When do Internships Typically Start?

The internship environment can be a confusing one to navigate, most notably when to apply and when they begin. Whether you’re a freshman starting college or a junior looking to get key industry experiences before you graduate, these internship experiences are meaningful and invaluable to your career path.

The Seasonal Cycle of Internships

Internships usually follow the academic calendar and have specific start dates that coincide with fall, spring, and summer semesters. While summer remains the most sought-after internship season, there are opportunities all year round with different application deadlines and start dates.

Summer Internships (May-August)

The most available and most competitive are summer internships. These occur from May or early June through August for 10-12 weeks. Students most desire summer internships because they don’t disrupt school, and you can apply yourself entirely to an internship.

When summer internships start: Most start shortly after the spring semester, in early June or mid-May. The likely date will depend on company schedules and your college calendar.

When to apply: Application timelines vary significantly by industry:

• Finance, consulting, and large tech companies: These tend to open as early as August-September of the previous year, with others closing by October-November.
• Engineering firms: Applications usually open in the fall (September-October) for the following summer.
• General business and marketing: Application opportunities typically become available in late fall, with deadlines running through January-February.
• Smaller companies and startups: These would have frequent applications with deadlines 1-2 months before internship commencement.

Start early and with a purpose. The timing of your application can significantly influence your chances of securing a valuable internship opportunity. Being proactive in your search will give you a sense of control and confidence in your career path.

Fall Internships (September-December)

Fall internships follow the fall academic semester, generally spanning September to December. They are less competitive than summer internships, though they require students to juggle academic and career duties.

When fall internships start: Most start early to mid-September, at or near the start of the fall semester.

When to apply: Fall internship job listings usually appear in spring (March-April), and application deadlines run through June and July. A few companies will take applications as late as August, with September hire dates.

Spring Internships (January-May)

Spring internships are conducted during the spring semester, typically from January to May. Like fall internships, they require students to balance studies and work.

When spring internships start: Most start in January, at the start of the spring semester.

When to apply: The application process typically opens in September-October, with deadlines from November to early December.

Industry-Specific Timelines

Application and start dates also vary significantly between different industries, as do recruitment cycles and business needs:

Finance and Banking

One of the most competitive recruitment timetables is in banking. The summer internship at leading financial institutions and banks opens nearly a year beforehand, and they recruit in August-September for the following year’s summer. The interviews take place in fall and winter, and acceptance is granted by early spring.

Consulting

Like financial career paths, consultant companies recruit early. Application deadlines for summer employment typically become active towards the beginning of the fall semester, with a few taking applications as early as June. Deadlines range from early fall to late January.

Technology

Tech firms tend to start looking for summer interns earlier, opening applications as early as August for next summer’s season. The tech industry is not as strict, with deadlines ranging from early fall through early spring, depending on company size.

Engineering

Summer engineering internships have open applications in the fall semester. These opportunities are competitive, so early application is crucial to getting the best internships.

Marketing

Summer marketing internships usually open at the start of the fall semester, with application deadlines spanning September-October to January. Timelines are company-specific and differ widely.

Healthcare and Non-Profits

These employers usually hire during winter or early spring, synchronizing with their financial and operational cycles. This delayed timetable may mean reduced competition for students.

Application Strategies for Success

Knowing when to apply is half the battle. To have the best chance at getting an internship, use these strategies:

Focus on Application Open Dates, Not Just Deadlines

Most employers review applications on a rolling basis or as they come in rather than waiting until they have accumulated a stack past the deadline. Applying early will make you much more likely to be reviewed before spots become unavailable.

Research Company-Specific Timelines

Visit company websites for real application deadlines, particularly career or internship sites. LinkedIn and other company tracking sites will also post current listings for internship offerings.

Most businesses have career or internship pages on their website with future availability and application deadlines. Tracking company email newsletters or mailing lists will keep you posted regarding availability for internships and applying.

Prepare Application Materials in Advance

Having your resume, cover letter, and portfolio ready in advance means that you can take early application opportunities as and when they become available. This is particularly vital in very competitive roles with early deadlines.

Consider Pre-Internship Programs

Some firms have pre-internship opportunities for first- and second-year underrepresented students. These companies can grant early consideration for internship requests or direct interview invitations.

Network Strategically

Relationships with people in your target career can also provide information on application procedures and deadlines that are not publicly advertised.

Network with professionals within your desired field on sites like LinkedIn, attending field-specific conferences or events, or joining a student club or professional association. By meeting people and getting to know them, you may learn about internship opportunities before they are made available to the general public.

Planning Your Application Timeline

To avoid missing important application deadlines, you might want to develop a personalized internship application calendar:

1. 12+ months before desired start date: Research companies and desired industries and their typical application dates.
   
2. 6-9 months before: Refresh resume, cover letter samples, and portfolio. Start becoming acquainted with people in your field of interest through networking.
   
3. 3-6 months before: Apply to internship opportunities with early deadlines (finance companies, consultancies, large technology companies).
   
4. 2-3 months before: Apply to positions with standard deadlines.
   
5. 1-2 months before: Apply to opportunities with rolling deadlines or late-opening opportunities.
   

Keep in mind that, on average, startups and smaller companies have more flexible schedules and post openings sooner than larger companies. This flexibility can provide reassurance and reduce stress about application timelines.

Balancing Academic and Professional Commitments

If you’re considering fall or spring semester internships, it’s crucial to carefully plan how you’ll balance these obligations. This preparation will make you feel responsible and ready to manage both your academic and professional commitments.

• Part-time internships: Most organizations also offer part-time internship positions, 10-20 hours per week during the school semester.
• Course credit options: Some schools offer students the opportunity to earn college credit for internship experiences, which they count as part of their coursework.
• Remote opportunities: There is greater flexibility with online internships and less commute time.
• Academic planning: Reduce your course load in semesters when you will be interning.

Your Next Steps

The most crucial aspect to getting an internship is planning and taking initiative. Search early, have materials prepared, and apply early in every company’s timeline.

Through careful planning and aggressive action, a strategic internship can help you further develop professionally and gain precious real-life exposure.

Knowing when internships typically start and when to apply, you are ahead in coping with the competitive internship job market. Remember, though timetables provide only an approximate guide, every company has its schedule, so research and planning are your best bets.

Are you having difficulty locating an internship? Contact your college career services office for individualized information about application deadlines and strategies in your desired region.

Start Your Career with Hunter Recruiting

While we do not typically find internships for college students, we do find opportunities for college graduates looking to start their careers. If you plan to work in STEM, healthcare, manufacturing, or other related fields, we look forward to helping you find work in the future! You can visit our job board or submit your resume whenever you are ready to take the next step.