Preparing for internships

General Preparation Info
Internship Search Tools
Resumes, CVs and Cover Letters
Interviewing
From Internship to Job Offer

General Preparation Info

Internship Preparation by Year

Make a copy of this spreadsheet to begin tracking your experiences.

Freshman Year - Exploring Possibilities

Key Goal: Clarify your interests and research career paths.

  • Try a WCU club or a major-related organization to connect with upperclassmen and the campus community.
  • Connect with academic advisors and professors to get advice on your college career.
  • Visit the Career Development Center to know their staff, programs, and resources.
  • Identify what academic strategies work best for you to improve your academics.
  • Research career pathways that interest you to begin making post-grad plans and begin to move towards completing them.
  • Start to prepare your resume, LinkedIn profile, and Handshake profile to prepare for networking and the job search process.
  • Take a professional headshot at the Career Center Photo Booth to use for your LinkedIn.
  • Get an on-campus job to gain job skills that are transferable to an internship.
    • Resource: WCU uses Handshake for all on-campus jobs.
  • Learn about where other students interned and see what companies you might want to work for.
  • Research and participate in freshman and sophomore internship programs, sign up for employer virtual events, newsletters, job opening alerts, and set up Handshake alerts to track updates.
    • Resources: Top Internship Employers to Watch (on this page), Handshake
  • Take time to intentionally reflect on your interests and experiences to have a more refined definition of career directions and what you are looking for in an internship.

Sophomore Year - Building Skills & Making Connections

Key Goal: Cultivate meaningful professional connections and build your career aspirations.

  • Select a business major, minor, or concentration to specify your career direction and guide your future internship and job search.
  • Schedule an appointment with the career advisors to review your resume and get suggestions to build relevant experience and skills for your desired path.
    • Resources: Use Handshake to schedule meetings with career advisors.
  • Attend the Job & Internship Fair, Meet the Firm, Information Sessions, or other employer events to network and learn about internships and job opportunities.
  • Take at least 2 hours a week to learn the internship and job search process. Use the high-quality resources curated in this guide to help you get started.
  • Identify WCU alumni in the career path you are interested in and reach out for information interviews or job shadowing to get more insider views on the career.
  • Continue to follow internship employers with early-career programs for sophomores, and try to participate in the programs to understand the profession.
    • Resources: Top Internship Employers to Watch (on this page)
  • Learn how to network and seek mentoring opportunities in different ways to learn and grow professionally.
  • Compile a list of companies in the industries you are interested in and start researching their internship hiring cycles and alumni working in these companies.
  • Initiate your own research or join a faculty research project to grow your resume and develop relevant career and research skills.
  • Get more involved in student organizations, expand your student networks, and take on more responsibilities to grow your professional and leadership skills.
  • Join a professional organization to gain visibility among employers, connect with professionals in the organization, and seek professional mentors. 
  • Explore summer internship opportunities to gain familiarity with the process. Do not give up on an unpaid internship. Consider applying for the WCU Fund for Unpaid Internships. 
  • Consider applying your major-related skills to a part-time job or side work, and expand your responsibilities to build a portfolio of your accomplishments and experiences that enhances your resume and prepares you for interviews with recruiters.
    • Resources: Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters

Junior Year - Gaining Experience & Evaluating Your Future

Key Goal: Gain relevant career experience and reflect on your career direction.

  • Meet with career advisors to discuss your career directions and the internship application strategies, and talk through your challenges and concerns. 
    • Resource: Use Handshake to schedule meetings with career advisors.
  • Begin strategically applying for internships to secure relevant work experience aligned with your career goals.
    • Resource: Internship Search Tools (on this page)
  • Monitor employer hiring cycles for internship and entry-level jobs, and start documenting your application process. Set up job alerts to gain an understanding of the job market in the career path and industries that you are interested in.
    • Resource: Employer Hiring Cycles (on this page)
  • Update and tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job ads and roles. Use the resources in this guide to enhance your resume and cover letter writing skills.
    • Resource: Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters (on this page)
  • Connect with alumni at your interested employers to gain insight into the workplace and learn about internship and post-graduation opportunities in their organizations.
  • Seek referrals from mentors to improve your chances of being considered for hidden internship opportunities.
  • Prepare for interviews, research the company and internship position, and build your confidence and increase your chances of being hired.
  • Use the internship opportunity to evaluate your strengths and grow your professional skills, and seek to secure a full-time job offer.
    • Resource: From Internship to Full-time Job (on this page)
  • Share your internship experiences and become an internship mentor to cultivate your leadership skills and help other students grow.

