How to Get an Internship in New York City

Being in school doesn't mean you should wait to start your career. Having experience on your resume will increase your chances of securing a job later on, and gaining experience working in a global hub will make your resume stand out. Building a career in New York City, often viewed as the “world’s capital,” is the ultimate dream for many people; New York has the reputation of globally excelling in various industries, like finance, fashion, and marketing. So...are you wondering how to get an internship in New York City?

For many post grads, an internship in New York City is the elusive holy grail.

New York internships for international students create space for students to learn how to hustle, while also getting their foot in the door. One quickly learns how to stand on their own while also standing out. Plus, internships in NYC for college students ultimately create space for you to make mistakes, learn, and grow into an individual cut out for a career in the creative industries. So look no further on how to kickstart your career! Secure your summer internship in New York City now.

Do interns get paid in NYC?

First thing’s first — what’s the paycheck like for New York City internships? Well, scoring an internship in New York City doesn’t necessarily mean you’re scoring the wage that accommodates a luxe NYC lifestyle. The majority of short term internships in NYC are not paid positions, but that’s not to say earning compensation is impossible.

Many companies and organizations offer internships which compensate interns through either an hourly wage, a stipend, covered travel and food expenses, etc. However, like many internships worldwide, any compensation given is oftentimes at the discretion of the company or organization with which you are interning. 

However, you should never let compensation keep you from interning in one of the greatest cities in the world! There are a number of scholarships available to individuals undertaking New York City internships in the creative industry, offered through your university, private foundations, or from public funds.

Also, be sure to look into receiving academic credit from your university for your internship. This is something that can help cut back costs in the long run. Although, at the end of the day you must always keep in mind that the experience of interning in New York City is invaluable to your career.

8 tips to get an internship in NYC

1. Have a solid narrative and know what makes you different

You have to know what makes you stand out.

Wondering how to get an internship in NYC? Being the most unique individual in a small town doesn’t hold the same value in a diverse city filled with people who share one common goal: to make it to the top. In order to secure internships in NYC for college students, you have to separate yourself from the masses and hone in on your craft and your skills.

You must focus on creating your narrative and defining who you are. In order to stand out in this city, you have to have an edge. What makes you different? What makes you the hire they need? Paired with an edge is the drive to succeed; you have to want it. You must hustle just as hard as the professionals of Wall Street.

2. Create a killer resume 

If you want to know how to get an internship in New York City, a stellar resume is your answer. Your resume should paint a portrait of who you are. It should highlight your achievements, experiences, and what you hope to accomplish professionally. Think of your resume as a tool to market your individual brand to an employer. Be creative with it! Use the design layout of your resume to show off your skills and personality.

3. Tailor your resume for New York hiring managers

Resumes are meant to be short and sweet — no longer than one page. You must be able to hook your employer by telling them your narrative by using your experience and skills. 

We suggest this format:

• Standard formatted header 
• One-line professional statement
• Work experience (Limit this to 2-3 jobs/internships that pertain to the position you're seeking)
• Education
• Skills

Be sure to use words and verbs to make your professional experience unique and proactive to imply initiative and skill. It’s important to make your resume easy to read and tailored to the position you are applying to!

4. Add a cover letter, even when it’s not required

We know you’re sick of hearing this one, but it’s true — a good cover letter can be a game-changer.

Cover letters give you an opportunity to expand upon everything you have already said through your resume & CV. Use it to explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the position. Show them you’ve done your research!

A cover letter is your way to show the company/organization your personality and expand upon the experiences listed on your resume. It can set you apart from another candidate with similar experience and qualifications. Your cover letter should be one page with the same formatted header as your resume and addressed directly to the hiring manager.

Related: 7 Things Separating a Good Internship Program Abroad from a Great One

5. Cover letter formatting tips & tricks

To score an interview for internships in NYC for college students, your cover letter should match the standard formatting on your resume. They need to fit together like a pair.

We suggest using this format:

• Introduction paragraph: Include the position you’re applying to, and a sentence or two about your background and applicable skills for the position (it’s always a good idea to check the job description).
• Paragraphs 2 & 3: Talk about your most recent experiences, accomplishments, and skills learned. Why are you special? What can you bring to their organization? Tell them. Relate it back to the internship that you’re applying for. How are your skills suitable for this role?
• Paragraph 4: Link it back to the organization and tell them why you want to work for them. Wrap it up neatly by summing up why you’re a good fit for the job. Say thank you and confirm your interest in interviewing.

6. Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Still wondering how to get an internship in New York City? Proofread proofread proofread! Before sending out your cover letter and resume, it’s imperative that you make sure there are absolutely no mistakes.

Whether it be the smallest grammatical issue, typo, or misused word, remember this is the first impression an employer will have of you. A resume and cover letter must be polished to perfection. Never forget, a cover letter is also a writing sample. If you are applying to positions that require you to write, you want to show that you are more than capable — and you don’t want to give them any reason to automatically count you out from the massive pool of candidates.

7. Get ahead of the game

If you really want to score an internship in NYC, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

Don’t limit yourself. It’s important to apply to multiple different New York internships for international students and not to rely on just one. On average, you may have to send out 28 applications before getting a job offer. So, it’s important to apply to many positions and get your resume and cover letter out there.

Even after you find what seems like the perfect internship for you, it’s crucial to continue researching positions through online job boards or company websites and reviewing job descriptions carefully. If you find a few that fit you, go ahead and apply. Getting ahead of the game means being aware of the statistics and applying to a multitude of internships that interest you.

8. Build connections: Network, Network, Network

In New York City, people engage in networking without even knowing it — every conversation can be turned into an opportunity. New York has the reputation of globally excelling in many industries, but most importantly in the creative industries. Therefore, it is easy to build contacts within your specified, sought-out industry.

The key is to make these connections early on while you’re still obtaining degree-specific knowledge and experience. These conversations have the potential to foster mentorships and internships achieved by simply meeting the right person. Learning from someone who is successful in their hustle can lead you to conscious self-marketing that connects individuality with invaluability.

New York City internships for college and international students are waiting

Start working on those applications ASAP!

Knowing how to get an internship in New York City isn’t easy, but these essential tips can put you on the right path. New York City is full of opportunities which provide year-long personal and professional opportunities for college and international students. The city doesn’t function on a fall/spring semester schedule as a typical college town might. Numerous industry-specific events take place every week and are easily accessible, whether it be an art show or a technology expo.

The city’s diverse industries encourage individuals to find their niche. Through first-hand exposure to many differing vocations, college and international students living in New York City have the advantage of discovering their career path before entering the workforce. They can redirect their studies if necessary, with no added cost or consequences. Why wait to immerse yourself in the global industries after college? Kickstart your career now!

Browse ALL New York Internships for International Students on GoAbroad.com

This article was written with help from ArtBound Initiative. ArtBound Initiative (ABI) is a Global Career Accelerator for Creatives. They offer customized internships in New York, London, Berlin, and Hong Kong. Starting with a pre-placement interview, internship opportunities are tailored to candidates’ individual career goals. ABI also takes care of the travel support to ensure that candidates excel in their placements stress-free. Programs includes visa sponsorship, housing, insurance, airport pick-up, and on-site support.