How to Land an Internship: 5 Essential Tips

Internships provide a critical stepping stone for students—especially those aspiring to work in healthcare. By offering hands-on experience, professional guidance, and networking opportunities, internships allow pre-health students to explore various career paths, from clinical medicine to public health and global health initiatives. Yet, how to land an internship in a competitive market is a question many students wrestle with.

This guide breaks down eight essential areas you should focus on when searching for and securing an internship. While the spotlight is on pre-health students, the strategies and tips here apply broadly to anyone eager to stand out in the internship application process. By the end, you’ll have practical insights on how to tailor your application, develop a compelling resume, and navigate interviews with confidence. You’ll also learn about specialized programs—like the Council for Global Health Scholars—that can supercharge your early career journey by combining internship, research, and educational experiences all in one comprehensive program.

1. Understanding Internship Requirements

Matching Your Goals to the Internship

Before you can figure out how to land an internship, you must clarify your own objectives. Are you a pre-med student hoping to gain shadowing experience in a hospital? Perhaps you’re interested in healthcare administration or global health policy. Determining what you want from an internship helps you target programs that align with your ambitions.

  1. Identify Your Niche: If you’re interested in clinical exposure, look for opportunities in hospitals, clinics, or with volunteer programs. If public policy appeals to you, government agencies and think tanks might be more fitting.

  2. Consider Your Skills: Pinpoint what you bring to the table—strong communication, analytical thinking, leadership capabilities, or adaptability. Knowing your strengths can help you target internships where you can excel.

  3. Look at Prerequisites: Internships in healthcare can vary widely in their requirements, from coursework in biology or chemistry to specialized training in phlebotomy or patient care. Make sure you meet the core prerequisites or are willing to acquire them before applying.

Researching the Organization

Whether you’re eyeing a hospital internship or a position in a healthcare nonprofit, thorough research is key:

  • Mission and Values: Reading up on a healthcare facility’s mission, patient population, or community involvement helps you gauge whether you align with its ethos.

  • Program Structure: Some healthcare internships focus on administrative tasks, while others integrate research, clinical observation, or policy work. Understanding these differences can prevent mismatched expectations.

  • Mentorship Opportunities: Seek internships with strong mentorship components—especially important for pre-health students, who can benefit immensely from professional guidance on their career paths.

Additional Resource: The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is an excellent place to explore the various roles in healthcare and the requirements for each. Their site offers valuable information on training, professional standards, and new developments in medical education.

2. Crafting a Standout Resume

Tailoring Your Resume for Healthcare

A generic resume rarely impresses internship coordinators—particularly in the competitive world of healthcare. Tailoring each resume to the specific internship can set you apart.

  1. Highlight Relevant Experience: If you’ve volunteered in a clinic, participated in health-related clubs, or completed lab coursework relevant to the position, place it front and center.

  2. Use Healthcare Keywords: Terms like “patient care,” “clinical research,” “HIPAA compliance,” “lab analysis,” or “health education” signal to internship coordinators that you have the domain knowledge they’re seeking.

  3. Showcase Soft Skills: Interpersonal and communication skills are critical in any healthcare role. Emphasize experiences that reflect empathy, teamwork, and a capacity to handle high-stress environments—like leading a community health initiative or assisting patients in a clinic.

Formatting Essentials

  • Clear and Concise: A single-page resume is often best for undergraduates or those with limited work history. Use bullet points and consistent formatting (fonts, spacing) to enhance readability.

  • Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers or statistics—for example, “Managed a team of five volunteers to provide basic first aid to over 200 participants in a community marathon.”

  • Include Certifications: If you hold relevant certifications (CPR, Basic Life Support, Certified Nursing Assistant, etc.), list them in a dedicated section.

Additional Resource: The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers career development tips that are beneficial even for those who aren’t strictly nursing majors. They cover resume best practices, continuing education, and leadership insights.

3. Writing a Compelling Cover Letter

Personalizing the Message

Your cover letter should expand on the resume by illustrating your passion for healthcare and explaining why this particular internship fits your goals:

  1. Storytelling Approach: If you had a pivotal experience—like caring for a sick family member or being inspired by a global health documentary—briefly mention it to show the personal drive behind your application.

  2. Align with the Employer’s Mission: In healthcare, empathy and shared values matter. If the organization focuses on underserved communities, for instance, mention experiences or aspirations related to improving health equity.

