Breaking Into Internships

🗓️ April 10, 2026

✍🏾 Taylor Conner

Landing an internship can feel like one of those college milestones everyone talks about but no one really breaks down. At Howard University, where ambition is everywhere and everyone seems to be doing something big, the pressure to “figure it out” early can feel overwhelming. But internships aren’t just about luck or having the perfect resume—they’re about strategy, consistency, and knowing how to move with intention.

Whether you’re just starting to look or deep in application season, here’s a real, student-to-student guide to help you navigate the process without burning out or doubting yourself.

Apply Like It's a Numbers Game (Because It Is)

Here’s something nobody really spells out when you start applying for internships: it’s a numbers game.

You can have a strong resume, solid experience, good grades, and even a well-written cover letter—and still hear nothing back from your first few applications. Not because you’re not qualified, but because you’re competing with a large pool of students who are just as driven, just as talented, and just as eager to get their foot in the door.

At Howard University, that reality can feel even louder. You’re surrounded by people doing amazing things, getting interviews, securing internships, and posting their wins online. It can start to feel like everyone is ahead of you. But what you don’t always see is the volume of applications behind those wins—the silence, the rejections, and the constant trying again that happened before the “I got the internship” post.

The truth is, most students don’t land opportunities from one perfect application. They get there through consistency. Through applying again after hearing nothing. Through tweaking resumes late at night. Through sending out more applications even when they feel discouraged.

The goal is not to apply to one or two dream internships and wait for a response like it’s guaranteed. The goal is to build momentum and increase your chances of being seen.

The more intentional applications you send out, the more doors you open for yourself. Even if most don’t respond, one yes can change everything.

Stay Consistent and Treat It Like a System

A good approach looks like creating structure instead of stress:

• Set a realistic weekly goal (3–10 applications depending on your schedule)

• Keep a running list of internships you’re interested in so you’re not scrambling when new roles drop

• Reuse a strong base cover letter and tailor it slightly for each company instead of starting from scratch every time

• Track your applications so you can follow up and stay organized instead of guessing what you’ve already sent

And just as important, don’t confuse silence with rejection. A lot of companies simply don’t respond, and that has nothing to do with your worth or potential. It’s just part of how the process works.

The students who end up landing internships aren’t always the ones who were the most “ready” on paper. They’re the ones who stayed consistent long enough to get noticed. The ones who kept applying even when it felt repetitive. The ones who didn’t stop after the first round of no responses.

So if you’re in that in-between stage right now, applying, waiting, refreshing your email, and wondering if it’s working, it is. You’re not behind. You’re in the process.

And the process only works if you stay in it.

Stay Consistent and Treat It Like a System

One of the biggest mistakes students make when applying for internships is treating their resume like a checklist instead of a story. At Howard University, you are likely doing more than you think you are, but if it is not presented clearly, it can easily get overlooked.

Your resume is not just about what you have done, it is about what those experiences say about you. Employers are not only looking for job titles, they are looking for skills, growth, and impact. Even if your experience feels small or unrelated, it can still matter when it is framed correctly.

Think about what each experience actually shows. A campus job might show responsibility and consistency. A club leadership role might show organization and communication. Even part-time work or volunteer experience can demonstrate teamwork, problem-solving, or adaptability.

The key is to focus less on simply listing duties and more on showing what you contributed. Instead of writing what you were responsible for, highlight what you improved, supported, or helped complete. Even small outcomes matter more than people think.

It also helps to remember that your resume is not meant to include everything you have ever done. It should be selective and intentional. Every line should serve a purpose and connect back to the type of internship you are trying to land.

When your resume tells a clear story, it becomes easier for recruiters to understand who you are and why you would be a good fit, even in a quick scan.

So instead of asking, “Is my resume good enough?” try asking, “Does my resume clearly show who I am and what I bring to the table?”

That shift alone can change how you approach every application.