Is it too late in the year for students to find warehouse or logistics internships?

Finding a warehouse or logistics 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 warehouse or logistics internships, even when time appears to be running out.

• Take Action Now to Secure Opportunities
• Explore Year-Round Logistics Internship Possibilities
• Reach Out Directly to Local Warehouses
• Adapt to Industry’s Flexible Hiring Needs
• Seek Hands-On Experience in Storage Operations
• Leverage Dynamic Nature of Logistics Sector
• Create Your Own Internship Opportunity
• Pursue Continuous Recruitment in Warehousing
• Adjust Priorities for Late-Season Internships
• Target Companies During Operational Changes
• Seize Opportunities in Evolving Logistics Landscape

Take Action Now to Secure Opportunities

Searching for an internship, like searching for a job, is seasonal and linked to general macro- and microeconomic trends. During periods of instability, corporations downsize (or do not expand), which affects career opportunities. However, you can’t just sit and wait. There is no better time than now — tomorrow may be too late, or even worse. 

Therefore, I would recommend focusing not on your perception of the environment (although this is important) but on your approach. If you do a quick analysis of the job market and industry and write the right prompt, AI will surely help you find a niche where you have a better chance. Next, you need to decide on the methods for achieving your goal (getting an internship) — whether to write them an email, send a paper letter, attend a conference, or call the reception desk.

Sergio Artimenia, CEO, GEOR

Explore Year-Round Logistics Internship Possibilities

It’s a common misconception that the window for internships closes completely after spring. In warehouse and logistics — an industry that experiences constant flux due to peak seasons, inventory cycles, and changing consumer demand — opportunities can open up throughout the year. While it’s true that many companies follow a traditional summer internship timeline, many logistics firms operate on rolling needs, especially third-party logistics providers (3PLs), e-commerce warehouses, and distribution centers that are preparing for back-to-school, Black Friday, or holiday rushes.

One key opportunity lies in just-in-time hiring. Companies often discover gaps in operational capacity mid-year and post urgent internship or temp roles to fill them quickly. Students who keep a pulse on industry-specific job boards, LinkedIn, or local logistics providers’ career pages often find last-minute openings that aren’t broadly advertised.

We recently coached a university student who missed the traditional spring internship deadlines. Through networking and targeted outreach, she landed a fall internship with a regional distribution center in Ontario that was scaling up operations ahead of Q4. Another client, a supply chain management major, secured a summer internship at a trucking logistics firm in June by reaching out directly to warehouse managers and offering to support dispatch scheduling and inventory tracking during their vacation season.

According to a 2024 report by the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council, over 33% of logistics employers stated they face difficulty filling entry-level and seasonal roles due to timing gaps. Moreover, research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that warehouse and storage employment spikes cyclically, with hiring waves peaking in late summer and early fall to prepare for retail surges. This data reinforces that internship opportunities are not only still available but actually increase in certain quarters — especially if students are flexible about timing and location.

So no, it’s not too late in the year for college and university students to find an internship in warehouse and logistics. In fact, the dynamic and demand-driven nature of the industry creates ongoing openings beyond the traditional academic calendar. By being proactive, leveraging outreach strategies, and staying informed on sector hiring cycles, students can still secure valuable, hands-on experience that sets them apart in a competitive job market.

Miriam Groom, CEO, Mindful Career Inc., Mindful Career Coaching

Reach Out Directly to Local Warehouses

It’s definitely not too late! While many large logistics companies recruit for summer internships during fall and winter (typically September through March), the logistics and warehousing industry operates year-round and often has more flexibility than other sectors.

We’ve seen countless examples of last-minute internship opportunities pop up in the 3PL space. Just last month, several of our warehouse partners suddenly needed additional help due to unexpected summer volume increases. These opportunities aren’t always advertised through traditional campus recruiting channels.

My advice? Start by reaching out directly to local warehousing operations and 3PLs. Many smaller and mid-sized logistics providers don’t have formal internship programs but are absolutely willing to create positions for motivated students. I’ve personally seen operations managers hire students who simply walked in and expressed interest in learning the business.

Also, leverage industry-specific job boards and networking. The logistics world is surprisingly tight-knit, and a well-crafted LinkedIn message to someone in the industry can open doors. When I started in this field, one of my best opportunities came from a connection made just weeks before the position started.