Senior Year - Securing a Job Post-Graduation

Key Goal: Make decisions and seek out long-term, full-time career opportunities.

  • Evaluate your internship and other professional experiences during college years and further clarify your career directions, and get prepared for applying for full-time jobs. 
  • If the internship aligns with your career goals, seek full-time job opportunities with your internship employer, either in your current role or in a more desired role.
  • Evaluate your internship experiences to understand where you excel or lack in professional experience. Seek deliberate practice to improve your skills.
  • Build a portfolio for career-related artifacts, experience, and achievement. Tailor your resume, cover letter, and interview for each targeted organization and position.
  • Connect with your mentors, alumni, and other professionals in the networks and inform them of your career directions and intention to seek a full-time job.
  • Continue to monitor and apply for desired job opportunities and track the application process. Reflect on the progress and gaps.
  • Frequently assess application results and refine your job search strategies. Continue to improve your resume and interview skills. Revisit resources in this guide for new ideas, insights, and renewed momentum.
  • Reach out to seek advice and emotional support from your career advisors, mentors, alumni, family, and friends. Remember, in this journey, you are not alone.
  • Reflect on your job-seeking experience, strategies, and career directions, and improve your career decision-making.

Listen to Others — Preparing for Internships:

  • One common misconception is that internships are only available to juniors or seniors. In reality, many companies offer internships to students as early as their sophomore year. Another misconception is that only students with perfect grades will be considered; we value diverse experiences and skills just as much.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • If you have limited professional experience, it’s essential to focus on transferable skills gained from volunteer work, extracurriculars, or class projects. For example, leadership roles in clubs, research projects, or part-time jobs can all show skills relevant to the internship position, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • My advice is to start early, be proactive, and take every opportunity to learn, whether that’s through internships, part-time work, or networking. Don’t be afraid to apply for positions even if you don’t meet every single qualification. Show your enthusiasm, initiative, and willingness to grow, and you’ll open doors to opportunities.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • It’s never too early to start preparing. Students should begin exploring internship opportunities by the beginning of their sophomore year to understand the types of roles available. Many companies open applications several months in advance of the internship period, and it’s good to start networking early, attend career fairs, and build relevant skills.

    WCU Employer Panelist

 

Resources to Get You Started

  • Turning an Internship into a Job (2016) [Course | 54 min] 
    • This LinkedIn Learning course guides you through the process of considering an internship, finding opportunities, increasing your value, and turning an internship into a full-time job opportunity. 
  • Turning an Internship into a Job (2020) [Course | 30 min]
    • This LinkedIn Learning course guides you through the process of finding the right internship, landing the internship, making yourself irreplaceable, and using your internship to get a full-time job.
  • Managing Your Job Seeker Mindset [Course | 31 min]
    • This LinkedIn Learning Course covers effective strategies for developing and sustaining the proper mental state to propel you forward as you seek your next position. They show you how to create your best physical and mental space, calm your body, ask questions with confidence, and build resilience and bounce back from missteps.
  • Job Search Strategies [Course | 37 min]
    • This LinkedIn Learning course teaches you how to develop your profile and brand, seek advertised and unadvertised positions, network successfully to broaden your circle, and work with recruiting professionals.
  • A Career Strategist's Guide to Getting a Job [Course | 49 min]
    • This LinkedIn Course explores strategies designed to increase the chances of hearing back from potential employers, including how to get a resume past applicant tracking systems (ATS). 
  • Find a Job in the Hidden Job Market [Course | 37 min ]
    • 80% of jobs are not posted on job boards or company websites. These positions are filled in the hidden job market. In this course, you can learn how to access these unadvertised jobs by targeting your search, changing how and where you network, and taking action to supercharge your job hunt.
  • Making Recruiters Come to You [Course | 37 min]
    • This course helps you master using LinkedIn, understand the role of your resume and cover letters in the job search process, and uncover the best ways to connect and follow up with a recruiter.
  • Finding a Job on LinkedIn [Tutorial | 51 min]
    • ​​Explore strategic ways to use LinkedIn to elevate your job search process and connect with the right people to find the career opportunities you want. 
  • Harvard Business Review Job Hunt [YouTube Playlist]
    • Including topics on cover letter, resume, and interview.
  • Indeed Job Search Academy Workshop [Recording]
    • Including topics on career management, career strategy, resume, interview, negotiation, job search, and AI advantages.
  • IHire Job Seeker Resource Library Webinar Series [Recording]
    • Including a wide range of topics on career planning, job search, cover letter, resume, etc.
  • Get Hired with Andrew Seaman [Podcast]
    • Over 200+ episodes on job search, resume, cover letter, interview, and getting hired.
  • Advertising Educational Foundation MADE Online Workshop Series [Recording]
    • Expert-led sessions covering key topics in career development. These workshops feature industry leaders sharing insights on: Career Readiness & Personal Branding – Resume tips, interview strategies, and how to stand out in the job market. Networking & Leadership Development – Building meaningful connections and strengthening your leadership skills.
  • CBE Careers in Economics Webinar Series Recording [Webinars]
    • Find out the types of problems economists solve at these companies, the tools, skills, and knowledge you need to get hired and get promoted as an economist in the various sectors, and the career paths of our speakers.
  • The Internship Show [Podcast]
    • A podcast that interviews individuals about internship experiences and internship hiring, with a focus on business.
  • Making Waves Education Foundation Resource Library [Guide]
    • Guidance on the internship search process covering personal branding, professional development tips, job search resources, and more.
  • UPenn Resource Library [Portal]
    • Resources for all steps of the internship application process, from help on discovering your interests to resume, interview, and negotiation.
  • ChatGPT Prompts for Jobseekers [Course | 1 hour 13 min]
    • LinkedIn Learning course addressing topics on using AI for job hunting, as a career coach, and for writing a resume, cover letter, and improving a LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

