Finding internships is a tough part for many international IT students in North America. Internships not only help you get real experience but often decide if you’ll get a full-time job later. So, don’t wait until the last minute—start preparing early.
Big companies usually start hiring interns in the fall, especially from August to October. If you wait until summer’s almost here to apply, many good spots might be gone already. It’s best to start watching job openings as early as freshman or sophomore year. Meanwhile, keep practicing coding and working on projects bit by bit, so you’re ready when the time comes.
Tech skills are the base. Whether it’s Python, Java, or C++, you need to really know algorithms and data structures. Doing lots of problems isn’t about just finishing them—it’s about getting better at thinking through solutions. Besides classwork, joining open-source projects, coding contests, or making small apps on your own can make your resume look better.

Getting a referral helps a lot. Sending out resumes alone means your application can easily get lost in tons of others. Try using LinkedIn to find alumni or friends at companies you want to work for. Reach out politely, explain what you want, and that makes it easier to get referred. Also, check out your school’s career center, job fairs, and tech talks—these are great chances to meet people from companies. Programs like Drill Insight can also help you get internship experience.
It’s normal to face some rejection when looking for internships, so don’t be discouraged. Every interview is a chance to learn. Keep reflecting, improve, and don’t give up. If you start early and keep at it, there are plenty of internships in the North American IT scene, and you can find a good one.