I am trying to land a summer internship/ CO-OP experience but after applying to as many as possible I still haven't received anything. Any advice?

Hi Kathleeen,

I know how you feel. I was in your shoes trying my best to get an internship before my graduation since we all now how everyone nowadays asks for experience although you are a recent grad. I managed to get one literally 5 days before summer break. The message here is : keep trying. Ideally you'd want to start your internship as soon as you are done with school (spring semester) but even though that doesn't play as you have hoped keep applying. I noticed internship positions sometime open in the middle of the summer so be on the lookout for any opportunity. 

On the other hand try to step back and analyze if there is anything you can improve about your interviewing skills or about your resume. Does your school offer assistance with interviewing preparations? Can someone proof read your resume? How is your attire when you interview - stay away from bright colors or unfitted clothing (too tight pants, too loose)? Do you have any bad habits when you interview such as making minimal eye contact when talking or rubbing your hands when nervous, etc. Are you too soft spoken? I am not sure the field you are planning to get into. If it is engineering then you have to be firm, confident, make eye-contact don't hesitate on questions, etc. 

So to summarize, it is really hard to pin-point why you weren't successful in getting an  internship/co-op position so far without being there with you. It could be that things are slow in the job market, it could be that maybe other candidates brought more to the table, or it could be that maybe you need to re-think your interview strategy and review/edit your resume. If you have family and /or friends which you could rely on to give you some constructive criticism as far as your interview skills and your resume I say go for it. Ask for their help and do a mock interview. And the most important thing is do not give up. Keep applying until the end of summer if you have to. Good luck!