I will be a sophomore EE major this year and I really want to be able to land an internship for next summer. However, I don’t really have any experience to put on my resume. The only thing that may be relevant is that I was a part of a hardware team my freshman year where they built a heart rate monitor (but I wasn’t really able to contribute anything). The only thing that really stands out for me is that I have over a 3.9 GPA but I heard GPA is not a big factor for getting an internship. I am also a bit ahead in classes compared to others I think, but I am not sure if that will matter either. Would I even have a chance at getting an internship?
Everyone has to have their first experience sometime. Always apply, regardless of whether you think you might get something or not. Since you have less experience, apply widely and broadly, even if the internship/job isn’t exactly what you might like to do. Experience is experience, and it’s always easier to get the second one after you’ve already had some experience. Try to include internships that aren’t as competitive or that are geared towards lowerclassmen who might have less experience. You may want to include applying for unpaid internships as well. Also, try to get at least work experience now, even if you can’t get an internship in your field right-away. Some work experience (even if it’s outside of your field) is better than none, and you can pick up some extra money that can tide you over if you have to get an unpaid internship for experience later.
As for your resume, don’t underestimate the value of anything you might have done previously. It’s okay to include volunteer experience, part-time jobs even if they don’t seem relevant, organizations, coursework, skills (such as computer programs you know or other skills), etc, if you need to fill up space. Try to craft what you have done to showcase valuable skills towards the internship you are applying for. You can also include “soft skills”–things like good communication skills, ability to work independently or as part of a team, etc, and relevant experiences that showcase them. Sometimes, you have to dig a little for things to put on your resume, but there’s always something.
I would ask around. Do you have connections? If not, it’s okay! Email your resume companies you are interested in interning at and make sure to express your passion for your field. Many places are open and willing to educate students and allow them to intern–you just have to find the right one.
Good luck to you!
Good GPA is important, mine has an internship after sophomore year. She is in CS. Her high school friend found one as sophomore ME at a CSU. She has high GPA also, maybe 4.0 doesn’t hurt. Apply though your school career center.