Getting an internship directly from companies, off-campus, means going to them instead of waiting for listings. Build a list of companies that fit you, check their career pages regularly, and reach the right people with a short, specific message and a project link. Many startups and smaller companies hire interns this way without ever advertising.
Key takeaways
- Start with a shortlist of companies that genuinely fit you.
- Check their career pages regularly; larger companies post programmes there first.
- Find the right person: a hiring manager, team lead, founder, or recruiter.
- Send a short message with one project link and a clear, small request.
- Follow up once, politely, after about a week.
Step 1: Build Your Target List
List 40–50 companies that hire for your role, research them, and shortlist 10–15 that fit. Read How to Choose the Right Company for an Internship.
Step 2: Check Career Pages
Bookmark the careers page of every company on your shortlist and check it every week or two. Larger companies often announce internship programmes there first, with fixed application windows.
Step 3: Find the Right Person
- Startups: the founder or CTO is often the right person.
- Mid-sized companies: an engineering manager or team lead in your target area.
- Large companies: campus or university recruiters.
- Alumni from your college working there can tell you how hiring really works.
Step 4: Send a Short, Specific Message
Who you are, what role you want, one piece of evidence, and a small request. Read How to Write a Cold Email for an Internship for templates.
Unsolicited messages work best when they show you have done your homework. A student who mentions what the company actually builds and links a relevant project stands out immediately from the many generic requests teams receive.
From the interview roomDhaivat Ajwaliya, 16+ years interviewing interns
Step 5: Follow Up Once
If you hear nothing after about a week, send one polite follow-up. After that, move on and keep going with other companies.
Related Guides
- How to Write a Cold Email for an Internship
- How to Ask for an Internship on LinkedIn
- How to Choose the Right Company for an Internship
- How to Find IT Internships Using Google
- Internship in Ahmedabad: Top IT Companies for Students
Back to the stage guide: Where to Find IT Internships in India, or the full IT Internship Guide for Students in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an internship without applying on a platform?
Yes. Many startups and smaller companies hire interns through direct messages, referrals, and their own career pages without listing on platforms.
Who should I contact at a company for an internship?
At startups, the founder or CTO; at mid-sized companies, an engineering manager or team lead; at large companies, campus recruiters. Alumni from your college are also valuable contacts.
Is it okay to email a company that has no openings?
Yes, if your message is short, specific, and shows genuine interest in their work, with a relevant project link.
How long should I wait before following up?
About a week. Send one polite follow-up, then give them time and continue with other companies.
Your next step
Write your outreach message with How to Write a Cold Email for an Internship.
How to Write a Cold Email for an InternshipMore Free Resources for IT Students
- Free test: IT Internship Readiness Test. Check your technical foundation, projects, communication, and interview readiness in about five minutes.
- Free assessment: Which IT Role Suits You Best? Explore which of ten IT roles match your interests, strengths, and working style.
- Free reference: IT Internship Glossary. The terms you will hear before and during your internship, explained simply.
- Book: The Lost Intern: The Complete IT Internship Guide. Practical answers on choosing a role and company, and preparing for your first internship.
- Free mentoring: feeling stuck as a fresher? Apply to the Fresh Start cohort.
About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.