Everything you need to start your professional journey

Securing a job ain’t easy. With so much competition, unrealistic qualifications for entry-level positions, and the threat of advancing technology, the future for job seekers feels grim.

Not to mention, the value of a college education is declining. Gone are the days when you could bank solely on your degree to get you through the door. According to findings from Indeed.com, “employers are becoming less likely to require formal education credentials for jobs.”

The unfortunate fact is recent college graduates are struggling to find jobs that match their degrees. Black college graduates especially, have a higher likelihood of underemployment, often working jobs they’re overqualified for—usually with lower pay.

If you’re a Black college student, don’t let these statistics discourage you. A degree might not be enough in today’s job market, but there are ways to increase your chances at a full-time role.

Internships are among the greatest ways to distinguish yourself from other job seekers. Having internship experience demonstrates initiative and can even act as a pipeline for new hires—I secured my first job after graduation at the same company I interned for during my junior year.

So, I’m sharing tips on how to find and secure an internship, and how to make the experience worthwhile.

Finding an Internship

First, use your resources. Most colleges have career centers that connect students with internships and jobs.

Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Handshake, and Her Campus Generation Hired are also great options. For the social butterflies, you can search hashtags like #hiring or #internships on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (if you still have it).

Second, choose internships that align with your career goals. Job descriptions outline responsibilities and if the role won’t help you build relevant skills, drop it.

Securing an Internship

Apply to as many internships as possible. It doesn’t hurt to cast your net far and wide because applications are free, and you never know which one will land.

To stand out, use your application materials to showcase your personality. Many applications require personal statements or cover letters, so highlight your passions and what you bring to the table. If there's a prompt, follow it to a T.

For creative fields like fashion, film, or graphic design, keep a portfolio ready with relevant school or personal projects.

Most importantly, make sure your resume is organized. Purdue University’s website offers useful tips and examples.

Oh! And before you press “apply,” have someone you trust review your materials.

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Making it Worthwhile

Looking back, there are things I wish someone had told me before my first internship that would’ve better prepared me (and saved me from a lot of anxiety). Here are a few things to keep in mind for your first internship:

It’s ok to be clueless. No one is expecting you to know everything–or anything at all.
Be a sponge. Take notes and ask a lot of questions.
You don’t have to love it. Whether you enjoyed or hated the experience, leverage it to make a better decision on where you want to take your career.
Network. I hate it too but you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

Internships for Black students:

Because you've made it this far, here’s a list of internships and early career opportunities geared toward Black students.

1. National Park Service’s HBCU Summer 2025 Internship Program

The National Park Service’s HBCU Summer 2025 Internship program offers 26 positions across U.S. national parks in fields like history, education, communications, and community engagement.

Notable Requirements:

Current student or recent graduate (no more than two years) from a Historically Black College and University
Availability to serve full-term of internship (e.g., 11 or 20 weeks)

Admissions:

Applications are currently open and will close on February 9, 2025.

2. BLAC: Building Leaders and Creators

BLAC seeks to diversify the world of advertisement by providing aspiring Black professionals with hands-on experience during their 12-week program.

Notable Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years of age or older
Must be based in the United States

Admissions:

Applications are currently open and will close on February 14th, 2025.

3. Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Summer Business Academy

The Johns Hopkins Summer Business Academy transforms students and recent graduates from underrepresented backgrounds into well-rounded business leaders of tomorrow. In 10 days, members can expect to participate in engaging projects, network with seasoned professionals, and gain leadership skills.

Notable Requirements:

Identify as the first family member to attend college, business school, or graduate school
Attend one of the following institutions: HBCU, Hispanic Serving institution, Minority Serving Institution, Tribal College, Women’s College/University/ or a community college as part of a four-year degree
Graduated from a Title I High School

Admissions:

Applications are currently open and will close on March 28th, 2025.

4. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Internships

The CBCF not only offers several mentorship and internship programs for students and young professionals interested in public policy, law, and business, but it also offers scholarships to eligible interns.

Notable Requirements:

Must have a 2.5 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
Must reside in or attend a university in a CBC member’s congressional district
Must have U.S. Citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S.

Admissions:

Applications are currently open and will close on March 28th, 2025.

5. EICOP: The Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program

Ranging from Technology/E-Sports, Game Design, Music, Sports, Fashion, and more, EICOP provides early (and paid!) career opportunities to HBCU students with a variety of interests. Their program runs between 8 to 10 weeks in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York.

Notable Requirements: