How can I get my first job if my only experience is from internships?

The job market is competitive, and it can be discouraging to graduate only to realize that professional experience is essential to stand out in job applications. However, a solution to this challenge is to highlight the internships you’ve completed in your CV, emphasizing the skills you gained during those experiences. These internship programs are an excellent starting point for building your career in the field you want to grow and develop. If you’ve completed an internship, you should definitely use it to gain an advantage in your job search.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of professional internships and provide strategic tips on how to use them effectively to help you land your first job.

1. If You Have the Opportunity to Do an Internship, Take It

Although internships might seem insignificant at first, they are actually the gateway to the professional world. They allow you to experience the work environment without the pressure of a formal job. Additionally, internships provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop new skills, both technical (such as learning new software or equipment) and soft (such as teamwork and communication). One of the greatest advantages of internships is networking. Your colleagues and mentors can be valuable sources of knowledge and job opportunities. You may even land your first job through these connections or be introduced to key professionals in your field of interest. Finally, internships are crucial for building your CV and optimizing your profile for future job applications.

2. Use Your Internship Experience Strategically to Make Your CV Stand Out

Even if you haven’t had a formal job, you can still fill the work experience section of your CV with your internship experience. Carefully read job descriptions, identify the skills required, and match them with the knowledge and tasks you performed during your internships. Describe your experience in a way that aligns with what the employer is looking for. Emphasize your responsibilities rather than just listing tasks, and use keywords relevant to the job. Also, include any certifications, projects, courses, tools, or software you learned during your internships. Consider adding a section in your CV for technical and soft skills, highlighting those gained from your internships that are relevant to the job. Some positions may require references from previous employers, so ask your internship supervisors or mentors if they can provide a recommendation. Strategically planning your CV is key to standing out in job applications.

3. Explore Different Tools and Platforms for Your Job Search

Networking is one of the most powerful tools for job searching. You can start networking during your education—your professors and classmates are a great starting point for making connections and learning about job openings. Additionally, companies where you completed internships can be excellent networking opportunities, which is why it’s important to leave a good impression on your mentors. At this stage, it’s crucial to maintain an open mindset, embrace continuous learning, adapt to change, and express gratitude. 

For job searching and networking, LinkedIn is an invaluable tool, whether you use the free version or invest in LinkedIn Premium. Join professional groups, follow key figures in your field, and connect with recruiters, talent acquisition specialists, and headhunters, as they often have access to job openings and decision-makers in the companies you’re interested in. LinkedIn also provides training materials and courses to enhance your skills. Besides LinkedIn, explore other job platforms—many universities and government agencies offer their own job boards or employment services. In Colombia, for example, organizations like Colsubsidio and Compensar provide job training and employment support. Other useful job platforms include Indeed, trabajos.com, elempleo.com, and direct company career pages where you can submit your CV.

4. Prepare for Your Interview

Once your CV passes the selection stage, the next step is the interview. Practicing common interview questions will help boost your confidence—ideally, you should practice with someone who can provide constructive feedback. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers with concrete examples. If you need more tips on acing interviews, consider reading our dedicated article or scheduling a mock interview with a career coach or HR professional specialized in employability training. Lastly, research the company where you are applying. Learn about its culture, goals, and what they expect from you in this role.

Job searching requires strength, optimism, resilience, and perseverance. If you haven’t had formal employment before, it may seem challenging, but with the right mindset and a well-planned strategy, you can find your first job. At Hunter & Talent Solutions, we have the personnel and tools necessary to guide you through the job market and help you succeed in your career journey.