Employers' Hiring Cycles

Depending on what industry you want to work in, you may find that certain times of the year are easier to find jobs than other times. Each industry has a hiring cycle, in which they only recruit for new positions during some times. 

Hiring Cycle Resources

 

Top Internship Employers to Watch

Top Accounting or Consulting Internship Employers
Top WCU Business Internship Employers

Internship Search Tools

WCU Internship Search Tools

Handshake - WCU career platform that connects you with internships and job opportunities

Business Student Internship Map - See where other WCU business students have completed internships in Chester County and surrounding areas. Use the internship/job site link to explore opportunities from a specific employer.

Upcoming Career & Job Fair Events

Listen to Others — Internship Search

  • We always encourage students to apply even if they don't meet every single qualification. Often, it’s the potential, attitude, and willingness to learn that matter more than ticking off all the boxes. We’ve seen candidates who initially seemed underqualified but showed exceptional communication skills, a strong work ethic, or a unique perspective that really impressed us in interviews.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Employers consider internships as one of the most effective strategies for recruiting entry-level talent, often with the intention of converting interns into full-time employees. Current offer rates are approximately 72% for in-person internships and 56% for hybrid internships.

    (Collins, 2025)

  • Through the events and clubs that promote internships at WCU, I had a better chance and more knowledge on how to search for an internship.

    WCU Student (Accounting Major)

  • Going to the Career Fair helped me in making connections and getting into a professional setting.

    WCU Student (Management Major)

Top Internship Program Rankings

Internship Search Tools for College Students

  • Prosple Internships
    • Jobs, internships, experiences & programs for students and fresh graduates.
  • Wayup Internships by Category
    • Entry-level and internship jobs by category. Find opportunities for accounting, business, marketing, supply chain management, etc.
  • Intern-List
    • Hourly updates from LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake, and 200K+ career sites for internship opportunities.
  • CampusPhilly
    • Search tool for jobs & internships in the greater Philadelphia area for college students and recent graduates.
  • College Grad
    • Search tool for internships and entry-level jobs. Also has job search advice.

General Job and Internship Search Tools

  • LinkedIn Internship Search
    • Job search interface. Search for intern or internship in the jobs category. Or use the [employment type: internship] to identify internships in nearby locations.
  • Indeed Internship Search 
    • Job search interface. Limit the [job type: internship] to find regional internship opportunities.
  • Google Internship Search
    • Google job search interface. Limit the [job type: internship] to find regional internship opportunities.
  • National Labor Exchange Jobs
    • CareerOneStop job boards via National Labor Exchange. Search for a specific intern role, such as “HR intern,” to find related opportunities.
  • Simplify
    • Personalized internship and general job search tool. Also offers resume help and job application organization
  • Diversity Jobs
    • Diversity recruiting platform. Search [job type: Intern] to find internship opportunities.

