Can You Still Land an Internship After Graduation?

For many students, college graduation marks the long-anticipated transition from student to full-time professional. In a perfect world, you’d land a job right out of school, but this isn’t always the case. Recent graduates will sometimes seek out internships for this exact reason. In fact, there are a few scenarios in which a post-graduation internship could be a good idea.

Why Internships After Graduation Make Sense

While internships are most commonly associated with current students, many companies offer opportunities specifically for recent graduates, particularly those who have been out of school for less than a year.

Graduates will sometimes pursue post-grad internships because they’ve changed their career goals. Let’s say you earned a degree in marketing but realized you want to go into UX design. Here, landing an internship that’s relevant to your desired career pivot can allow you to test-drive a new field while simultaneously gaining experience and credibility.

Who Should Consider a Post-Graduation Internship?

There are several situations in which recent graduates might want to seek an internship. Aside from the above-mentioned example of a career pivot, a recent graduate might want to get an internship if they were unable to complete one during college for one reason or another.

Other scenarios might include candidates who want to work at highly competitive companies where internships often lead to full-time offers, or most simply, to build their resume if they lack relevant industry experience.

Finding a Post-Grad Internship

If you’re a recent graduate or you’re planning on taking on an internship after graduation, here are some tips and strategies to help you:

Be Transparent About Your Status

When applying, be upfront that you’re a recent graduate. Some internships are strictly for current students, but many are open to individuals who have recently completed their degree, especially within the last six to twelve months. If the application doesn’t mention this, email the recruiter or hiring manager to ask.

Look for Apprenticeship Programs

Some companies brand their internships under different names, especially if they are designed for post-grads. Trainee programs, apprenticeships, and rotational programs are often targeted at recent grads and may offer more structured pathways to employment.

Tap Into Your Network

Reach out to professors, advisors, mentors, or fellow alumni. You might be surprised how many companies rely on referrals for internship candidates, even for recent grads. Also, don’t underestimate the value of informational interviews, as they can lead to real opportunities.

Be Open-Minded

The internship that gets your foot in the door might not be glamorous. What matters most is the chance to gain experience, grow your network, and demonstrate your value. Think of it as an investment in your career and future self.

Common Myths About Internships After Graduation

Internships are only for undergrads: This is simply not true. Plenty of companies welcome recent grads, and some even prefer more mature candidates who can contribute right away.

Taking an internship after college is taking a step backwards: Many employers admire candidates who are proactive, humble, and eager to learn, especially in industries where hands-on experience is critical.

Post-grad internships are unpaid: While some internships are unpaid, especially in nonprofits or the arts, many companies now offer paid internships to recent grads. In fact, you might find that the pay for certain internships is quite competitive.

How to Stand Out in the Application Process

When applying, highlight any transferable skills you gained in school, whether it’s project management, research, collaboration, writing, or communication. Do your best to emphasize your readiness to hit the ground running and your willingness to learn.

Your cover letter is a great place to explain why you believe an internship is the right move for you post-graduation. For example, your cover letter might look something like this:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name/Hiring Team],

My name is [Your Name] and I recently came across the [Name of Internship Program] on [Company Website/Job Board]. I recently graduated from [Your School] with a degree in [Your Major].

I’m eager to bring my skills in [mention 1-2 relevant skills] to your team and contribute to [mention something specific about the company/department]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Sign off/LinkedIn/Website]

Graduating without a job lined up doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it just means you need to stay flexible. A post-grad internship can help you gain experience, expand your professional network, and gain clarity on your career path.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.