Many students wait too long to start looking for internships because they assume they need more experience. But here’s the thing — internships are the experience. You’re not expected to have everything figured out before you start. In fact, the earlier you get into a real workplace, the more time you’ll have to discover what you enjoy (and what you don’t).
Even a short internship can give you clarity. Maybe you’ll realise you’re drawn to analytics or prefer the buzz of customer-facing roles. These insights can shape your next steps — from what electives you take to the jobs you apply for after graduation.
Focus on What Matters to You
Don’t just apply to every role you see. Take a step back and think about what you want to learn or explore. Do you want hands-on work, or would you prefer to observe and absorb? Are you curious about big corporations or smaller teams? Knowing your preferences can help you narrow your options and avoid placements that don’t suit your style.
It’s also worth looking into company culture. A great internship isn’t just about the tasks — it’s also about the people you’ll be learning from. Try to find opportunities where interns are treated as part of the team and encouraged to ask questions.
Put Together a Strong Application
You don’t need loads of work history to stand out. A well-crafted application can go a long way. Focus on the skills you already have — maybe from uni projects, retail jobs, or volunteering. Highlight things like communication, problem-solving, or time management. These are valuable in just about any role.
Customise your cover letter for each application. Talk about why you’re interested in the company and how the internship aligns with your goals. Avoid vague statements and show that you’ve done your research — it shows initiative and genuine interest.
What to Expect Once You Start
The first few days might feel overwhelming. New systems, new faces, unfamiliar tasks — it’s all part of the process. The best thing you can do is stay curious. Ask questions, take notes, and observe how others handle different situations. No one expects you to know everything. What matters more is your attitude.
You’ll likely begin with smaller tasks — that’s normal. If you do them well, you’ll build trust and get more involved over time. Think of it as earning your stripes.
Show Initiative and Take Interest
Interns who get noticed are the ones who speak up — not just about problems, but about opportunities to help. If something catches your interest, mention it. Want to learn more about a certain team? Ask if you can sit in on a meeting. Being proactive shows that you’re engaged, and it can lead to learning experiences you wouldn’t get otherwise.
If you see a task that needs doing — even something simple like organising a file system or updating a spreadsheet — jump in. These small contributions can make a big difference and leave a positive impression.
Reflect and Ask for Feedback
It’s easy to finish an internship and immediately move on to the next thing. But before you do, take a moment to reflect. What did you enjoy? What challenged you? Would you want to work in a similar environment again?
Ask for feedback before you leave. A short meeting with your supervisor can give you insights that’ll help in your next role. It also shows that you care about improving — and that could open the door to future opportunities with the same team.
Resources That Can Help You Grow
If you’ve completed one placement and want to keep growing, it’s worth looking into programs that offer career-ready support for commerce internships. These kinds of opportunities often include coaching, structured learning, and industry connections — all of which can help you go further, faster.
And if you’re feeling unsure about which direction to take next, doing a bit of reading on how to choose the right career path can help clear things up. Sometimes just seeing your options laid out clearly is enough to spark new ideas or clarify old ones.
Use Each Experience as a Building Block
No internship has to be perfect to be valuable. Every experience teaches you something — even if it’s just learning what kind of work doesn’t suit you. The goal isn’t to land a dream job right away. It’s to keep learning, growing, and getting closer to what does feel right for you.
Take each step with curiosity, ask smart questions, and stay open to the unexpected. The most valuable lessons often come from the parts you didn’t plan for — and that’s what makes internships such a powerful part of your career journey.
