A business student internship is an opportunity to gain real-world experience, make industry connections, and launch your career before you’ve even graduated – and knowing how to find internships effectively can set you apart from the competition.
The good news? With the right approach, you can find internships, build valuable skills, and even turn that temporary role into a full-time job. Here’s how to go about getting internship opportunities.
The Advantage of Internship for Students in Business
If you’re wondering whether getting an internship is really worth the effort, consider this: The average business intern salary in Canada is approximately $85,000 per year (or $43.59 per hour), with entry-level positions starting around $48,750 per year.
But beyond the paycheck, the advantage of an internship for students is the experience you gain. Here’s why every business student should prioritize securing an internship:
- Real-World Experience – An internship helps you apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.
- Networking Opportunities – 70% of professionals land their jobs through networking (and a staggering 80% of jobs aren’t even listed online).
- Skill Development – 41% of employers look at skills first when reviewing resumes, with 88% prioritizing hard skills.
- Potential for Full-Time Employment – Many internships lead directly to job offers, giving you a foot in the door at top businesses.
Steps to Getting an Internship as a Business Student
1. Define Your Career Goals and Internship Preferences
Start by deciding what you actually want from your internship before jumping in head-first.
Ask yourself:
- What industry interests me most? (Finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, tech?)
- What skills do I want to develop?
- Do I prefer a remote, hybrid, or in-person business internship?
- Am I looking for paid or unpaid internships?
2. Leverage University Career Services
If you’re wondering how to find internships, you’ll be relieved to discover that many universities offer career development resources, resume-building workshops, and internship placement programs. If your school has a Business Career Center, book an appointment ASAP.
At the International Business University (IBU) in Toronto, our BCOM and MBA programs connect students with top Canadian business internships, mentorships, and networking events.
3. Search Online & Use Job Boards
While networking is crucial, job boards are still valuable tools for finding internships:
- LinkedIn Jobs – One of the best platforms for connecting directly with recruiters.
- Glassdoor & Indeed – Great for filtering paid internships.
- TalentEgg & Canada Job Bank – Specialize in entry-level opportunities for students.
- Company Career Pages – Many companies post internships only on their websites.
Set up job alerts so you never miss new internship postings!
4. Network & Attend Career Fairs
As mentioned, around 70% of professionals land jobs through networking. Here’s how to network effectively:
- Attend Career Fairs – Universities and industry events often host recruiters looking for interns.
- Reach Out to Alumni – Connect with graduates from your school who now work in your desired industry.
- Build a Strong LinkedIn Profile – Engage with professionals in your field by commenting on posts and joining groups.
- Ask for Informational Interviews – A 15-minute chat with someone in your dream role can lead to internship referrals.
5. Apply Strategically and Tailor Your Resume
What can you do to ensure your resume stands out in a sea of talent? Customize it for each job! Here are some tips:
- Use keywords from the job description.
- Emphasize transferable skills like leadership, communication, data analysis, and project management.
- Keep it to one page – recruiters scan resumes quickly, so keep it concise.
If possible, get an advisor or mentor to review your resume before sending applications.
6. Prepare for Interviews and Follow Up
Once you land an interview, preparation is key. Qualifications are important, but employers also want to see confidence, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities. Most importantly, always research the company thoroughly before the interview.
Finally, it’s also considered polite to follow up 24 – 48 hours after the interview, thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your interest in the position once more.
How to Turn Your Internship Into a Full-Time Job
Securing an internship is step one. But if you want to turn that internship into a full-time job, you need to treat it like an extended interview and do the following:
- Go Above and Beyond – Deliver work ahead of deadlines, offer to take on extra projects, and show initiative.
- Be Proactive & Ask Questions – Show curiosity and a desire to learn.
- Network Within the Company – Build relationships with team members and decision-makers.
- Seek Out Feedback – Check in with your supervisor regularly to improve your performance.
- Express Your Interest in Staying – Before your internship ends, ask about full-time opportunities.
Learning how to find internships revolves around strategic networking, using the right resources, and standing out during the hiring process.
By following these steps, you can find internships that match your business career goals, gain valuable industry experience, and even turn that opportunity into a full-time role.
At IBU in Toronto, we help students secure top Canadian business internships, connect with industry leaders, and develop the skills employers want. But you have to start somewhere! Explore our BCOM programs now to get your career on the right track. Contact us for details.