Internship Recruiting Cycles
Learn why companies hire at different times of the year.
Anticipate the Cycle
Internships give you hands-on experience and help you prepare for post-graduation careers. Understanding when companies recruit is key to finding the right opportunity.
Keep Reading to Learn:
- Typical recruiting cycles for fall, spring, and summer internships
- How company size and industry affect hiring timelines
- Resources to discover internships beyond standard postings
Standard Cycles
Fall Semester Internships (Start in June/July):
Application Period: Applications typically open in November/December of the prior year and close by February/March. (Winter/Spring semester)
Spring Semester Internships (Start in December/January):
Application Period: Applications typically open in May/June and close by August/September. (Summer/Fall semester)
Summer Internships:
Application Period: Applications can open as early as November/December of the prior year and continue through March/April.
Another way of preparing for opportunities is to pay attention to the hiring timelines based on industry. This can help you plan ahead, target your search more strategically, and avoid missing key application windows for internships. The graphic below shows the typical hiring timelines for each industry throughout the year.
However, there are some stipulations when learning about typical recruiting cycles:
- Company Size & Industry: Larger companies and those in competitive fields (engineering, finance) tend to have more structured recruiting cycles. Smaller companies or niche industries may be more flexible.
- Intern Needs: Companies may hire interns throughout the year to fill specific project needs.
Additional factors to consider:
Use multiple job boards to find opportunities. Start with Handshake, where employers actively post internships and jobs for students. Also check platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and any field-specific boards. Reviewing these regularly increases your chances of finding the right fit.
Look at the careers page of companies you’re interested in. They may have internship postings or information on application timelines.
Attend industry-specific events to build connections and discover internship opportunities. These can include professional association events, employer or alumni panels, Career Treks, information sessions, or even talks hosted by student clubs and organizations. Use Handshake to find career events hosted by the Career Development Center, and TommieLink to explore events hosted by student clubs and organizations.
Tips:
- Be proactive. Start researching internships early in the semester before you’d like to intern.
- Set up alerts on job boards for internships that match your interests.
By following these tips and staying informed about deadlines, you can increase your chances of landing an internship that aligns with your career goals.
Next Steps
Take action to maximize your chances
- Start researching and applying early
- Prepare your resume, cover letter, and other documents
- Connect with your Career Development Center for guidance
- Track applications and follow up to make a strong impression