An internship is often the fastest way for a student or fresh graduate in Pakistan to gain real experience. Many companies now prefer candidates who have completed at least one internship, and many interns are offered permanent roles. Here is how to find good internships and make the most of them.
When to look
Summer (June to August) is the busiest internship season, as most universities are on break. Large companies usually announce summer internship programmes in spring, so start looking two to three months in advance. Smaller firms and startups take interns throughout the year.
Where to find internships
- University career offices – many companies send internship offers directly to universities.
- Company career pages – banks, telecom companies, FMCG firms and IT companies often run structured programmes.
- LinkedIn – search for “internship” with your city and field.
- Government and public sector programmes – some departments and provincial governments run paid internship schemes for graduates; check official websites for announcements.
- Teachers and alumni – a referral from someone you know can open doors at smaller companies.
- Direct emails – a short, polite email with your CV to a local company can work, especially at small firms.
Paid or unpaid?
Paid internships are better, but a well-structured unpaid internship at a good organisation can still be valuable for your CV and references. Avoid “internships” that require you to pay a fee or buy a course.
How to apply
- Prepare a one-page CV with your education, projects and skills.
- Write a short cover note explaining why you want to intern there and what you can contribute.
- Apply early, as many programmes close quickly.
- Prepare for a short interview about your studies and interests.
Making the most of your internship
- Arrive on time and treat it like a real job.
- Ask questions and take notes.
- Volunteer for tasks beyond the minimum.
- Keep a record of what you worked on – you will use it in your CV and interviews.
- Build good relationships with your supervisor and team.
- At the end, ask for feedback, an experience letter and, if appropriate, a LinkedIn recommendation.
Turning it into a job offer
Near the end of your internship, tell your supervisor politely that you are interested in a full-time role. Even if there is no opening right away, they may recommend you when one comes up.
Next steps: write a strong CV and improve your LinkedIn profile.