  3. Concrete Examples: Instead of vague statements, reference actual tasks you’ve undertaken. For example, “Collaborated on a service-learning project that delivered basic health education to 50 elderly patients in rural clinics.”

Structure and Tone

  • Introduction: Start with a concise statement about which internship you’re applying for and why you’re excited about it.

  • Body Paragraphs: Provide evidence of your qualifications, focusing on experiences that align with the job description.

  • Conclusion: Reiterate your interest and mention that you look forward to the possibility of discussing your fit in greater detail.

Additional Resource: The American Medical Association (AMA) has career-related articles that often address effective communication in healthcare. These can offer nuanced perspectives on conveying empathy, professionalism, and competence—traits cover letters should highlight.

4. Networking for Internship Opportunities

The Power of Connections in Healthcare

Networking remains a vital component of figuring out how to land an internship in any field—but especially in healthcare, where personal referrals and professional relationships can fast-track your application.

  1. Academic Advisors: Many universities have pre-health or pre-med advisors who can connect you with alumni, local clinics, or research laboratories seeking interns.

  2. Student Organizations: Join pre-health clubs, attend medical conferences, or volunteer in campus health fairs. These environments often attract guest speakers or recruiters looking for motivated interns.

  3. Professional Platforms: A polished LinkedIn profile can help you connect with healthcare professionals and alumni from your institution. Joining relevant LinkedIn groups—like “Pre-Med Students” or “Public Health Professionals”—can unearth hidden opportunities.

Leveraging Informational Interviews

If you’re curious about a specific specialty (e.g., pediatrics, public health policy, or global health), conducting an informational interview with a professional in that field can yield invaluable advice:

  • Request Brief Meetings: Busy healthcare professionals appreciate concise, well-structured requests. Aim for a 20- to 30-minute meeting or phone call.

  • Prepare Questions: Show that you’ve researched their work and ask specifics about internship openings, required skills, or day-to-day responsibilities.

  • Follow Up: After the conversation, a quick thank-you email can keep the relationship warm should a future internship position open up.

Additional Resource: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) website often features summer internship or volunteer programs, as well as networking events that let you rub elbows with leading researchers and clinicians.

5. Preparing for the Interview Process

Anticipating Common Interview Questions

Healthcare-related internships often come with specialized questions designed to assess both your technical and interpersonal skills. A few typical inquiries include:

  1. Motivation: “Why are you interested in healthcare, specifically our organization?”

  2. Scenario-Based: “What would you do if a patient became combative or verbally aggressive?”

  3. Ethical Concerns: “Describe a time you had to address a conflict of interest or a moral dilemma in a clinical or volunteer setting.”

When you’re answering these questions, focus on:

  • Detailing Relevant Experiences: Connect your personal stories or past roles to demonstrate empathy, conflict resolution, and problem-solving abilities.

  • Showing Growth: If you made mistakes in the past, explain how you learned from them—interviewers appreciate honesty and resilience.

Projecting Professionalism

Interviewers in healthcare settings often evaluate your demeanor and emotional intelligence:

  • Appropriate Attire: A professional look—typically business casual or business formal—reflects your seriousness about the role.

  • Body Language: Maintain eye contact, offer a firm handshake if appropriate, and speak clearly.

  • Gratitude and Follow-Up: Send a post-interview thank-you note or email emphasizing your enthusiasm and appreciation for the interviewer’s time.

Additional Resource: Websites like Glassdoor often have interview questions and experiences for specific healthcare organizations. Checking these can help you tailor your preparation for the unique culture or expectations of the facility you’re applying to.

6. Leveraging Online Internship Platforms

Specialized Healthcare Internship Boards

The digital age has made it easier than ever to search for and apply to internships. For healthcare specifically:

  1. Handshake: Many universities partner with Handshake, allowing you to filter internships by major, interest, or location.

  2. Indeed: A general job board but with robust filtering options. Searching “pre-health internship” or “healthcare internship” can yield local results.

  3. LinkedIn Jobs: By following companies or clinics, you can receive alerts whenever they post new intern roles.

Social Media as a Tool

Platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Instagram have become avenues for recruitment announcements. Following hospitals, clinics, research institutes, or key influencers in healthcare can keep you updated on new openings.

  • Hashtags: Searching for #internship, #healthcarejobs, or #prehealth can reveal current calls for intern applications.

