Internships in the United States

Are you looking for internship opportunities in the United States of America? If yes, then this guide is what you need.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about doing an internship in the United States.

The learning outcome includes;

  • How to get an internship position in the United States
  • When and where to look for internships in the United States
  • Visa application for internships in the United States
  • A list of internships in the United States of America among other things.

All of these details will help you to properly prepare for your Internship application as well as prepare you to start the internship in the United States.

Why take an internship in the United States?

  • The United States has the world’s largest economy and internship opportunities in almost every industry. 
  • Interning in the U.S. will not only provide you with a business network and look great on your CV (or resume), but it’s also a fantastic place to live for a few months, the summer, or for a whole year!
  • Whether you are situated in busy New York, vibrant Chicago, the friendly Midwest, or anywhere else, America caters to every personality and interest. 
  • It is the perfect internship destination for anyone–whether you are just starting out in your career or want to gain experience in a particular field.
  • An internship in the U.S. will provide you with the opportunity to work on your English language skills, build an international network, and expand on transferable skills. 
  • Some of the top sectors for internship in the United States include government, entertainment, technology, and healthcare.

When should I apply for Internship opportunities in the United States?

If you are applying for internship positions in the United States, then I will advise that you start applying early.

Most international internships in the U.S. will take place in the summer and last somewhere between 2-3 months long. 

But you don’t have to wait until summer before you start applying.

Many companies and organizations open their portal for internship applications long before summer.

So, to be on a safe side, you need to apply to as many as possible as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

If you decide to look for an internship in the U.S. without using a third party, then you’re most likely to be successful by applying to large corporations. 

This is because they will be the ones who have the resources for obtaining your visa and permits to work in the U.S. which is unlike smaller companies who may not have these finances or facilities in place.

In order not to be left out, always check the website of the companies of interest to you to know when they are calling for internship applications.

internship opportunities in the united states of america

Where should I look for internships in the United States?

If you are thinking of where to look for internship opportunities in the United States, then I have good news for you.

Almost any big to medium-sized cities in America will offer internships in a variety of fields; you just have to know how to find them. 

The easiest way to find internships abroad is through an internship company or a connection you already have in the U.S. 

Without using a third party company, it will be very hard to find an internship in the U.S.A. as there are so many qualified American students looking at all the same places as you. 

Obviously, those who are Americans will have an edge over you since they don’t have to prepare so many documents to get the internship.

As a result, you will need to find companies that are particularly looking to take international students.

Don’t let this discourage you though.

There are actually companies in the United States that specifically look for international students to take up their internship placements.

These companies look for international students because they have different qualifications and skills to contribute.

What are the top companies in the United States to apply for an internship?

There are a variety of industries in America, and therefore popular internships vary massively. 

Since the United States is so big, the top industries also vary from city to city.

Washington D.C., for instance, has the best internships in government and politics.

On the other hand, Los Angeles has the most internship opportunities in entertainment and media

Irrespective of the variety of industries, whatever your area of expertise or background, there is an internship program out there somewhere that suits you.

If you want to get the very best of internship in the United States, then apply to companies in these industries below;

#1. Network and Communications:

The network and communication industry is rapidly growing and the United States produce a lot of this technology.

Because of this, mobile phone and technology companies in the United States are employing a lot of skilled graduates to intern with them.

They employ people from all different educational backgrounds, including engineers, marketing and business interns. 

Most times, these companies prefer people with technical skills that also have the marketing and communication experience to be able to talk about and sell products. 

These internships can be found across the country but particularly in bigger cities.

#2. Tech & Internet Services:

Where else do we have the tech headquarter of the world other than in the United States of America.

It is in the United States that you will find tech giants like Google, Apple, Facebook, and Microsoft.

Also, these companies happen to have the most sought after jobs in the world.

Companies in the internet industry are so highly valued because they are always growing and bringing out the latest technology. 

Internships in these U.S. companies can range from machine learning to product design to software engineering. 

Plus, this can give you an excuse to live in the famed ‘Silicon Valley’ and explore San Francisco, all while gaining valuable career skills.

#3. Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare:

The pharmaceutical industry is always been a prominent industry in America and continues to grow. 

Pharmaceutical companies are constantly on the Fortune 500 list, making it one of the most profitable industries. 

You can intern in positions such as medical sales, R&D, market analysis, or science technician.

#4. Renewable Energy:

The world is currently suffering from climate change because of the damages resulting from burning fuels and carbon elements.

As a result, more and more companies are going green and are employing industry professionals.

This is all in an effort to combat the issues of dependence on foreign oil and also to avoid faulting business policies on global warming.

These companies focus on energy through wind, solar, geothermal, and water. 

During an internship in renewable energy, you can shadow and learn the inner workings of companies on the forefront of sustainability in the U.S.A.

why-do-an-internship-in-united-states-of-america

How to get a visa for an internship in the United States

If you get your internship through a program, they will likely help you with your visa application process. 

This will be extremely helpful as the process of getting a visa to enter America can be a complicated one, no matter what country you are coming from. 

It requires a lot of paperwork, a trip to the closest embassy, and a lot of documents when you arrive at immigration control in the U.S. 

Also, keep in mind, it can cost a bit of money to obtain a visa, so keep some of your internship money aside for this cost!

The type of visa most commonly used to intern in the U.S.A. is a J1 Visa that can be requested for up to a 12 month period.

How to get a J1 Visa for an internship in the United State

To obtain a J1 visa you must start the process by filling out a form called the IAP-66 which you can request from the U.S. government. 

However, an easier way to go about the visa process is by using a company that deals with the American authorities on your behalf like CIEE

These companies do charge, but it is most often worth it, as they help you with getting your visa every step of the way.

No matter how you go about getting your visa, the main factor the immigration office is looking for is the reason you have to return to your home country. 

Whether it is to finish university, family, or career aspirations, you need to be able to prove that at the end of your internship you will return to your home country.

Also, depending on what country you are coming from, the U.S. government has different restrictions, so make sure you research for your specific country before applying. 

Finally, some interns may attempt to work on a tourist visa.

You must not do this as it is extremely illegal and will result in you being jailed if caught.

So, make sure you get the correct paperwork before you start your internship in the U.S.A!

List of internship opportunities in the United States of America

Below is a list of internship opportunities in the United States of America.

You can click on each link to get more details about the internships.

Conclusion

There are many internship opportunities in the United States of America.

However, you have to be looking in the right places to find them.

Besides, you need to also know how to get the right visa for your internship so that you don’t have any security issues.

With everything in check, you are well on your way to have a fantastic internship experience in the United States.

Please, share this article with everyone you know to help them get an internship in the US.

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