How to Get a Startup Internship in 2026 (The Complete Playbook for Students & New Grads)

Startup internships have exploded in popularity—and for good reason. You get real responsibility, fast feedback, and a front-row seat to how ambitious companies are built. Whether you're a student trying to break into tech or a recent grad exploring high-growth industries, startup experience can accelerate your career years ahead.

But here’s the truth most students don’t hear:
The best startup internships aren’t posted. They’re earned through initiative, research, and smart outreach—often before a job listing ever goes live.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to land a startup internship in 2025, including:

• How to find the best startup internships

• How to structure your resume (even if you have no experience)

• Tips for choosing the right startup

• Optional cover letter guidance

• And most importantly, how to cold-email your way into an internship—even if the company isn’t hiring

Let’s get into it.

Why Startup Internships Are So Competitive (and So Worth It)

Interning at a startup gives you opportunities you rarely get in corporate programs:

• Working directly with founders and early employees

• Owning meaningful projects from day one

• Learning 10x faster in a high-growth environment

• Seeing how products are built and launched

• Joining a team of extremely motivated people

• Building a network of founders, investors, and operators

Startups aren’t looking for perfect resumes—they’re looking for initiative, curiosity, and hustle.

How to Get a Startup Internship (Step-by-Step)

1. Start With Research: Find Startups That Match Your Interests

Don’t spray your resume everywhere. Be strategic.

Look at:

• Industry (AI, FinTech, consumer, healthtech, climate, etc.)

• Mission and product

• Stage (pre-seed vs. Series B)

• Team background

• City or work environment (NYC, SF, LA, remote-first)

Explore startups through:

• StartupJobs.nyc (best for NYC roles)

• YC companies

• TechCrunch funding rounds

• Product Hunt

• University alumni startups

• Founder podcasts or interviews

Once you find companies you genuinely like, dig deeper—founder bios, customer base, recent press, product updates.

This research becomes your advantage when you apply or cold email.

2. Apply Thoughtfully to Posted Roles

If they do have an open internship:

• Tailor your resume to the role

• Keep it concise (1 page max)

• Show relevant projects or skills

• Submit a targeted application, not a generic one

Even a short, clear resume beats a long, unfocused one.

3. When There’s No Internship Posted—Reach Out Anyway

Here’s something most people don’t know:

The best startup internships are created, not posted.

Founders often hire interns reactively—they meet someone impressive and make room for them.

This is where cold emailing becomes your superpower.

Cold Email Your Way Into a Startup Internship

Some of the most impressive careers in tech started with a single cold email.

Founders remember being students. Many respond surprisingly often—especially if you:

• Show you understand their product

• Display genuine enthusiasm

• Explain how you can help

• Keep the message short and human

Why Cold Email Works

Because early-stage founders:

• Are always overloaded

• Need help in 100 different areas

• Prefer hungry learners over perfect resumes

• Appreciate initiative

• See proactive outreach as a sign of future leadership

Great companies reward people who take their shot.

What to Include in a Cold Email

Make it:

• Short

• Personalized

• Specific

• Value-driven

A strong cold email includes:

1. A quick intro (who you are)

2. Why you love their product / mission

3. One or two ways you could add value

4. A light ask to chat

No essays, no fluff.

Follow-Up Matters

Founders are busy—following up politely is normal.

Some students landed life-changing roles by following up 5–8 times, respectfully spaced out. Persistence signals seriousness.

Offer Value First

You don’t need permission to be helpful.

Examples:

• Run a usability test and share insights

• Find bugs and propose fixes

• Build a mini marketing plan

• Create design improvements

• Identify new potential customers

• Send a sample project relevant to their needs

Small actions can make you stand out instantly.

How to Use Your Network (Still the Most Underrated Advantage)

Before blasting your resume everywhere, tap into:

• Professors

• Alumni

• Friends or classmates in startups

• Family friends

• Student entrepreneur groups

• LinkedIn connections

A warm intro is often the fastest path into a startup.

Where to Find Startup Internships Online

Reliable sources:

• StartupJobs.nyc

• AngelList / Wellfound

• LinkedIn

• YC Job Board

• Company career pages

• University job boards

• Startup newsletters and communities

If you’re focused on NYC:
👉 Explore our list of top NYC startup internships

Best Startup Internship Roles in 2025

Common high-impact positions include:

• Software Engineering Intern

• Product Intern

• Business Operations Intern

• Growth & Marketing Intern

• Design Intern

• Copywriting Intern

• Data Analyst Intern

Choose a role that aligns with your long-term interests and teaches you real skills.

What to Put on Your Resume for a Startup Internship

1. Highlight Relevant Experiences

Even if you’ve never had a formal job, you can use:

• School projects

• Hackathons

• Side projects

• Freelance work

• Leadership positions

• Class assignments related to the role

• Volunteer or community projects

Startups care more about impact than titles.

2. Emphasize Soft Skills Startups Value

Soft skills matter more than you think.

Startups love candidates who are:

• Fast learners

• Organized

• Collaborative

• Accountable

• Detail-oriented

• Comfortable with ambiguity

Show examples where you demonstrated these.

3. Add Any Technical or Hard Skills

If you’ve had previous experience or coursework:

• Programming languages

• Figma or design tools

• SQL or analytics

• Project management

• Research or data work

• Writing or editing

• Marketing or social media execution

Anything that signals you can contribute quickly is helpful.

(Optional) Should You Include a Cover Letter?

You don’t need one unless the company asks—but a well-written cover letter can differentiate you.

A good one includes:

1. Relevant experiences tied to the role

2. Why the company excites you

3. A specific example of how you can contribute

Think of it as optional—but a competitive advantage.

How to Choose the Right Startup Internship

Before accepting an offer, evaluate:

• Paid vs. unpaid

• Full-time vs. part-time

• Remote vs. hybrid vs. in-person

• Mentorship availability

• Team size

• Learning opportunities

• Ability to take ownership

The best internship is the one where you grow quickly.

Startup Internships in NYC

NYC is one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems on the planet, especially for:

• AI

• FinTech

• B2B SaaS

• Consumer apps

• Media & content

• Healthtech

If you’re targeting NYC:
👉 Browse the most up-to-date NYC startup internships: https://startupjobs.nyc/