Build an application that gets read

Your core internship application kit

• A targeted, one-page resume for most undergraduate internship applications
• A flexible cover letter template that you customize for each role
• A complete Handshake profile
• A professional LinkedIn profile
• A short introduction or elevator pitch
• 4–6 STAR stories for interviews
• References who know your work, when requested
• A portfolio or work samples, when relevant to your field

Translate college experience into employer language

The resume test: for every bullet, ask what did I do, how did I do it, and why did it matter? Add numbers when they clarify scope, speed, volume, frequency or results, not just to force a statistic.

Before you hit Submit

• Match your resume to the posting’s real priorities.
• Use the employer’s terminology when it truthfully matches your experience.
• Proofread names, dates and formatting.
• Save as a PDF unless the application requests another format.
• Use a professional file name, such as Firstname_Lastname_Resume.pdf.

Interview & evaluate the opportunity

Prepare for the questions students hear most

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this internship and our organization?
• Tell me about a time you worked on a team.
• Describe a challenge or mistake and what you learned.
• How do you prioritize when you have multiple deadlines?
• What technical, research, writing, data or communication skills would you bring?
• What do you hope to learn?

Use STAR for behavioral questions

Questions you should ask the employer

• What would a successful intern accomplish by the end of the experience?
• What projects would I own or support?
• Who would supervise me, and how is feedback provided?
• What does a typical week look like?
• How does the team communicate and collaborate?
• What training or onboarding is provided?
• What skills have successful interns developed here?
• What are the schedule, location, compensation and start/end date expectations?

You’re evaluating them, too. A good internship should offer meaningful work, clear expectations, appropriate supervision, learning, feedback and a professional environment, not simply a recognizable company name.

Offer in hand: What should I check?

Before accepting, confirm

• Role title and main responsibilities
• Supervisor and reporting structure
• Start and end dates
• Expected weekly hours and schedule
• On-site, hybrid or remote expectations
• Pay rate or stipend and pay schedule, if applicable
• Location, transportation, parking, housing or travel costs
• Equipment or technology requirements
• Academic-credit requirements, if you plan to receive credit
• Any background check, onboarding, training or documentation deadlines

Can I ask for time to decide?

Yes. Thank the employer, express enthusiasm, and ask for the decision deadline in writing. If you have another active interview process, you may professionally ask whether a short extension is possible.

What if I need accommodations?

Students who may need workplace accommodations can plan ahead for how and when to request them. The right timing depends on the situation and the accommodation needed. Career Development can help you think through professional communication; disability and accessibility offices and the employer’s HR process can address formal accommodation procedures.

International students

Work authorization rules can depend on visa status, location, dates, employer and whether the experience is paid or unpaid. Confirm authorization requirements with WVU’s international student and immigration advising office before beginning employment or an internship.