Networking and Internships is the most requested area of expertise in Resource Navigator appointments. Here, we bring the process and planning to you! Check it out and, if you'd like to talk through it or examine your options, you can make an appointment (see link at the end of the article).
Ruheen Qadeer: Go with the process.
Let’s be real, looking for a summer internship while being a student in Ann Arbor can feel like a lot. You’re balancing classes, exams, club meetings, maybe even a campus job, and suddenly everyone is asking, “So... what are you doing this summer?” That question alone can make the search feel more stressful than it needs to be.
The good news is that you don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Internship searching is a process, not a one-week sprint. It’s okay if you’re still exploring what you even want to do. Starting with small, consistent steps can make the whole thing feel way more doable. Instead of trying to apply to ten positions in one night, set a simple goal, like working on your resume one day and submitting an application another day.
There are also people on campus whose entire job is to help you with this. Handshake is a great starting point because it connects you directly with employers who are specifically looking for college students. And the University Career Center is always there if you need feedback on your resume or want to practice interviews without the pressure.
You don’t need the “perfect” internship to be on the right path. Every application, conversation, and revision is progress. Take it one step at a time, you’ve got more support than you think.
Daniel Espinoza: Proven method.
I'm currently a junior, and after three rounds of internship searching cycles, here’s what has proven to work:
- Start early. Seriously. Companies often list jobs in September and October for the next summer. In my first year, I waited until January to start looking and thus passed up good opportunities. Set up job alerts on Handshake and LinkedIn now.
- Leverage the resources you’re already paying for. The Career Center can review your resume, conduct a mock interview, and provide industry-specific workshops. I booked a 30-minute appointment, which was a complete game-changer for everything I was going through with writing a cover letter.
- Work your network of connections; it’s a lot larger than you think. Talk to professors, TAs, and alumni. On LinkedIn, search for a company you are interested in, go to the “People” tab, and use the “School” filter to see people from your school who work at the company so you can connect with your fellow Wolverines. I got my best internship just from talking to a professor who had a friend at the company.
- Broadly apply, but thoughtfully apply. Don’t simply spam your applications. Tailor each one, but definitely apply to more jobs than you think you need. I aimed to apply 3-4 times a week, starting in early fall.
The internship search process can feel overwhelming, but don’t stress. Take it one small, consistent step at a time. You got this!
Justin Zhu: Don’t panic.
We are living in a weird time for job hunting: headlines about AI doing everyone’s job and massive companies announcing layoffs. Finding a summer internship feels way harder than ever, it’s honestly brutal for all students. Yes, it’s already February. If you are reading this and you haven’t locked down an internship yet, you might be stressing out. So, what can you do right now?
First: Don't panic. It is easy to feel like everyone else has it figured out, but that’s not true. Everyone is trying, and honestly, luck plays a huge role in this process. When you have hundreds or thousands of students fighting for a single spot, getting rejected isn't about you not being good enough. It’s just possibilities doing its job, even if you have a perfect resume and a high GPA. Sometimes, a recruiter just misses your application, or an automated system filters you out by mistake. So, don't feel inferior to the person sitting next to you in class just because they posted an offer on LinkedIn.
Second: Talk to people. You cannot just sit in your dorm and apply online; you have to communicate. This could be chatting with recruiters at career fairs, going to your professor’s office hours, or just asking upperclassmen how they survived this. People can offer you resources you didn't know. For example, maybe a friend in senior year has a friend with a startup who needs a student to help. Or maybe a professor knows a lab that needs an extra pair of hands. Also, don't forget about UCAN. It’s a U-M platform specifically designed to connect you with alumni. These are people who want to help Michigan students, so their advice and connections are way more valuable than a random cold email.
Third: Broaden your horizons. It is easy to get tunnel vision. You might be thinking that if you aren't becoming a Software Engineer at a big tech company, an AI engineer, or an analyst on Wall Street, then you've failed. You need to be open to different paths. A research project right here at the university, a summer program at a non-profit, or even a job at a local business can provide unique experiences. These roles give you great stories to tell in future interviews and help you stand out on your resume.
In short: Be bold about trying new things and stop suffering in silence. Communicate more, ask for help, and remember that there is more than one path to a good summer.
Kathryn Wenske: Use in-person and cover letter inquiries.
Although the weather is nowhere close to even being spring, applications for some summer internships and opportunities have been opening up. Many larger firms, big tech, etc. typically finish their hiring process around January, but a plethora of companies and departments on campus launch recruitment initiatives during February. This is actually when I have typically applied for and gotten employment.
As a slight planning-fanatic, the internships and summer jobs I ended up doing and loving were ones that I happened to sort of fall into. I worked at Camp Michigania summer 2025 which stemmed from meeting representatives at a tabling during Welcome Wednesdays (the free bagels) at the Alumni Association. I remember it seeming like a fun job and didn’t think much of it until I got an email close to the deadline. I felt a little rushed but I decided to apply and try it if I got accepted. It ended up being one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I have had. This is not meant to be a plug, but an example of sometimes these opportunities don’t have to be overthought or calculated.
In other cases, I have found out about opportunities by talking to professors and peers; which I would argue are your best and most impactful resources in college. I found in-person networking, whether it was talking to professors or peers that would then mention me or meeting the representatives of said opportunity, to be most successful for me.
I have also found success in furthering building connections with employers by emailing them first before I apply. This isn’t necessarily applicable for all jobs, but I also liked reaching out and expressing my interest in the opportunity and then getting feedback from the employer. I tend to treat it as a kind of cover letter where I am expressing interest in particular aspects of the opportunity and how I would like to/think I could contribute.
Finally, utilizing services and hubs for finding internships through the Career Center are also a good way to find opportunities and develop good interviewee practices.
Pranavi Jarugula: Extra tips.
Tailor each application. Sending the same resume and cover letter to every position often results in weaker applications. Instead, try to adjust your materials to highlight the skills and experiences that match each role. Even small changes can help show employers that you took the time to understand the position. Campus career centers are also helpful resources because they can review resumes, provide interview practice, and give feedback that strengthens applications.
Stay organized throughout the process; this can reduce stress and help you stay motivated. Keeping a simple list or spreadsheet of internships you applied to, deadlines, and follow up dates can help you track your progress. This organization also makes it easier to prepare for interviews because you can quickly review the company and role you applied for.
Understand that rejection is a normal part of the process. Many positions receive a large number of applications, and not receiving an offer does not mean you are not qualified. Each application helps you improve your resume writing, interviewing skills, and confidence. Students who continue applying consistently often see better results over time.
Focus on learning and growth, rather than finding the perfect internship immediately. Even smaller roles can provide valuable skills, professional connections, and a clearer understanding of your career interests.
Nicole Portmann Munoz: Meet with a ResNav.
The summer internship search can feel like an overwhelming to-do list item, especially amidst midterms, assignments, and the general busyness of life as a student in Ann Arbor. The Res Nav team is happy to help you know that you’re not in the search alone. We understand the pressure of finding that “perfect” fit.” But we want to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity. You can make an appointment here.