Find your Internship Placement
You are looking to do an internship with the J1 Visa in the USA? Learn more about finding an internship placement and a host company in the USA.
Your Internship abroad
As the world becomes more closely connected, large corporations and small businesses alike need employees with international knowledge and cross-cultural skills to help them succeed in their local communities and the global marketplace. By participating in an internship in the USA, you will gain valuable practical experience and international exposure that will enhance your resume while expanding your understanding of the world and yourself. Obtaining an internship or training opportunity is more attainable than you might think!
What Kind of Internship Are You Looking For?
These questions might help you find out what exactly you are looking for. Whether you want to apply to our placement service or start looking for an internship position on your own, you need to narrow down what you want. Before you start, make sure your passport is valid, request a letter or copy of your diploma from your University and do an English test (if necessary).
- What do you want to achieve with your internship?
- Are you seeking academic credit, career development, or cultural experience?
- What skills do you hope to gain?
- What kind of mentors do you want?
- What tasks do you want to try?
- Do you have a preference for a specific role or industry?
- What study-related requirements do you need to follow?
- What type of organisation do you feel comfortable in?
- Do you prefer a small team or big company?
- Would you rather work at a start up or established place?
- Does an unpaid but learning-focused internship work for you?
- How long should your internship be?
- When can you start and when must you return home?
- How flexible are you with minimum duration?
- Where do you want to go?
- Have you chosen specific places, or are you open to suggestions?
- What is your reason for picking a location?
Finding an internship in the USA
Tools & Portals
Are you ready to find your internship in the USA? Then it's time to start researching, researching, researching. But don't worry! With the right tools and a clear strategy, it's easier than you think.
Portals for international positions
• LinkedIn Jobs: Filter by "Internship" and "United States"
• Indeed.com: Search "Internship" + industry or location
• Glassdoor.com: Job listings plus intern reviews
• GoAbroad.com: International internships with US filter
• Idealist.org: Social, cultural, and NGO internships
US company websites
Do you have a company in mind that interests you? Then it's worth visiting its career page. Many companies advertise their internship positions directly there and welcome international applications. You will find suitable offers here, especially in sectors such as marketing, IT, and tourism.
Networks & personal contacts
In the US, networking fills many unadvertised internships. Here's how to leverage your network:
LinkedIn: Request recommendations or ask contacts about open positions.
Alumni networks: Reach out to former students who've interned in the US—they often share tips and connect you with companies.
Online events & webinars: Attend specialist events in your field for valuable contacts and insights.
Internship fairs: Connect with international program coordinators and learn about partnerships.
Pro tip: Don't hesitate to message people directly. A friendly note expressing genuine interest often works.
Graduate networking hubs and university portals
Check with your university's international office or career center. Many universities have partnerships with US institutions or internship exchange programs. Your lecturers and professors often have international contacts and can provide recommendations or connect you with opportunities.
Ask them:
• Do you know companies or institutions in the US that take interns?
• Are there exchange programs or partnerships with US universities?
• Can you write a letter of recommendation?
Your Application matters
Strong documents open doors to opportunity
Build a resume that works
When looking for an internship in the USA the most important first step is to ensure you have an excellent resume. A strong and well written resume will give you the best possible chance of being invited to an interview with your chosen Host Company. We have provided a detailed guide on how to write your resume which you will find additional information in a separate attachment. If you contact us, we are also very happy to provide you with samples and templates to help you to perfect your resume.
You should be prepared to provide different resumes for different roles. It is always a good idea to have one template resume which you then adapt to the specific role or company to which you are applying.
Be sure to look at the job specification or company website to know which key words to use and which skills to highlight. Normally your resume should be a single page and very rarely more. In this space, you should focus on the important areas. Do not include information which is not relevant to the position being applied for. Avoid giving personal information such as date of birth or irrelevant information such as hobbies. Ensure your structure is neat and easily readable with consistent fonts and spacing. Taking extra time to carefully structure and edit your resume will help you to stand out from other applicants.
Your letter tells your story
A good resume should be accompanied by a strong cover letter. This letter should be tailored to every role and company to which you are applying.