PA-Specific Internship Search Tools

Nonprofit and Government Internship Search Tools

Internship Search Tools by Major

* Many internships or jobs are open to students in multiple majors. Besides the following specialized internship search tools, try the general search tools, or browse the top internship programs.

Accounting

See more at Accounting and Consulting Top Employers.

Economics & Finance

Marketing & Sales

General Management

Human Resources

Supply Chain Management

Project or Product Management

Business Analytics

Startups

  • Startup Internships
    • Internship opportunity list in start-up companies.
  • Built-In Startup Jobs
    • Startup or tech company job opportunities. Search by experience level to find internships and entry-level jobs in startup companies. Change location to find jobs in other cities.

 

Avoid Internship or Job Scams

Does an offer sound too good to be true? Did you receive a message about a position you never applied for? Fraudulent job postings and recruitment scams are more common than you might think. Use the tips below to protect yourself and keep your job search on track.

Watch for these red flags:

  • Poor writing quality. Legitimate employers proofread their communications. Typos, spelling mistakes, or awkward phrasing in an email are warning signs worth taking seriously.
  • Suspicious sender address. Recruiters should contact you from a company domain (e.g., @companyname.com), not a personal account like Gmail, Hotmail, or Yahoo.
  • Requests for personal or financial information. A legitimate employer will never ask for your Social Security Number, bank account details, or other sensitive information over email. Be cautious about sharing even basic identifying information — like your home address — with unknown contacts early in the process.
  • Requests involving money or packages. Never respond to requests for check deposits, gift card purchases, wire transfers, or package pickups. These are hallmarks of common employment scams.
  • Pressure to act fast. Be wary of recruiters who urge you to accept quickly or claim the opportunity will disappear if you don't respond immediately. Legitimate employers respect your time and decision-making process.
  • No mention of taxes. A legitimate employer will ALWAYS ask you to fill out tax forms. It is advised to avoid participating in any employment where taxes are not withheld.

What legitimate employers will and won't do:

  • They will ask for your bank account information — but only after you've accepted an offer, as part of standard payroll setup.
  • They will always have you complete tax forms before your first paycheck.
  • They will not contact you out of nowhere with a job offer, ask you to move unusually fast, or conduct the entire hiring process without a formal interview.

Do Your Research

Before engaging with any opportunity, take a few minutes to verify it. Search the company online to see what others are saying. Look up the recruiter on LinkedIn and confirm that their name, title, and company align with what was communicated to you. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is.

A Note on Job Boards and Social Media

Scammers are increasingly sophisticated and know how to exploit popular job platforms and social networks. Approach unsolicited outreach on these channels with extra caution and always verify before engaging.

Read More: FTC Advice for Avoiding Job Scams

Resumes, CVs and Cover Letters

WCU Career Center Resource

The WCU Career Center has basic suggestions on how to compose your resume and cover letters. As a WCU student, you can also meet with Career Center staff to get your resume or cover letter reviewed individually.

Participate in Live Workshops

PA CareerLink Training Workshops
Register for the PA CareerLink event on resumes, cover letters, interviewing, job searching, career coaching, and more.


Maine Line Chambers of Commerce Talent & Education Network Events
Register for the Talent & Education Network event throughout the year, organized by the Maine Line Chamber of Commerce. Topics cover resume, interview, personal branding, job search, and internship, and more.

 

Listen to Others — Applications, Resumes, & Cover Letters:

  • Avoid generic phrases like "hard-working" or "team player" unless you can back them up with concrete examples. Red flags include spelling or grammatical errors, lack of relevant experience (or a resume full of irrelevant information), and overly lengthy resumes. It’s best to keep it concise, focused, and error-free.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • We always recommend applying directly through the company website because applications submitted through that channel are more likely to be tracked properly in our system. However, using platforms like LinkedIn or job boards can also be beneficial for networking and learning about opportunities, but the formal application should always go through the company’s official site.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • While cover letters aren’t always required, they can certainly help candidates stand out. A strong cover letter that demonstrates genuine interest in the role, a clear understanding of the company, and specific examples of how you can contribute is always a plus. If it's optional, I recommend including one to show your enthusiasm.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Many organizations use AI or automated systems, especially for larger internship programs. The key is to make sure your resume uses keywords that align with the job description. For example, if the position requires "data analysis" or "communication skills," make sure those terms appear clearly on your resume, assuming you have those skills.

