The One College Regret Reddit Can't Stop Talking About: Internships
One Redditor summed it up in a comment that hit way too hard:
“The biggest mistake I made in my college career was not aggressively applying for internships. I applied for 1 or 2 the summer before my senior year, was flown out for an interview, but didn’t get the gig. I should have been more persistent.”
– ThatAssholeMrWhite, Reddit
This isn’t just another "do internships" lecture. This is about making your resume a main character before you even graduate. If you’re in college or even just thinking about college, this post is your map to why internships matter, how to get one, and what to do if you missed the window.
Why Internships Are So Necessary (No Cap)
1. Experience Beats GPA
No one’s saying grades don’t matter — but real-world experience will always win in a hiring manager’s inbox. Internships show employers you know how to navigate a work environment, not just a syllabus.
2. Proof of Work
Internships give you talking points, portfolio pieces, references, and receipts. They show up on your resume and in interviews. Even if you’re unpaid, the long-term ROI is massive.
3. Soft Skills Are a Secret Weapon
Communication. Time management. Working with someone who’s twice your age and still uses “Reply All.” Internships teach you all the non-classroom things that separate job candidates in the real world.
Where to Find Internships (That Aren’t Lame)
- Handshake: Made for college students — tons of filters for major, paid vs. unpaid, remote, etc.
- LinkedIn: Search “internship” + your field, and DM people with roles you want. Bold wins.
- Your school’s career center: Sounds basic, but they often have exclusive listings.
- Professors + guest speakers: Ask after class or send a follow-up email. Network smarter.
- Cold email or cold DM: Target startups, local companies, or agencies that align with your dream industry.
Learn how to use ChatGPT to stand out: Job Applications in 2025 →
What If You Missed the Internship Train?
Didn’t get one? No judgment. Here’s how to build experience fast and still get hired post-grad:
- Freelance: Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Contra = mini-internships you can do from your laptop.
- Passion projects: Start a podcast, run a TikTok account, launch a newsletter — show initiative.
- Campus involvement: Lead a club, volunteer for events, do marketing for your school’s orgs — it all counts.
- Micro-internships: Look into Parker Dewey for paid project-based internships that last 1–4 weeks.
How to Stand Out When Applying
Even unpaid internships get competitive. Here's how to win the app game:
- Personalize your resume: Use keywords from the listing and tailor it to the industry.
- Write a cover email that sounds like a real person: “Dear Sir or Madam” is not it. Be respectful but real.
- Attach something extra: A sample project, idea list, or mockup can show off your initiative.
- Follow up after interviews: Quick thank-you note = underrated power move.
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Final Thoughts
If you're in college and not thinking about internships, you’re playing the game on hard mode. You don’t need a fancy title or a Fortune 500 gig — you just need experience, proof of work, and a few solid references. Internships aren’t just a bonus anymore. They’re the new requirement.
This is your sign to stop waiting. Apply. DM. Send that follow-up. Future you will thank you hard.
TL;DR:
- Internships are non-negotiable if you want a job after college
- Start early — even first year
- Use platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, or even cold DMs
- No internship? Build experience with freelance, campus work, or micro-gigs
- Make your app stand out with personalized resumes + follow-ups
