Is it too late in the year for students to find administrative or clerical internships?

Finding an administrative or clerical internship can seem challenging for college and university students, especially as the calendar year progresses from winter to spring to summer. This article offers valuable insights from industry experts on securing administrative internships, even when time appears to be running out. Discover practical strategies and hidden opportunities that can help students kickstart their careers in administration, regardless of the time of year.

• Seek Year-Round Admin Internships
• Network Through Informational Interviews
• Explore Remote Administrative Opportunities
• Embrace Flexibility for Late-Year Internships
• Check University Departments for Hidden Openings

Seek Year-Round Admin Internships

You’re not late at all! Here’s the truth regarding finding admin internships:

1) Summer is not the only time for internships. Many companies take on interns at virtually any time of the year. There are commonly offered fall and spring internships, and some places even offer winter ones during holiday breaks.

2) Admin work is everywhere. Every organization needs admin help, such as in healthcare centers, educational institutions, government agencies, NGOs, or even small firms. This means there are more opportunities than you might think.

3) Start applying right away. If you are thinking about next semester or next summer, it is important to start applying right now. Some companies plan far ahead, but others hire at the last minute when someone leaves or when the company gets busy.

Where to look:

1) Your school’s career center (they often have hidden gems).

2) Indeed, LinkedIn, College Recruiter, or company websites.

3) Your professors might know people.

4) City government offices.

5) Local healthcare systems.

a) Make yourself stand out. Administrative work requires organizational skills, computer literacy, and pleasant communication. Highlight some of these skills, even from part-time jobs or school projects.

b) Consider unpaid internships too. I know it is not the most appealing option, but unpaid internships can sometimes lead to paying positions down the line. In addition, you gain valuable experience and contacts.

c) Make sure to expand your network as much as you can. Tell everyone that you are looking for opportunities, such as relatives, friends, and classmates. There is always someone who knows someone looking for help.

The admin field is quite welcoming to newcomers. There is always a demand for organized and reliable personnel. So don’t lose hope. Keep trying and following up. Your internship is waiting for you!

Muqaddas Virk, Recruitment Specialist at Xero | HR at Quantum Jobs USA, Quantum Jobs USA

Network Through Informational Interviews

Landing an internship in administration later in the year is definitely possible with the right mindset. Connecting through informational interviews opens doors to opportunities that aren’t always posted publicly. These conversations help build genuine relationships with professionals who can recommend you for roles based on trust and firsthand interaction. 

Administrative positions often get filled through referrals, so showing your enthusiasm and willingness to learn during these chats can set you apart. This kind of proactive networking keeps your search alive and helps uncover hidden internships, even when formal listings seem scarce.

John Elarde III, Operations Manager, Clear View Building Services

Explore Remote Administrative Opportunities

It’s never too late to find an internship in administration, especially with remote roles breaking down the old seasonal barriers. Remote internships keep doors open year-round, and focusing on virtual administrative support can uncover fresh opportunities even in Q4. Startups and agencies often scramble for last-minute project help, so targeting those places can land students meaningful experience without the usual time constraints. Flexibility and a sharp eye for remote openings make all the difference.

Lacey Jarvis, COO, AAA State of Play

Embrace Flexibility for Late-Year Internships

Students who demonstrate flexibility with start dates and openness to short-term projects often unlock opportunities in administration even later in the year. Many organizations face shifting priorities or unexpected workloads, so being willing to take on shorter assignments or start quickly can set you apart from others.

This flexibility signals to employers that you’re reliable and solution-oriented, making you a valuable asset when they need immediate support. Additionally, these shorter assignments can lead to longer opportunities or strong referrals, turning a late job search into a meaningful stepping stone for your career. It’s all about aligning your availability with the company’s needs and showing you’re eager to contribute—even if it’s for a limited time.

Ben Bouman, Business Owner, HeavyLift Direct

Check University Departments for Hidden Openings

It’s not too late to find an internship in administration—especially if you keep an eye on your university’s own departments. They often hire interns later in the year to help with busy times like course registration and graduation. 

These roles aren’t always advertised widely, so checking campus job boards and newsletters can lead to some great hidden opportunities. Staying on top of these listings and moving quickly can help you land valuable hands-on experience and build connections within your school. It’s a smart way to gain skills and stand out when applying for future roles.

Sean Shapiro, Managing Partner, Axia Advisors