    WCU Employer Panelist

 

Resumes

A resume will be submitted to nearly every job you apply to. A resume is a short, concise way to communicate to employers who you are. Unless you have extensive academic qualifications (like student research experience), resumes should focus on your past and present employment. Since resumes are concise and don’t provide much room for elaboration, be ready to talk about anything you list on your resume at interviews. 

An infographic about resumes. The graphic has dark purple text on a light purple geometric background. On the right, there is an image of an example resume.

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Resumes:

  • Should be no longer than a page
  • Include only the most relevant information
  • Have design elements that do not overshadow the information presented
  • Include information that highlights your talents and capabilities
  • Should be altered to fit with your individual career goals and interests (for example, if you are applying to a statistics-heavy job, you should list if you have any experience with Excel or programming languages)

 

Links to Resume Resources

  • How to Highlight Your Job Skills [Course | 56 min]
    • In this LinkedIn Learning course, Career Coach Chris Taylor explores how to represent your job skills and background in a way that will highly resonate with prospective employers. He explores the areas of crafting a strong resume and cover letter, and building a positive online persona.
  • Resume Rules for 2026 with Jenny Foss [Event Recording | 48 min]
    • In this conversation with LinkedIn editor at large Andrew Seaman, career consultant and job search expert Jenny Foss shares what it takes to get your resume seen and read.
  • What You Need to Know About Crafting a Stand-out Resume [Podcast | 14 min]
    • In an episode of the LinkedIn podcast Get Hired, Ana Lokotkova, a seasoned resume writer and career advisor, shares insights and practical strategies to help you stand out from the competition.
  • Expert Resume Tips | Career Talks by LinkedIn [YouTube Playlist]
    • Tips on how to write an effective resume, sections, and writing a resume with limited experience.
  • Writing a Resume [Course | 2.5 hours]
    • LinkedIn Learning course on detailed steps and sections for writing a successful resume with Stacey Gordon, Founder and CEO of Rework Work.
  • Resume Makeover [Course | 1 hour]
    • LinkedIn Learning course on resume make-over and tailoring it to the roles you plan to apply to, getting the look and content right, and leveraging generative AI as a tool to build a stellar resume with Jenny Foss, Career Strategist, Speaker, Recruiter.
  • The Elements of Resume Style [Ebook]
    • The book covers essential rules for writing resumes and cover letters that work.
  • Harvard Career Service - Create a Strong Resume [Guide]
    • Resume tips, styles, samples, and AI strategies.
  • UPenn Career Services Resume Samples [Template]
    • Sample resumes for undergraduate students, including finance and consulting roles.

 

CVs

A curriculum vitae (CV) can be thought of as a longer, academically-focused resume. CVs typically are three or more pages, while resumes are advised to be only one page. While resumes mainly focus on employment and job skills, CVs are intended to highlight your academic strengths and experiences. Just like a resume, CVs should be updated as you gain knowledge and experience. You can use your resume to outline and develop your CV (or vice versa)!

An infographic about CVs. The graphic has dark purple text on a light purple geometric background. On the right, there is an image of an example CV.

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CVs:

  • Generally feature more information than resumes, but still should present information in a concise manner
  • Should be organized with the most important/relevant experiences first
  • Typically contain most of the information found in a resume, but also...
  • Highlight research experience, publications, and/or teaching experience
  • Should have a consistent format throughout

 

Links to CV Resources

 

Cover Letters

A cover letter is a three-to-four paragraph, one-page letter that is submitted with each job application. It highlights your interest in the particular position and expands upon the information provided in your resume. Cover letters can help clear up any questions potential employers may have after reading your resume. A cover letter is also a good place for you to find links between past jobs and explain how your skills developed over the course of your employment.

An infographic about cover letters. The graphic has dark purple text on a light purple geometric background. On the right, there is an image of an example cover letter.

