Too Late For Summer Internship?

Dear CareerLAB: I'm too late, right?

I'm feeling really behind on looking for a summer internship. It's too late, isn't it? Or if not, then how much time should I be dedicating towards this process? 

Signed, 

Singing the Summer Blues

Bendik Kaltenborn / NY Times

Dear Singing the Summer Blues, 

It is definitely not too late and you are not behind! In fact, most employers -- except for the big name tech, finance, and consulting employers -- do not start posting opportunities until now; and employers, even our alumni affiliated employers, will be posting internships and opportunities through May. Some of your friends may have secured internships during fall recruiting, but most industries do not operate on the recruiting schedule or even start thinking about summer interns until the spring. 

Your search strategy should be a combination of informational interviewing and applying for opportunities, and you can learn more about this approach at one of our How to Find and Fund an Internship workshops on February 6th and February 19th. We're not going to lie - the search process will take some time, but once you have a plan in place you can carve out some hours each week to dedicate to your search. 

You should also come visit our Peer Career Advisors Open Hours or schedule to meet with a Career Counselor to gain more insight into the process and our resources, and plan a solid search strategy for the next few months. We hope you will, because after you do, you will be singing a different tune! :)