How to answer common summer internship interview questions

If you're currently enrolled in college, securing a summer internship can be instrumental in acquiring significant experience and skills prior to graduation. Similar to regular employment, expect to undergo an interview process with a hiring manager for an internship opportunity. Familiarize yourself with typical internship interview questions along with their corresponding answers to better equip yourself for your impending interview.

Can you tell me about yourself?

Interviewers usually ask this to see what you think is important for the internship. Keep your answer short and clear. Talk about your school and job goals, and mention one or two things you do outside of school for fun.

Example: "I'm about to finish my sophomore year in college, and I recently declared sociology as my major. I chose this major because I'm interested in a career in social work. I want to make a difference in people's lives. Outside of class, I teach swimming lessons to young kids on the weekends, and I also enjoy reading fiction."

Why do you want this internship?

The hiring manager asks this to see if your career goals match the internship they're offering and to check your interest in the role. Share what attracted you to the position and give examples to show you've looked into the company. According to U.S. News and World Report, researching a company before an internship interview is crucial to demonstrating your professionalism.

Example: "I like this internship because I want to do public relations after I finish college. I applied because I know this company works with many big businesses nearby. I even saw a press release that said this company is the best PR firm in the city. I'm excited to see how the team handles relationships and represents other businesses. It will give me a firsthand look into my future career.”

What do you want to learn from this internship?

The interviewer might ask you this to understand what you aim to achieve during the internship. Have an answer ready that outlines the particular experiences and skills you want to develop. Ensure your reply matches the company and the internship role. Show excitement for the tasks you'd be handling as an intern.

Example: "I chose to apply for this internship because it highlighted the opportunity to collaborate with various teams. Being a student in human resources, I'm keen on understanding team dynamics and cooperation within organizations. I see this experience as a chance to gain insight into different business departments, which I believe will greatly benefit my career in the long run.”

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

The interviewer might ask about your plans after graduation, especially if some internships can transition into full-time positions. They may be interested in your potential as a future employee. It's essential to be truthful about your goals. Even if you're uncertain about your exact career path, refrain from expressing doubt about the industry.

Example: "After graduation, my aim as a finance major is to secure a position as an in-house accountant at a company. With a year remaining in my studies, I'm eager to intern with this company to acquire professional experience. I believe this internship will prepare me to excel in my first job and enable me to transition smoothly into the workforce.”

How does your current coursework relate to this internship?

Your interviewer might inquire about your current coursework and how it will contribute to your role as an intern. They're interested in seeing how you connect your education to the work ahead. This question provides an opportunity to showcase your existing knowledge and outline what you aim to learn in the future.

Example: "As a mathematics major, I'm currently focusing on subjects such as statistics, probability, and analysis. In this internship, I aim to apply the knowledge gained from these classes to understand their practical applications in business data analysis. Moreover, I anticipate that the experience gained here will further enhance my understanding and proficiency in future coursework.”