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Cover letters:

  • Are no longer than a page
  • Should be edited for each position you are applying to. A specific cover letter is more likely to stand out and show hiring managers you are truly invested in the position.
  • Include both your qualifications and why you are personally interested in the company/position
  • Elaborate on your job duties written in your resume
  • Provide specific anecdotes of your skills

 

Links to Cover Letter Resources

  • Writing a Cover Letter [Course | 20 min]
    • LinkedIn Learning course on cover letters, detailing how to craft one from start to finish that helps you land the interview and the job with Jenny Foss, Career Strategist, Speaker, Recruiter.
  • How to Write a Cover Letter that Sounds Like You [Video | 8 min]
    • Harvard Business Review's job hunt series on how to write a cover letter.
  • Cover Letter for Internship (Video | 6 min)
    • In this video, Corissa, a Content Specialist and Resume Expert at Resume Genius, shares how to write an engaging internship cover letter.

 

Interviewing

BIG Interview Mock Interview Tool

BigInterview, available to all WCU students, alumni, and staff, is an interview practice and AI-powered resume review tool. The interview practice feature provides interview questions and a recording tool.

 

AI Tools for Interview Practice

AI Tools for Interview Practice

There are many ways you can use AI as a tool to practice your interview skills and feel more prepared. Here of some ideas of how you can use AI as an interview tool:

  • Research background information on the companies you apply for
  • Generate ideas of interview questions
  • Brainstorm answers to interview questions
  • Receive instant feedback on your interview question answers
  • Engage in a mock interview
  • Practice the online interview process
AI Interview Resources
AI Interview Assistants
  • Yoodli
    • AI interview assistant providing 5 free roleplay interviews with clear, instant feedback.
  • ChatGPT Interview Prompts
    • 35 prompts for ChatGPT designed to improve your interview from multiple perspectives
  • LockedIn AI
    • AI interview assistant providing guidance and feedback. Limited free version.
  • Parakeet AI
    • AI interview assistant powered by ChatGPT. Limited free version.
  • Interviews Chat
    • AI interview assistant providing mock interviews and interview preparation tools.

Interview Preparation Resources

 

Listen to Others — Interviews

  • Candidates who stand out are those who do their homework on our organization, ask insightful questions, and clearly articulate how their skills align with the position. A memorable candidate might share a relevant story or project where they made a meaningful impact.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • We do ask behavioral and situational questions to understand how candidates approach problem-solving, handle challenges, and work in teams. We evaluate responses based on the candidate’s ability to think critically, provide specific examples, and demonstrate emotional intelligence.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Understanding our mission and the industry is crucial—it shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in our work. While skills and experience matter, a candidate’s passion for the field and alignment with our values can often be the deciding factor.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration are highly valued. For example, we had an intern who was particularly good at facilitating cross-team communication, helping break down silos, and keeping projects on track. It made a huge difference in the flow of work and the team’s ability to meet deadlines.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • I researched my internship pretty heavily before I even got on calls with certain people, which actually played to my benefit because it set a vision of where I wanted to go.

    WCU Student (Finance Major)

 

The Interview Process

Infographic on the interview process. The graphic has forest green, blocky text on an off-white background.

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The interview timeline will vary based on the industry, company, and the particular position you’ve applied for. In general, the interview timeline (application to hire) should be contained within 1-2 months with continuous updates. 

  • Step 1: Submit your application. Some employers close applications after a certain “due date”. Others will close applications after receiving a certain number, and others will keep applications open until they receive a suitable candidate. Knowing what the policy is for the position you’ve applied to can provide you an estimate of when the company will move to the next step.
  • Step 2: Screening/Scheduling Interviews: Employers will next contact you on when to schedule an interview, if you’ve been selected to move forward in the hiring process. If there is a particular application “due date”, this should be 1-2 weeks from the due date. Some companies will notify you of a rejection, and some will not. Companies with a larger applicant pool or a more general initial application may complete a screening process prior to contacting you about an interview. This is done to narrow the applicant pool to a more manageable number.
  • Step 3: Your Interview: Companies may choose to interview you over a video call, on-site, or a combination. It may take around a month from application to official interview. For the same reasons as adding a screening process, some companies will schedule a second interview.
  • Step 4: Receiving Your Job Offer: After your interviews, employers should follow up with either a job offer or the notification that they have selected another candidate. Job offers may come through email or phone, so it is important to check your inbox during the job search process. After you accept your job offer, prepare for your first day at work!

