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Create Your Own Internship
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Create Your Own Internship

How to Create Your Own Internship

Not all companies list internship postings on their website, but many would be willing to consider one with the right proposal from a prospective intern. Don’t be afraid to contact employers with your cover letter and resume to express your interest in an internship with their company. Follow our tips below for creating your own internship opportunity.

Show Initiative

Most InterExchange interns found their internships by taking initiative—they emailed or called employers, expressed interest in being an intern, explained why they were a good fit, and asked if the company would be willing to offer an internship opportunity.

Reaching out directly shows that you’ve done your research and are a motivated candidate. By suggesting an internship program to an employer, you demonstrate your creativity and excitement about training with the company while potentially creating a new opportunity that fulfills your career goals.

Deciding what you’d like to do isn’t as easy as it sounds. Think about where you are now: In school? Working? Recently graduated? Then think about where you’d like this internship to take you. Which specific skills do you want to learn or improve? What abilities do you already have that can be applied in a professional setting?

Before you approach an employer, you need to have a clear understanding of what specific tasks you’d like to do and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Important questions to ask yourself:

  • Why do you want to do an internship? Is it required for school? Do you want to work on a particular skill? See what it’s like to work in this field?
  • What responsibilities do you see yourself having? What would a typical day look like? If you’re studying marketing, do you see yourself doing market research? Working directly with clients? Managing social media?

It’s okay not to know all the specifics of your ideal internship—part of the reason for doing an internship is to figure out what you like to do! Remember, you’ll be there to learn, and the company will take time to introduce you to the industry. 

When approaching employers, have goals and ideas in mind about what you’d like to learn, but also be flexible and open to what the employer can offer.

Once you’ve identified the type of internship you’d like, research the field to identify companies that do what you’re interested in. What types of opportunities are available for someone with your interests and background?

Resources to help you research companies:

Online resources

Your university

  • Career Center: Make an appointment with an adviser to discuss ideas. Where have students interned in the past? Are there alumni from your school currently working in the U.S. in your field?
  • Professors: They’re experts in the field and may have ideas or know U.S. colleagues who would be willing to hire an intern

Clubs and professional groups 

  • Network with other students or professionals in your field. Find out where they’ve had internships or brainstorm names of companies relevant to your interests.

Friends and family 

  • Discuss your interest in an internship with people around you, especially if they have connections to your field or the U.S. They may know people at companies you’d like to intern with or have ideas for identifying prospective companies. Networking is an important skill—it’s how most people find jobs throughout their careers.

Check out our internship search guide for more details on these recommendations.

Your resume is critical when proposing an internship. Employers use it to judge whether you’re suitable for the position. For help tailoring your resume to U.S. standards, see our Resume Guide.

When approaching employers, attach an internship proposal—a specialized cover letter. Based on your research, outline a specific internship role or project you’re suggesting for the company. Be detailed about your goals and skills. Employers prefer candidates with clear goals over those open to any assignment.

Important: The J-1 Intern Visa requires that your internship aligns with your academic field and limits clerical tasks to 20%. More than 20% of administrative duties (like filing or making coffee) isn’t allowed.

Your proposal should include:

  • A clear role description you’re proposing
  • Why you chose this company (customize this for each company)
  • Your internship goals and what you want to learn
  • How the company benefits from having you as an intern
  • Your qualifications connected to your education and experience
  • Internship duration and commitment—J-1 internships require a minimum of 32 hours per week and can last 1-12 months (1-18 months for certain trainees)
  • Whether it’s paid or unpaid (unpaid roles must meet Department of Labor requirements)
  • Mention that InterExchange helps with J-1 Visa sponsorship, which allows non-U.S. citizens to intern legally in the U.S.

Email your proposal to a known contact or the HR department. If you’re unsure who to contact, find the right person through the company’s website or LinkedIn. One week after sending your proposal, follow up politely to confirm they received it.

If an employer can’t offer an internship right away, request an informational interview. This is a chance to learn about the industry and may lead to referrals for intern opportunities elsewhere.

What is an informational interview?

An informational interview gives you insight into a company or specific role. It focuses on gathering career and industry advice. It’s not about getting a job immediately—it’s about understanding the company and preparing for future opportunities. Company websites only reveal so much; these interviews provide deeper knowledge and allow you to discuss potential internships, gather industry insights, and understand typical career paths.

Preparing for the interview

Research your contact before the meeting to ensure a productive conversation. Prepare questions like:

  • How did you reach your current position?
  • What do you love about your job, and what would you change?
  • How can someone enter this field?
  • What does a typical career path look like in this industry?
  • How do you stay updated in your field? Which associations should I join?

After the interview

Ask them to keep you in mind for future internships or refer you to others who might be hiring. Always send a thank-you email after the interview.

Creating your own internship is a great way to ensure a rewarding experience since the internship will be based on your own academic interests and career goals. Proposing and developing an internship takes time, effort, and patience—it’s one of many ways to find an internship in your field.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back from all employers or receive positive responses. Many companies simply don’t have the resources or time to hire an intern when you apply, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be able to offer something in the future or refer you to someone else who could hire you.

Be persistent and good luck!