Before applying to anything, get specific about what you’re looking for. Do you want to focus on marketing, finance, or supply chain? Are you more interested in a big-name company or a smaller business where you can try out different tasks? Having a clear idea of your preferences makes everything easier—especially when you’re scanning through listings that all start to sound the same.
Do Your Research Beyond the Job Ad
The job description only tells part of the story. Check out the company’s website, read employee reviews, and take a look at their recent projects. Try to get a sense of how interns are treated—do they get meaningful work, or just coffee runs? If the company has offered internships for a while, they probably have a system in place to help you actually learn.
Apply Early and Stay Organised
Many students make the mistake of waiting too long to apply. The best opportunities—especially those that pay or offer mentorship—get filled fast. Start applying a few months in advance, and keep a simple spreadsheet to track deadlines, application statuses, and any notes you want to remember for interviews.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Role
This isn’t the time for a one-size-fits-all resume. If you’re applying for a role with a focus on analytics, highlight your coursework or projects that show off those skills. If it’s more about teamwork, bring attention to group assignments, volunteering, or customer-facing jobs. Keep it simple, clean, and no longer than one page.
Prepare for Interviews with Real Examples
Interviewers often ask behavioral questions—things like “Tell me about a time you solved a problem.” Don’t freeze up. Before the interview, jot down a few stories from uni, part-time jobs, or even group projects that show you can handle challenges and work well with others.
Take Advantage of Career Support Services
If you’re still studying, your uni probably has a careers team you can reach out to. They can help review your resume, run mock interviews, and connect you to programs or companies you didn’t even know were hiring. You’d be surprised how many people land roles through internal recommendations or uni-run programs.
Understand the Expectations Before You Commit
Some internships expect 3–5 days a week. Others are project-based and more flexible. Make sure you know the workload and whether there’s a clear supervisor or learning component. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview. You want to make sure the opportunity is worth your time—especially if it’s unpaid.
Keep Your Options Open
Even if you’re set on one type of role, it helps to apply for a few different types of internships. Something in data might actually lead to a marketing path later on. And that part-time internship at a startup could give you hands-on experience that bigger firms might not offer.
If you’re not sure where to begin, services that specialise in entry-level commerce internships can help connect you with companies actively looking for students just like you. These programs often take care of the heavy lifting—like matching your interests with available roles—so you can focus more on the experience itself.
Make the Most of Your Time There
Once you’re in, treat it like a real job. Be punctual, show initiative, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you engage, the more you’ll learn—and the better impression you’ll make. Internships are also a great chance to build references or land a permanent role down the line.
Reflect on What You’ve Learned
After your internship wraps up, take a step back. What did you enjoy? What felt frustrating? Your experience will help shape your next move, whether that’s applying for grad roles, switching industries, or focusing on a different skill set. It can also be a good time to read up on how to choose the right career path if you’re still figuring things out.
Finding the right internship isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s a real opportunity to get a taste of working life, grow your skills, and build connections that might open doors later. Stay curious, take the process seriously, and don’t be afraid to try something a little different from what you expected.