 

Interview Questions

You will notice that employers often ask job candidates similar questions. Knowing these questions, and taking time to prepare responses before an interview, can help you stand out as a suitable candidate. Additionally, it is just as important to always come to a job interview with questions to ask the interviewers. Doing so shows a commitment and genuine interest in the position. Prepare some questions ahead of time; oftentimes, you will come up with new questions during the interview. The best questions are specific to the role and/or content covered in the interview. Wait to discuss salary and benefits until after you receive a job offer, if you are able to do so. Numerous resources exist online with interview questions. The WCU Career Center offers mock interviews so you can practice your responses.

 

The STAR Method

Use the STAR method to improve your responses to story-based interview questions, like "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work".

A graphic on the STAR Method. The graphic is blue and yellow with retro space-age text, and star motifs.

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For interview questions with a story structure, try using the STAR method for smooth storytelling. 

  • Situation- What is the particular context of the story? Is there anything you should share with the interviewer so that they can fully understand the story?
  • Task- What was your goal or task?
  • Action- What did you/the team do?
  • Result & Reflection- What happened as a result of your actions? Was the result satisfactory, or would you do things differently?

 

Listen to Others — Interview

  • Candidates who stand out are those who do their homework on our organization, ask insightful questions, and clearly articulate how their skills align with the position. A memorable candidate might share a relevant story or project where they made a meaningful impact.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • We do ask behavioral and situational questions to understand how candidates approach problem-solving, handle challenges, and work in teams. We evaluate responses based on the candidate’s ability to think critically, provide specific examples, and demonstrate emotional intelligence.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Understanding our mission and the industry is crucial—it shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in our work. While skills and experience matter, a candidate’s passion for the field and alignment with our values can often be the deciding factor.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration are highly valued. For example, we had an intern who was particularly good at facilitating cross-team communication, helping break down silos, and keeping projects on track. It made a huge difference in the flow of work and the team’s ability to meet deadlines.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • I researched my internship pretty heavily before I even got on calls with certain people, which actually played to my benefit because it set a vision of where I wanted to go.

    WCU Student (Finance Major)

 

Research Your Employer: Understanding the Internship Company

Understanding your internship employer will help you perform more confidently and effectively during the interview. Start with the company’s official website to understand its mission, values, products/services, and organizational structure. Go beyond the homepage to review sections such as “About,” “Careers,” press releases, and leadership profiles to gain deeper insight into company culture and priorities. This preparation will enable you to clearly articulate how your values, strengths, and career goals align with the organization.

For public companies, analyze financial and strategic information through SEC filings (e.g., 10-K) and annual reports to understand performance trends, growth drivers, and key risks.  Stay current by searching the company in major business news outlets (e.g., national newspapers in U.S. Major Dailies) to identify recent developments, deals, or challenges. Understanding recent news enables you to demonstrate awareness of the company’s current position and strategy, while also helping you explain how the role you are applying for contributes to its goals and priorities. For private companies, gather intelligence through credible online sources such as news articles, industry outlets, and company announcements.

Leverage professional platforms:

  • Use LinkedIn to explore profiles of employees in a similar role, their career paths, and organizational structure, and to identify alumni connections.
  • Use Glassdoor and similar platforms to review employee experiences, company culture, and salary insights (while recognizing potential bias).

Finally, network strategically. Reach out to alumni, current employees, or personal connections to gain insider perspectives on the company and specific roles. These conversations often provide insights that cannot be found online and help you better assess fit and expectations. 

Research the Industry: Understanding the Internship Industry News and Trends

Developing a strong understanding of the industry in which your internship employer operates will help you stand out as a well-informed and thoughtful candidate. Start by identifying the industry’s scope, market segments, and major players and competitors to understand how the company fits within the broader market.

Research current industry trends, opportunities, and challenges, including technological changes, economic factors, and evolving customer needs. This context allows you to speak more insightfully about the company’s direction, its competitive environment, and its differentiators within the industry. Understanding what sets the companies apart will help you better connect the industry knowledge to the role you are pursuing. Be prepared to explain how the position contributes to the company’s success and how your skills align with industry demands. Demonstrating this level of awareness shows your initiative, strategic thinking, and genuine interest in the job opportunity.

