It is internship application season and many programs’ application deadlines are in early January, as you can see from the examples below.

Deadline Program Link
January 9 DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) Link
January 9 DOE Community College Internships (CCI) Link
January 15 DOE Omni Technology Alliance Internship Link
February 15 Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP) Internships Link

Note: Individual National Labs will have additional internship programs with application deadlines in January and February.

How to Prepare

A couple of seasoned internship reviewers have compiled some tips below to help you prepare for application season.

Resume Application Kit

  • Obtain three recommendation letters from people familiar with your work. Contact professors and former mentors early for recommendations. Remind them of your work together and any achievements.
    • Refer to computer scientist Matthew Might’s tips on asking for recommendation letters here.
      • Don’t worry if you haven’t done the long-term setup that this blog suggests is necessary for a great recommendation, a good one will likely be sufficient.
  • Polish your CV or resume using resources like collegegrad.com/resumes and templates from Latex Templates.
  • Write a paragraph about yourself, detailing your acquired skills, learning experiences, and passion for research or engineering. Use narrative examples to highlight your accomplishments (Indeed Guide).

What to Expect

  • After applying, expect a wait of several weeks before notification of funding and mentor matching. Some programs may notify applicants later.
  • Internship specifics like housing, attendance policies, and dates vary. Check the program’s FAQ for precise information, as some details might only be available post-acceptance.

Tips

  • Thoroughly review application requirements before starting.
  • Use your network to secure a mentor. Contact people at the desired institution or lab.
  • Apply to multiple programs; preparedness with an application kit is key.
  • Limit AI usage for CV/resume or application essays to spell checking and grammar.
  • Craft and practice an elevator pitch (Indeed Guide).
  • Engage in discussions, ask questions, and build relationships during the internship.
  • Stay connected with mentors and colleagues by sharing career updates.
  • Remain flexible and open-minded to diverse internship opportunities.
  • Evaluate career paths and set future goals.
  • Attend talks and sessions to learn about ongoing projects and broaden interests.
  • Enhance soft skills through effective communication and sharing technical knowledge.
  • Overcome imposter syndrome; focus on your skills and potential.
  • Establish a personal motto for motivation during challenges.
  • Embrace the experience, explore the area, learn about the Labs, and network.

About the Authors

  • John K. Holmen: HPC Engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, experienced in reviewing intern applications.
  • Suzanne Parete-Koon: HPC Engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with over 10 years of experience in reviewing applications for internships and fellowships.
  • This post was formatted and spelling and grammar checked by OpenAI.