Before you start browsing job boards and sending mass applications, take a moment for reflection. Understanding your expectations, goals, and strengths is the foundation that will give meaning and direction to your search. This kind of self-analysis reduces the risk of random decisions and makes it easier to choose a place that will help you build a career path aligned with your aspirations.
Ask yourself: what outcome do you want to achieve through your internship? Is your goal to learn specialized technical skills – for example, using engineering software or coding in a particular language – or to work on soft skills such as communication, time management, or creative problem-solving? Clearly defining priorities will allow you to filter offers and focus on companies that truly support growth aligned with your plans.
It’s also worth considering which sector feels most natural to you. Are you fascinated by the world of new technologies, finance, or perhaps advertising and creative industries? Natural inclinations often point to the best direction. Think, too, about the kind of environment you work best in – some people thrive in corporations with structured rules, while others prefer smaller, more flexible teams. Once you identify your strengths and weaknesses, it will be easier to present them during an interview. In this way, you’ll show that you consciously manage your development and can assess your own value.
Application documents are the first impression a recruiter gets, so they should look professional and consistent. A student or graduate CV doesn’t need to feature a long list of positions. What matters is potential, energy, and achievements from your studies. That’s why it’s worth highlighting academic projects, student organization activities, participation in competitions, or volunteer work. Instead of just listing titles, it’s better to describe the skills developed and specific tasks completed.
If you have a portfolio, be sure to attach it to your application. A portfolio speaks louder than a dry description. Engineering students can showcase their technical projects, programmers can share code samples on GitHub, while marketing students can provide examples of texts or social media profiles they’ve managed. However, before sending documents, carefully analyze the job description. Consider which traits and skills are most important to the company, and emphasize them in your CV and cover letter.
Once you’ve set your career direction, it’s time to start searching. Actively monitor the job market, using many different sources and independently verifying information about companies. Make decisions based on the broadest possible knowledge – don’t limit yourself to just one channel.
The first search may seem difficult, but there are many places that make finding valuable offers easier:
Job boards – regularly check portals dedicated to students and early-career professionals, such as ePraca. Set up alerts for new offers.
University career services – here you’ll find offers often unavailable online. Thanks to their employer connections, career offices point you to companies open to young talent. They also help refine your CV and practice for interviews.
LinkedIn – the platform combines a job board with networking opportunities. Following recruiters and companies gives you access to internship information even before official postings.
Job fairs – both on-site and online. These events let you speak directly with company representatives, ask questions, and hand over your CV.
It’s also important to remember the power of networking. Tell your friends, family, and professors that you’re looking for an internship. Often, personal contacts open the door to the most interesting opportunities and help you find the right placement faster.
An internship ad may look very appealing, but the real picture comes from the people and everyday relationships within the company. The atmosphere in the office and the values an organization prioritizes ultimately determine the quality of the experience. To avoid disappointment, it’s worth checking how the company operates day-to-day.
A good start is a thorough look at its website. Explore the “About Us,” “Careers,” and “Our Team” sections. Pay attention to communication style and photos – are they formal portraits, or natural images showing real work situations and team events?
Social media is another key source. Company posts reveal how open and positive its culture really is.
Reading reviews on platforms like GoWork can also help, though always with caution – focus on recurring themes, both positive and negative. Company blogs, podcasts, and interviews with employees or managers can also provide insights into organizational culture. Finally, check if the company has a structured internship program with mentors. This shows they take the growth of young professionals seriously and invest in their future.
An interview is not only a test for the candidate but also an opportunity to evaluate the company. Prepare a list of questions to verify whether the job description matches reality. This shows you take the process seriously and think long-term. The conversation should cover not only salary but also development and responsibilities.
What to ask?
“What does a typical day look like for an intern in this role? What tasks are planned for the first weeks?” – the answer shows whether the company has a plan or operates chaotically.
“Will I have a mentor I can turn to with questions?” – having a mentor demonstrates that the company cares about learning.
“How often will I receive feedback and in what form?” – regular feedback enables real progress.
“Is there an opportunity for further cooperation after the internship?” – this gives insight into prospects after the placement.
What to watch out for during the interview?
Pay attention not just to answers but also to how they are delivered. Warning signs may include:
lack of detail about responsibilities,
vague information about supervision,
overemphasis on “family atmosphere” while ignoring growth opportunities,
reluctance to share examples of past interns’ successes.
Equally important is your overall impression. Ask yourself: does the conversation feel like a partnership, or do you feel pressured and distanced? Be wary of employers who push for quick decisions or fail to provide transparency about contracts and compensation.
The post-pandemic period has brought new possibilities for internships. A PwC, Well.hr, and Absolvent Consulting report Young Poles on the Job Market shows that since 2020, fewer students want to work exclusively in the office. More are choosing remote or hybrid models, valuing flexibility and independence.
Today, you’ll find both in-office and fully online internships. The choice is yours – and it will shape the nature of your experience. Weigh the pros and cons of each model, and choose what best suits your personality, preferences, and plans. Don’t forget to check contract terms and whether compensation is offered.
Working in the company’s office allows you to fully immerse yourself in its culture. You observe daily teamwork, have constant access to your mentor, and can ask questions right away. This environment fosters learning and quick problem-solving.
Being on-site also means informal chats, coffee breaks, and integration events. This form suits people who enjoy interaction, value structure, and feel motivated in a team. Direct contact with professionals also makes it easier to acquire practical skills and prepare for future job offers and salary negotiations.
The hybrid model combines remote work with office presence on selected days. It allows you to benefit from both environments. Meetings in the office help build relationships and complete group tasks, while working from home saves commuting time and provides space for focus.
This model is ideal for those who want independence but also value face-to-face collaboration. However, it requires strong self-discipline and adaptability to different settings – a skill increasingly valued in today’s job market.
Remote internships open many doors. They allow students and graduates to collaborate with companies from across Poland – or even abroad – without relocating. You can work from anywhere with internet access, which provides great flexibility. This option suits people who juggle studies, extra classes, or part-time work.
The flip side is that it demands initiative, good organization, and consistent communication. Without in-person contact, you’re more responsible for sharing progress, asking questions, and maintaining smooth collaboration.
Online internships, which can last for months, require a well-arranged home office. Create a clear work zone that fosters focus. If you don’t have space for a separate room, a divider such as wall slats can separate your work area while keeping natural light.
Furniture matters too. If a standard desk is too large, a foldable table may be a smart alternative. It doubles as a comfortable workspace during the day and folds away to free up space. Don’t forget an ergonomic chair and proper screen setup to avoid back pain or fatigue during long hours in front of a computer.
The choice of internship has a major impact on your career. The process starts with analyzing your own goals and expectations, then evaluating how companies operate, and finally selecting a work model suited to your preferences. Remember not to see yourself only as a candidate – actively assess whether the organization truly supports learning and creates a supportive environment.
Internships are not just a university obligation. They are the first real chance to shape your career path. A well-chosen program can become a valuable experience that inspires further growth and makes future decisions easier.
Sources:
Komfort
PwC, Well.hr, and Absolvent Consulting – Young Poles on the Job Market
How to Write a Strong Resume with No Experience – Youth Connections
How to Find an Internship That Matters – BigFuture
How to Get a Student Internship – Save the Student
Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person Jobs: How to Find the Perfect Fit for You – Youth Connections
Article prepared in cooperation with a partner of the service.
Author: Joanna Ważny
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