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Finding an internship

When embarking on an independent internship search, remember that persistence and patience are essential. Many organizations may lack the time or capacity to respond, regardless of the quality of your outreach. Don’t take it personally—keep trying! It only takes one positive reply to open doors.

Start your search with realistic goals, targeting a diverse range of organizations, not just the largest names in your field. While response rates may be low, success is achievable. Stay focused and committed, and you will find opportunities that align with your aspirations!

Steps to an Effective Internship Search

This checklist is meant as a general guideline for internships. We recommend that students begin the process early in the school year.

CaPS CV and Cover Letter Guides

The following comprehensive guides have been developed by CaPS to help you during the internship search process. You are encouraged to consult them as you write your CV or cover letter, prepare for an interview, job fairs.

To have your CV and cover letter reviewed by a CaPS advisor, go to CaPS drop-in hours or book an appointment through the CaPS website.

MyFuture Database

myFuture is the Ï㽶ÊÓƵ's portal for promoting job opportunities and career education. This includes job postings but also internship postings; both on and off campus, local national and international.

McGill Internship Database

The McGill Internship Database is a compilation of host organizations with preexisting internship programs spanning over different areas of interest. Searchable by location, level of study and area of interest, it provides an excellent starting point for students searching for their ideal internship. 

Disclaimer: By publishing these databases, neither Ï㽶ÊÓƵ nor the Internships Office is, in any way, endorsing the internship opportunities contained herein. These databases are provided simply as a resource to assist students in the process of exploring existing internship opportunities. Each individual student must explore on their own the strengths and weaknesses of each internship opportunity and the extent to which it might meet their needs. 

Faculty of Arts Internship Awards 

After securing your summer internship, you can consider applying for funding. Review the eligibility and selection criteria on this page. The Arts Internship Awards have been established through the generous support of McGill alumni and the Arts Undergraduate Society to help students gain practical experience through internships. They are designed to provide partial funding to assist students with travel and other expenses related to their internship.

McGill interns have been able to approach target organizations by researching their field thoroughly, listing all the organizations they were interested in, and sending each a targeted email including their clear motivations to intern at the organization as well as their CV.

You can find out more about our previously successful interns on the award recipients page.

Applying to Internships in your First Year

First-year students frequently ask whether they can apply for internships - and the answer is yes! 

There are various types and levels of internships available and it is never too early to start. A variety of internships are available at different levels, and it’s never too early to begin the application process. Your prior experiences and early involvement at McGill can be framed in a competitive manner by getting your CV reviewed by CaPS advisors and attending workshops. We encourage you to carefully review the requirements for AIO postings and consult with our advisors to identify which opportunities align best with your skills and interests. Additionally, consider taking the initiative to reach out to organizations directly to create your own internship tailored to your current experience level.

If you're eager to build your resume and gain practical experience before applying for0 traditional internships, check out the Micro-ExP program. This initiative offers short-term commitments (1-5 days) through Micro-Projects and Micro-Placements, allowing you to gain valuable experience without sacrificing your academic schedule. Learn more about Micro-ExP