Introduction - Start with conviction and clarity
- Mention the internship position and connection to the J1 visa (through your sponsor Intrax)
- If there is no job portal where you can upload your application documents, write the letter directly in the email unless asked to attach a PDF.
Main Part - Connect your experience to their needs
- Detail your motivation for applying for this particular role
- Explain why you are an ideal candidate based on previous work experience or academic background
- Include information showing you have researched the role or company
- Avoid simply repeating your resume
Closing - End with purpose and professionalism
- Keep it concise - aim for around half a page
- Thank the reader for their consideration
- Note your availability for a personal interview1) for details. If you already have a card, bring it with you - Social Security numbers are valid for life.
Intrax Hospitality Internship Placement Service
Are you a student or recent graduate in hospitality or culinary arts? Intrax helps you take the next step in your career with exclusive internship placements in the world of luxury hotels and fine dining. Through partnerships with renowned establishments, we offer hands-on experience, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to grow your skills in some of the most prestigious settings around the globe.
Go Straight to the Source: Reaching Out to Companies
A promising tactic for uncovering internship opportunities is to make direct contact with companies that interest you. Not all companies will advertise internship openings on external job sites; some companies will post openings only on their own website, and some may not post internship announcements at all.
If you already know of companies or organizations in the USA that really interest you, try searching their website for available internship openings. If you find a position, submit your resume and cover letter as instructed by the employer. If there are multiple positions for which you'd like to apply, be sure to submit a separate resume and cover letter for each.
If you don't see a position that fits your qualifications, try to make personal contact with someone in the organization who is responsible for hiring employees (a Human Resources manager, or the manager/director of a particular department in which you'd like to work). You may be able to find individual contact information on the website, or you may need to call the main telephone number and ask to speak to someone. If your English conversation skills are not strong enough to make a telephone call, try sending an inquiry via email instead.
Remember that persistence does pay off. While you should never be aggressive or demanding with a prospective employer, you want to clearly explain your enthusiasm for the company and your desire to work there. Unless otherwise specified, it is always a good idea to follow up emails and resume submissions with a telephone call, and vice versa. And, whenever possible, try to make initial contact with more than one person in the organization to increase your chances of reaching someone who may want to hire you.
„Why do you want to intern with us?“
Demonstrate that you have researched the company.
„How does this internship align with your academic background?“
Use this question to address the J1 requirements and talk about your studies.
„Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.“
Choose an example that highlights your professional experience.
Interviewing with an interested Company
Preparing for an interview is crucial to successfully securing your internship. When you have reached the stage of an interview with a company, you have already done many things just right: You have impressed a potential supervisor enough so that he or she wants to get a personal impression of you. Ensure that your professional documents match your demeanor during a video call:
Do your research beforehand. Learn about the company and the role and be sure you have plenty to talk about. Make sure you understand the ins and outs of the company, industry, clients, and competitors. Research some information on staff if possible. Show them you are interested and enthusiastic.
Prepare for some of the questions you may expect to be asked and rehearse your answers beforehand. Think about past experiences and your education as they will frequently ask you for examples of things you have done in the past. Make sure to be ready for the typical questions such as, tell us about yourself, what do you think you’ll be able to provide for us, what are you hoping to get out of this internship, and do you enjoy working with people or by yourself. Also make sure you have questions for them, since it shows interest. Good questions to ask are: who will supervise me, what can I expect in a day's work, what can I do to prepare for this internship? Questions you should not ask: How much will I be compensated, will there be long term employment opportunities, questions about what to do recreationally.
When interviewing for a position in the USA it will most likely be done via phone or video call. As this may be a new experience for you it is important you prepare yourself and your environment properly.
Dress appropriately for the interview; even though you may be on the other side of the world it is important to look the part.
Ensure you have a nice quiet environment and that the background is suitable and there are no distractions.
Test your computers Audio and Video and be sure to have your phone available (but switched off) in case you suffer any technical problems. Good luck! We would like to be your J1 visa sponsor once you have received an internship offer!
Apply Now for Your J1 Visa
Finished with reading? Ready to apply? We welcome you to apply with us for a J1 visa.