Securing an international internship with The Intern Group can be a transformative experience, providing you with global exposure, professional development, and invaluable networking opportunities. However, competition can be fierce, and knowing how to stand out is key to getting accepted into your desired program. This guide will walk you through the essential strategies to strengthen your application and maximize your chances of success.
1. Apply for an internship for the fall season.
Many applicants choose to do summer internships, making the competition particularly intense during these months - spots fill up quickly leaving you with fewer opportunities. If your schedule allows, consider applying for fall internships (August, September, or October) or spring. These seasons tend to have fewer applicants, giving you a greater chance of securing a placement. Additionally, applying early—at least 3 months in advance—will increase your priority in the selection process, ensuring you get first consideration for the most competitive and career-changing positions.
2. Spruce up your resume to make it more competitive.
Your resume and cover letter will be the first impression The Intern Group and potential employers will have of you. To make your application stand out, keep your resume up-to-date, including your latest education, work experience, volunteer positions, and relevant skills, all in a professional format. Remember to customize your cover letter, tailoring it to highlight your enthusiasm for your chosen industry, your relevant experience, and why you’re excited about an international internship. Before you send your CV and cover letter, proofread everything. Grammatical errors and typos can give a bad impression, so double-check your documents for accuracy.
By presenting a polished, professional application, you demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to the opportunity.
3. Showcase your passion.
Employers and our team look for candidates who are genuinely passionate about their chosen field. Demonstrate your dedication by highlighting any relevant coursework, projects, or research you’ve done, and extracurricular activities related to your industry, such as clubs or student organizations. Tell us about any previous internships, freelance work, or personal projects you've done that showcase your skills. Do you have volunteer experience or initiatives that demonstrate leadership and problem-solving abilities? Let us know!
The more you can show how you’ve actively engaged in your field, the more appealing you will be to decision-makers.
4. Research your preferred internship destination.
The Intern Group offers programs in major global cities such as London, New York, Madrid, and Melbourne. Employers and our admissions team want to see that you have a strong reason for choosing a specific destination.
When writing your application and attending your The Intern Group interview, be prepared to discuss:
- Why you chose that city and how it aligns with your career goals.
- What you know about the business culture in that country.
- How immersing yourself in a new environment will benefit you professionally and personally.
By demonstrating knowledge of your chosen destination, you’ll show your commitment and readiness to adapt to an international setting.
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5. Be professional throughout the process.
Professionalism is a key trait that The Intern Group values in candidates. From the moment you submit your application to your final interview with a company, be sure to respond to emails promptly to show reliability and good communication skills, dress appropriately for virtual or in-person interviews, be punctual for all scheduled meetings and calls, and use professional language when speaking or writing to The Intern Group team.
Employers look for candidates who will positively represent their organization, so maintaining professionalism will work in your favor.
6. Stay flexible with your options.
While it’s great to have a dream role or location in mind, being flexible can significantly improve your chances of getting accepted. Be open to various industries where you can apply transferable skills. For example, if a role in Business isn't available, we might find you something that aligns with your goals and interests in Entrepreneurship instead. We also recommend considering different destinations if your top choice is highly competitive and exploring in-person and remote internship opportunities.
Flexibility demonstrates adaptability—an essential skill in any global work environment—and can open the door to unique opportunities you might not have initially considered.
7. Prepare for your interviews
Once you've applied, you'll have an interview with The Intern Group, and if you're successful, another interview with a potential host company. To ace the interviews you should: research common interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers, highlight your strengths and how they align with the internship role, practice your responses to ensure clarity and confidence, and ask insightful questions about the program, the company, or the work culture.
A strong interview performance can solidify your spot in the program.
8. Follow up and stay engaged.
After completing an interview, send a polite follow-up email expressing gratitude for the opportunity. This keeps you on the recruiter’s radar and demonstrates your enthusiasm. Additionally, you can stay engaged by following The Intern Group on social media for updates, attending any informational webinars or Q&A sessions, and reaching out with any thoughtful questions about the process.
Getting accepted into The Intern Group’s competitive internship programs requires preparation, professionalism, and a proactive approach. By applying strategically, refining your application materials, showcasing your passion, and staying flexible, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing your dream internship abroad.
