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How to land your first job or internship

By the USA Jobs 24 team · Updated November 2, 2026

Your first job is the hardest to get, because so many postings ask for experience. The good news: large employers hire thousands of interns, new grads and career starters every year, and they plan for it.

Know the calendar

  • Summer internships at large companies are often filled in the fall and winter before the summer, so start looking early in the school year.
  • New grad programs often open in late summer and fall for graduates starting the following year.
  • Smaller employers and many non-tech roles hire year-round, a few weeks before the start date.

Where to look

  • Company careers pages. Our entry-level jobs page collects internships, new grad, apprentice and trainee roles from the employers we track.
  • Your college career center and campus job platforms such as Handshake, plus career fairs.
  • Apprenticeships and rotational programs, which pay you while you learn.

Build experience you can show

  • Projects: a portfolio, a GitHub repository, a case study or a small business you ran.
  • Part-time and campus jobs. Customer service, retail and leadership roles teach skills employers value.
  • Volunteering, competitions, hackathons and relevant coursework.

Apply smart, not just often

  • Apply even if you meet most, but not all, of the "preferred" requirements.
  • Tailor your resume for each role: our resume guide explains how.
  • Reach out to alumni and recruiters on LinkedIn with a short, specific note. A referral can move your application up the pile.
  • Track every application, date and contact in a simple spreadsheet so you can follow up.

Watch out for "entry-level" scams

New job seekers are a favorite target of fake recruiters. A real employer will not hire you after a chat-only interview, send you a check to buy equipment, or charge you for training. Read our job scam safety guide.

Openings you can apply for now

  • Marketing Business Operations Intern, 2027 Summer U.S.

    Atlassian

    Atlassian's Intern program combines hands-on technical training, professional growth opportunities, dedicated mentorship, and strong social connections.

    • San Francisco, CA
    • Remote
    • $43 an hour
    New Internship

  • Product Design Intern, 2027 Summer U.S.

    Atlassian

    Apply strong interaction, visual, and systems-design craft to turn ambiguous customer problems into simple, accessible product experiences across Atlassian products.

    • San Francisco, CA
    • Remote
    • $50 an hour
    New Internship

  • Product Management Intern, 2027 Summer U.S.

    Atlassian

    Atlassian's Intern Program combines hands-on training, professional growth opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to work with innovative technologies like AI that are shaping the future…

    • San Francisco, CA
    • Remote
    • $51 an hour
    New Internship

  • Mechanical Design Engineer

    KLA

    In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.

    • Milpitas, CA
    • $117,800–$200,300 a year
    New Entry level

  • Production Technician I - All Shifts

    Caterpillar

    Align and secure engine components according to work instructions. Install gaskets, seals, bearings, hoses, covers, and visual components

    • Seguin, TX
    • Entry level
    New Entry level

  • FULL TIME RETAIL BEAUTY MERCHANDISE COORDINATOR

    TJX Companies

    Responsible for executing receiving and merchandising standards while ensuring Associates are processing efficiently and effectively, and working as a team.

    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 1+ yrs
    New Entry level