I was asked “What kind of person is best suited to land an internship?”, particularly in a dynamic environment such as a startup.
And I'm drawn to one core principle: genuine curiosity.
In my experience, there is no substitute for being truly excited and engaged with what the startup is doing. When you find yourself naturally drawn to a product or solution because it stands out from the crowd, because it offers something unique, that's when you know you're onto something.
Let's be honest, firing off identical cover letters to a thousand different startups won't get you anywhere. These companies know their product, they understand its unique value proposition, and they expect you to do the same. This requires a level of interest and understanding that is anything but superficial.
You see, the kind of person who'll be most successful in landing an internship at a startup is the one who spends their time pondering what it takes to build a better future. It's someone who genuinely cares about the impact of the products and services they engage with. And this curiosity, this genuine interest, is like a beacon in a sea of applications.
The best recruiters, those really seeking top talent, they can sense this passion from miles away. They can tell when someone is merely going through the motions, trying to tick off an internship box on their resume, and they will move swiftly past such candidates. The genuinely curious, however, those who apply themselves to understand, engage and appreciate what a startup is doing, they stand out.
If you're aiming to apply to a number of startup internships, be prepared to invest your time. Clear your schedule, dedicate a few weekends to conduct deep research into these different products and startups. Treat the internship hunt itself as a learning opportunity, not just a means to an end. It's a chance to understand more about these products, their unique propositions, and what makes them tick.
Ultimately, whether it's landing an internship or a job, finding collaborators or even a life partner, genuine curiosity, authentic interest, and a care for the future will make all the difference. It's these people, those who believe that their actions and the roles they take on have real impact, who are most desired to work with.