Leverage professional tools and platforms:

  • Use IBISWorld Industry Research to understand the industry trends and market demand, and key success factors in the industry. Use the call prep questions to inspire your interview preparation and ask important questions. 
  • Use the First Research Industry Profile in Mergent Archives to understand the industry trends and challenges, and there are also call prep questions that you can use to inspire your interview preparation and ask important questions. 
  • Use the national leading newspapers in the US Major Dailies; follow the trade association website or industry-specific publications to find current trends and news in the industry.

When you understand the field, you can ask more thoughtful questions, engage in meaningful conversations with professionals, build stronger connections during the interview, and ultimately increase your chances of success.

AI Tools for Interview Practice

There are many ways you can use AI as a tool to practice your interview skills and feel more prepared. Here of some ideas of how you can use AI as an interview tool:

  • Use AI to research background information on the companies you apply for
  • Generate ideas of interview questions
  • Brainstorm answers to interview questions
  • Receive instant feedback on your interview question answers
  • Engage in a mock interview
  • Practice the online interview process
AI Interview Resources
AI Interview Assistants
  • Yoodli
    • AI interview assistant providing 5 free roleplay interviews with clear, instant feedback.
  • ChatGPT Interview Prompts
    • 35 prompts for ChatGPT designed to improve your interview from multiple perspectives
  • LockedIn AI
    • AI interview assistant providing guidance and feedback. Limited free version.
  • Parakeet AI
    • AI interview assistant powered by ChatGPT. Limited free version.
  • Interviews Chat
    • AI interview assistant providing mock interviews and interview preparation tools.

 

Further Resources

 

From Internship to Job Offer

Resources

Turning an Internship into a Job (2016) [Course | 54 min]
This LinkedIn Learning course guides you through the process of considering an internship, finding opportunities, increasing your value, and turning an internship into a full-time job opportunity. 

Turning an Internship into a Job (2020) [Course | 30 min]
This LinkedIn Learning course guides you through the process of finding the right internship, landing the internship, making yourself irreplaceable, and using your internship to get a full-time job offer.

Listen to Others — From Internship to a Job Offer:

  • Employers consider internships as one of the most effective strategies for recruiting entry-level talent, often with the intention of converting interns into full-time employees. Current offer rates are approximately 72% for in-person internships and 56% for hybrid internships.

    (Collins, 2025)

  • In addition to job performance, we look for qualities like initiative, curiosity, and a positive attitude. Interns who take on challenges, seek feedback, and contribute to team culture are more likely to be considered for full-time positions.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Networking and engaging with employers during an internship is crucial! Building relationships with colleagues and supervisors can create opportunities for mentorship and future roles. Strong interpersonal skills like professionalism, empathy, and active listening can make a lasting impression on potential employers.

    WCU Employer Panelist

  • Demonstrating initiative and commitment to quality work are the most important factors in an employer’s decision to rehire the intern.

    (Gault, Leach, Duey, 2010) 

  • Get comfortable hearing no if you want to hear yes; Never be afraid to voice your opinion, even if it’s not a yes; collaborate to come up with a creative solution.

            WCU Internship Student Panelist

  • Always asking why and what difference does it make; learning more about the bigger picture, always be prepared for the next step, and the next responsibilities you’ll be taking on.

    WCU Internship Student Panelist

  • Persistent, motivated, and disciplined are key to my success. For discipline, it means once that position comes to me, I'm ready to give 150% towards that position. I am ready to be the top-shelf material within that career.

    WCU Student (Finance Major)

 

During Your Internship

While it’s partly your employer’s responsibility to make your internship a valuable experience, there are also plenty of opportunities to deepen your learning on your own terms. There are many ways you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of your career during your internship. Make a copy of this spreadsheet to track what tasks you've completed.

  • Get to know your coworkers. Ask them about their educational and professional experience, as well as what a day looks like in their position.
  • Ask your supervisor if you can shadow in a different department for all or part of a day.
  • If you are interested in sitting in on a particular meeting or working on a particular project, ask your supervisor how you can be involved.
  • Confer with the hiring manager/head of HR for insight into your interview and resume. Even though you were hired for the position, constructive criticism and feedback is always valuable for future opportunities.
  • Explore ways you can be involved with the company after your internship ends.
  • Connect with other interns in your company in similar positions.
  • Reflect on how your internship compares with other jobs you’ve had. Think about elements such as job duties, company culture, and opportunities for advancement. What did you like and dislike about each job opportunity? How can you apply this to your job search after graduation?

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