By: Sarah Andebrhan
Thinking of applying for an out-of-state internship? Now is the time to prepare!
Many competitive summer internships in major cities open applications nearly a year early. This process may feel intimidating. However, starting early helps you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Before applying, identify what you want to gain from your internship experience. As a double major in international studies and strategic communication, Washington, D.C., seemed like the best place for professional growth. I gained professional experience in both Columbus and on campus, but after reflecting, I realized my next step wasn’t in Ohio.
From January to May, the Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) prepared me for the internship application process and life in Washington, D.C. As a John Glenn Fellow participating in WAIP, I honed my research, application, interviewing, and networking skills. With its help, I secured my summer communications internship at U.S. News & World Report. Here’s my step-by-step guide on securing out-of-state internships in 2024.
Step 1: Take advantage of on-campus resources
There are plenty of organizations and offices that can support your out-of-state internship application process:
- Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA): Ohio State’s PRSSA chapter provides paying members with many professional development resources. Resources include access to internships and job opportunities, a mentorship program and a job database.
- Buckeye Careers: This office offers detailed resources for students searching for internships. Some of the resources include career fairs, Handshake and personalized coaching to help students search and apply for internships and jobs. Visit the Buckeye Careers website to schedule an appointment with staff.
- Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP): Through this program, students can live, intern, and take classes in Washington, D.C. WAIP staff assist you through every stage of the out-of-state internship application process. It also provides student housing and connects you with a large network of governmental agencies, nonprofits and think tanks. For more details, visit the WAIP website.
Step 2: Use strategic searches in popular internship databases
Once you identify locations that align with your goals, start researching. Filter your search based on your preferred location.
Some key platforms to search for out-of-state internships include:
Out-of-state internships in cities like Washington, D.C., or New York are very competitive. Preparing early helps you refine your application and stand out from other applicants.
Start your research process up to a year ahead. Set weekly goals to manage your competing deadlines and avoid last-minute stress. One of my goals was to apply to at least 10 positions each week.
Use an application tracker to stay organized and manage multiple applications at once. I tracked over 45 applications in this personal tracker I made in Google Sheets.
Feel free to make a copy of my template and personalize it for your application process.
Step 3: Tailor your cover letter
Even if the internship application says a cover letter is optional, write one! Cover letters are crucial, especially when applying for out-of-state internships.
Tailor parts of the cover letter to the company you are applying to. This shows you are willing to relocate and care about the specific position.
Since I was applying for out-of-state positions, I recognized the importance of addressing my willingness to relocate. I included a statement in my cover letters about living in Washington, D.C. This showed that I had concrete plans to be available during the internship period. Be sure to mention any established housing plans or detail your willingness to relocate.
Here’s what I wrote:
“I am participating in Ohio State’s Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) this summer semester, which allows me to intern and live in Washington, D.C., from May 13 to Aug. 1, Monday – Thursday, 20-32 hours a week.”
I hope this guide helps as you search for your on-campus internships. Good luck!