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Dealing With Internship Rejection

Maddi Ference
Kyra Mackesy
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCNJ chapter.

Finding an internship can be tough. Constantly changing your cover letter and resume to fit each individual posting is tedious and annoying, but you want to make the right impression, so putting in the extra effort might be worth it. However, when an email comes saying “Thank you for taking the time to apply, but we are unable to offer you a position at this time,” you wonder what you could have done differently to make them consider you.

Rejection in any instance is tough, but rejection in the professional sense has a certain sting to it that can bum even the most confident person out. Whether it be the first time or the thirtieth time, it’ll catch you off guard. Eat some chocolate and keep looking, because there’s something out there for you, you just have to find it.

The important thing to remember, after getting a rejection email, is your self worth. An internship does not define you, and it doesn’t mean you’re any lesser of an employee just because you didn’t get a position and someone else did. Just keep your poise, and know that no one will think less of you just because one company said ‘no’.

Remember to be confident. Keep trying, as frustrating as it might be. Take the rejection and forget about it- don’t let your frustration carry over to the next positions you apply for. Know what you are capable of and be confident with it, but always stay humble. Highlight your strengths in your cover letter and on your resume, to show employers what you have accomplished and let your confidence shine through.

If you’re bummed about being rejected solely because you were looking for something to be involved in or boost your resume, maybe look into volunteering, or working unpaid for a company. Plenty of animal shelters, soup kitchens, and other charities are looking for people to help donate their time, and it always feels good to give back to the community. Volunteering is just as great of an opportunity, plus you can put it on your resume and talk about that in your next interview!

Just remember that everything happens for a reason, and if you don’t get this one internship, you never know what better opportunity will be coming your way.

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Maddi is the current President and Campus Correspondent for HCTCNJ. She is a senior journalism student at The College of New Jersey who loves pugs, napping, and all things food.
Kyra Mackesy graduated The College of New Jersey with a BA in Journalism and Professional Writing and a minor in Criminology in 2019. While at TCNJ, she was an active member of their Her Campus chapter, holding a wide array of positions: President and Campus Correspondent, Editor-in-Chief, Senior Editor, Marketing and Publicity Director, and Social Media Manager. She loved seeing her chapter grow throughout her four years in college, and will remain an active Her Campus Alumni.