Starting at Startups: How to Find the Right Fit and Make the Most of It.

Last year, I was eager to gain real-world experience and started applying to internships as fast as I could. I built a resume, sent out dozens of applications, and when I got my first offer from a startup, I couldn’t wait to get started. However, during my first call with the team, I realized there was no clear marketing plan, barely any structure, and the company was in an industry in which I wasn’t interested. I stepped down shortly after, and for a while, I was hesitant about working at startups again.

That changed when I joined TheBulletin.io as a Sales and Marketing Intern. TheBulletin installs free digital bulletin board screens in residential buildings, allowing property managers to share updates with residents. The screens also display local and national ads, enabling us to offer the service to properties at no cost. I’ve been with the company for over six months now, and it’s been one of the most valuable learning experiences of my college career.

Finding the Right Startup

When I first started looking for internships, I treated it like a numbers game— apply everywhere and hope for the best. But I quickly learned that being selective matters far more than sending out dozens of applications. If you’re looking for a startup internship, take time to research before you hit apply.

Start by checking out the company’s LinkedIn page. Look at who actually works there and their previous experience. If the people running the company have solid experience before joining the startup, that’s a good sign. If it’s hard to find many team members, or if the same person is listed as the CEO, marketing director, and general supervisor, that’s usually a red flag.

Another thing I’ve learned is to focus on newer job postings. When you’re applying for internships, it’s usually best to target positions that have been listed within the past two weeks. A company that’s serious about hiring will move quickly and communicate clearly. Most importantly, only apply to roles you’d actually be excited to secure. Culture and genuine interest matter a lot more than the job title. During interviews, ask about the company’s culture and how the team collaborates to get a real sense of what it would be like to work there.

Once you find a company that feels like the right fit and land the position, the next step is learning how to make the most of it.

Making the Most of Your Internship

If you’re starting your first internship, especially at a startup, the best thing you can do is stay flexible and open to learning. One of the most important skills you can develop is effective time management. Live in your calendar. Schedule every meeting, outreach block, and follow-up so you stay on top of everything. I also rely heavily on Google Tasks to organize my workload by importance, which helps me stay focused and prevents small things from slipping through the cracks.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Managers know you don’t have much experience and don’t expect you to know everything. My team at TheBulletin has always been supportive, and speaking up early has helped me build trust and avoid mistakes. Asking questions shows that you care about doing things the right way and want to improve.

Outside of your day-to-day work, find ways to keep learning on your own. Read, watch, and listen to anything that helps you improve. I’ve been reading The Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer, and it’s helped me improve my lead calling tremendously. I used to get nervous before calls, but now I make sure I’m fully prepared, listen to music beforehand, and treat each call as an opportunity to teach the client about the product. That shift in mindset has made a big difference in my confidence and made me achieve better results.

Finally, take advantage of the freedom that comes with a startup environment. Startups are built on experimentation, and interns often have the chance to make a real impact. On my team, one coworker developed new email templates that helped generate leads from regional managers, and I’ve been experimenting with AI to streamline parts of my own outreach. Seeing those ideas turn into results has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience. 

Overall, my time at TheBulletin has taught me skills that go far beyond marketing. I’ve learned how to manage my time, communicate clearly, and stay creative in a constantly changing environment. These are skills I will carry with me throughout my career, and I’m excited to continue working throughout the semester so I can keep growing and improving.