentorship program, where you can connect with graduates who now work in your target industry. Many students secure internships through alumni referrals, making this an invaluable networking tool.
Professors & Advisors
Your professors and academic advisors are often highly connected in their fields—don’t underestimate the power of these relationships.
Take the time to build strong relationships with faculty, particularly those teaching courses in your major or field of interest. Attend office hours, ask questions about industry trends, and express your interest in securing an internship. Many professors have personal connections with hiring managers, research labs, and corporate partners, and they may be willing to refer you to opportunities.
You can also ask professors or academic advisors for recommendations for internships or guidance on research opportunities. Some students even land internships by assisting professors with their projects, which can lead to further professional connections down the road.
Key Takeaway: Universities offer a wealth of resources to help you land an internship—but it’s up to you to take initiative. Whether it’s career services, job portals, or faculty networking, leveraging these tools can give you a major competitive edge.
Step 4: Master Networking & Cold Emailing
Networking Strategies
Networking is one of the most powerful tools for landing internships. Transfer students can benefit greatly from making new connections at their university. Start by joining student organizations related to your industry, such as Finance Club, Women in Tech, or the Pre-Med Society. These groups offer networking events, mentorship, and sometimes direct internship opportunities.
Attending career fairs is also crucial. Even if you’re new to the school, introduce yourself confidently. Many students secure interviews on the spot by engaging with recruiters and asking insightful questions.
Another great way to network is by connecting with alumni on LinkedIn. Send a simple message like:
Hi [Alumni Name], I just transferred to [University] and saw that you work in [Industry]. I’d love to learn more about your career path. Would you be open to a quick chat?
Cold Emailing for Internships
Many companies don’t publicly post all internship openings, so proactively reaching out can give you an edge. Identify hiring managers using LinkedIn, company websites, or school directories, and send a well-crafted email.
Cold Email Template:
Subject: Interest in Internship Opportunities – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m a transfer student at [University] studying [Your Major]. I’m very interested in [Company/Industry] and was wondering if there are any internship opportunities available. I’ve attached my resume for reference. Please let me know if you’d be open to a brief chat—I’d love to learn more!
Best,
[Your Name]
By networking and proactively reaching out, you greatly increase your chances of securing a great internship opportunity.
Step 5: Gain Experience Beyond Traditional Internships
If you’re struggling to land an internship, consider alternative ways to gain experience that will make your resume stand out. Many employers value practical skills and project-based work just as much as formal internships. Here are some strategies to help you build your portfolio and credibility in your field:
Research Projects
Professors and faculty members often need research assistants for their projects. Reach out to professors in your department and ask if they have any openings. Even unpaid research experience can provide valuable skills and improve your chances of securing future internships.
Freelancing
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects. Whether it’s graphic design, data analysis, content writing, or coding, freelancing can help you develop marketable skills while earning money.
Online Certifications
Taking online courses from Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning can help you develop industry-relevant skills. Certifications in areas like Google Analytics, Python programming, project management, or digital marketing can make you a more competitive candidate.
Campus Leadership
Running for a leadership position in a student club, professional organization, or campus committee is an excellent way to demonstrate initiative and leadership skills. Organizing events, leading meetings, and managing projects will help you gain valuable experience applicable to any career.
Volunteering
Nonprofits and community organizations often need skilled volunteers in marketing, project management, IT support, or event planning. Volunteering not only allows you to gain experience but also demonstrates your commitment to social impact.
Key Takeaway: If traditional internships aren’t an option, there are plenty of alternative ways to build experience. Employers value practical skills, leadership, and real-world projects—so be proactive in creating your own opportunities!
Step 6: Success Stories – Transfer Students Who Landed Top Internships
Learning from the experiences of other transfer students can be incredibly motivating and provide valuable insights into what works. Here are two real-life examples of students who successfully landed highly competitive internships despite transferring.
Case Study #1: From Community College to Google Internship
Background: A determined computer science student began his academic journey at a California community college, excelling in coursework but lacking direct industry experience.
Strategy: Upon transferring to UC Berkeley, he wasted no time in immersing himself in relevant activities. He joined coding clubs, participated in hackathons, and proactively cold emailed recruiters at major tech companies. Additionally, he leveraged alumni connections from his new university, securing informational interviews that provided valuable guidance.
Result: Through persistence and a strong referral from a UC Berkeley alumnus, he landed a coveted Google STEP internship, an opportunity that set the foundation for his future career in tech.
Case Study #2: Non-Traditional Student to Investment Banking
Background: A finance student transferred from a lesser-known four-year university to NYU Stern, a school known for its strong finance and business network. Coming from a non-target background, he knew he needed to work twice as hard to break into competitive investment banking.
Strategy: He aggressively networked through LinkedIn, reaching out to NYU alumni working at major banks. He attended every finance club event, career fair, and industry panel discussion to make himself a familiar face among recruiters. Additionally, he sought out mentorship from upperclassmen who had successfully landed internships in investment banking, learning insider tips on how to stand out in applications.
Result: His proactive efforts paid off—he secured a highly competitive summer internship at Goldman Sachs, which later led to a full-time offer upon graduation.
Key Takeaway: These stories highlight the importance of proactive networking, leveraging university resources, and persistence. Whether you’re aiming for tech, finance, or another industry, taking initiative and making the most of your new university’s opportunities can set you up for success.
Conclusion: Take Initiative & Stay Persistent!
Getting an internship as a transfer student requires strategic planning, networking, and persistence. Start early, leverage university resources, and actively seek opportunities through cold emailing and networking. If traditional internships don’t work out, explore alternative ways to build experience.
Final Checklist:
✔ Research industry timelines & start applying early
✔ Optimize your resume & LinkedIn profile
✔ Use university resources (career services, Handshake, professors)
✔ Network with alumni & recruiters
✔ Consider alternative experience-building methods
With the right mindset and effort, transfer students can successfully secure top internships and gain valuable career experience!