  • Professional Profiles: A complete, professional LinkedIn profile allows recruiters to find you. Regularly update it with new volunteer work, certifications, or courses.

Additional Resource: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) often posts internships related to public health and research. Monitoring their official website or LinkedIn page can introduce you to top-tier global health opportunities.

7. Following Up After Your Application

Timely and Polite Communication

Even after you submit a stellar resume and cover letter, the process isn’t over. Timely follow-up can demonstrate genuine interest:

  1. One Week Check-In: If a week has passed since the application deadline (or since you sent your materials), a concise email to the hiring manager or internship coordinator can be effective.

  2. Reaffirm Your Enthusiasm: Keep the message short. Express gratitude for their consideration and gently inquire about the timeline for decision-making.

Handling Rejections

Not every application will be successful, and that’s okay. If you receive a rejection, consider sending a polite reply:

  • Thank Them: Appreciate the time they invested in reviewing your application.

  • Request Feedback: Politely asking for tips on improving your candidacy can be insightful.

  • Stay Open to Future Opportunities: Sometimes, showing professionalism at this stage can make recruiters remember you if a position reopens or a new role appears.

Additional Resource: The American Public Health Association (APHA) regularly posts internships, fellowships, and volunteer opportunities. They also feature articles on professional development, offering guidance on interview prep and follow-up etiquette.

8. Enhance Your Skills for More Opportunities

Continuous Learning Through Certifications and Workshops

In the fast-evolving healthcare sector, learning never stops. Whether you’re majoring in Biology, Psychology, Health Policy, or a related field, additional certifications or workshops can make your resume irresistible to internship coordinators:

  • Clinical Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), or advanced certifications if available for your level.

  • Language Skills: If you’re considering global health, proficiency in a second or third language can expand your internship options, especially in organizations that serve diverse populations.

  • Research Skills: Enrolling in courses on epidemiology, biostatistics, or data analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, R) can be valuable if you’re aiming for research-based internships.

Volunteering and Leadership Roles

Volunteering in local clinics, community health fairs, or nonprofits that address healthcare disparities offers more than just a resume boost—it demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving people’s well-being.

  • Leadership: Organizing fundraisers or health awareness events can show internship coordinators you possess the initiative and project management abilities they want.

  • Teamwork: Most roles in healthcare require collaboration. Leading or joining student organizations fosters interpersonal and organizational skills crucial in a clinical setting.

The Council for Global Health Scholars: A Unique Opportunity

For those especially interested in global health and hands-on healthcare experiences, the Council for Global Health Scholars provides a multifaceted program that combines:

  • Internship: Offering real-world projects in global health settings, providing invaluable exposure to population health challenges and healthcare systems around the globe.

  • Research Experience: Students can collaborate on groundbreaking research in epidemiology, public health policy, or medical humanities—enhancing analytical and critical thinking skills.

  • Class Credits: The program integrates coursework to build foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks for understanding global health trends.

  • Fellowship: Participants often receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential scholarship or stipend support, making it an all-in-one solution for those seeking a robust pre-health resume.

If you want to stand out in your journey toward a career in healthcare, the Council for Global Health Scholars can give you an edge by melding academic learning, professional development, and immersive experiences. This holistic approach makes you more competitive for future internships, jobs, or medical school admissions by showcasing your adaptability, cultural competence, and commitment to public health on a global scale.

Learn More: Visit the Council for Global Health Scholars official site to explore their upcoming programs, application deadlines, and scholarship offerings.

Conclusion

Figuring out how to land an internship in today’s competitive pre-health landscape can be daunting, but it’s far from impossible. By understanding internship requirements, crafting a tailored resume and cover letter, leveraging your network, and preparing diligently for interviews, you set yourself up for success. Digital platforms further expand your reach, while consistent follow-up shows your enthusiasm for any position you’ve applied to.

But the journey doesn’t end once you secure an internship. Continue enhancing your skills, expanding your network, and seeking unique programs—like the Council for Global Health Scholars—that merge practical experience with academic and research-driven projects. Such experiences can transform you into a well-rounded candidate, not just for future internships but also for medical school, global health fellowships, or a direct entry into healthcare roles.

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, growth and learning never cease. Embrace the challenges of the internship search, stay open to new experiences, and forge meaningful professional connections. By doing so, you’ll not only land an impactful internship but also lay the foundation for a thriving career dedicated to improving health outcomes in your local community and beyond.