What makes logistics unique is its operational nature — our industry doesn’t stop, and neither does hiring. Unlike consulting or finance with rigid recruitment cycles, we’re constantly adapting to supply chain shifts, seasonal demands, and business growth.

Remember that a logistics internship gained “late” is still incredibly valuable. You’ll witness peak operational periods and potentially take on more responsibility than interns who were onboarded during traditional cycles.

So no, it’s definitely not too late — the door is still wide open for motivated students ready to jump into the fast-paced world of warehousing and logistics!

Joe Spisak, CEO, Fulfill.com

Adapt to Industry’s Flexible Hiring Needs

It’s never too late for students to find an internship in warehouse and logistics, even this far into the year. In our industry, there’s always movement. Peaks and troughs in demand mean that companies often look for extra hands outside the traditional summer internship window. For example, we’re busy year-round with international shipping, excess baggage, and student moves, so we see value in bringing interns on board at different times to match operational needs.

Students shouldn’t limit themselves to formal internship programs that only run during summer. Many warehouses and logistics companies offer flexible placements or casual contracts that can give the same exposure and experience. If someone reached out to me today with a strong interest in operations, logistics, or customer service, I’d consider them for upcoming projects. 

Showing initiative is key. Reach out directly to companies you’re interested in, explain what you want to learn, and ask if you can come in for a few weeks. You’d be surprised how many managers will make room for a proactive student. Logistics is built on adaptability. If students show that trait early, it will make them stand out, regardless of the time of year.

Wayne Mills, Head of Operations, Seven Seas Worldwide

Seek Hands-On Experience in Storage Operations

From a self-storage and logistics perspective, it is not too late in the year for college or university students to find an internship, especially if they are proactive and flexible. While larger companies may have already filled structured internship slots earlier in the year, smaller operators and local businesses often need support year-round and are more open to bringing on interns as opportunities arise.

In our industry, we tend to see increased activity during certain seasons, like summer and early fall. This creates natural openings for students to get involved in areas like inventory management, customer service, scheduling, and facility operations. Even if it is not a formal internship program, there are often chances to assist with real tasks and gain hands-on experience in how a logistics or storage business operates day-to-day.

A good approach is to reach out directly to storage companies or warehouse operations in your area. Express interest in learning and be willing to take on a range of responsibilities. Many smaller businesses appreciate the help and are open to mentorship when someone shows initiative.

So no, it is not too late. The key is to look beyond formal listings and connect directly with businesses that might not advertise but still need capable, motivated people on their team.

John Reese, Owner, Elite Self Storage

Leverage Dynamic Nature of Logistics Sector

It’s not too late in the year for students to secure internships in the warehouse and logistics sector, especially here in New Zealand, where the demand for flexible, seasonal, and project-based roles often creates opportunities well beyond the traditional hiring windows. Our business model is centered around providing flexible, modular storage and logistics solutions for a wide range of customers, from event organizers and retailers to construction and emergency response services. This creates a dynamic environment that benefits greatly from the fresh perspectives and energy that student interns bring.

In our experience, many students assume they’ve missed the boat if they haven’t landed an internship by mid-year, but the reality is that the industry doesn’t always run on academic calendars. Peak activity periods can vary by region and customer demand, and we often bring on interns later in the year to support operational ramp-ups, new product rollouts, or even to test digital marketing and logistics technologies that align with their studies.

My advice to students is to look for companies that offer hands-on exposure to different areas of the business, inventory management, customer coordination, route optimization, or digital systems used in logistics. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly. The logistics sector values initiative, and roles can sometimes be created when the right candidate presents themselves.

Rasmus Norgaard, Group CMO, TITAN Containers

Create Your Own Internship Opportunity

It’s certainly not too late to find an internship in warehouse and logistics at this time of year. While many larger programs may have already filled their summer placements, smaller companies, startups, and certain logistics firms often have rolling recruitment or last-minute needs. 

This is especially true as warehouse and logistics operations frequently experience fluctuating demand and require extra hands during busy periods. I’d suggest reaching out directly to these companies and demonstrating your enthusiasm.

Simon Poole, Operations Director, Barrington Freight

Pursue Continuous Recruitment in Warehousing

It’s never too late for students interested in pursuing a career in warehousing and logistics to seek an internship. Why? Warehouses are struggling to find motivated, talented young people to fill open positions. As more warehouses turn to automated technology (like vertical lift modules and pick-and-place robots) to supplement their labor force, there is still a massive need for qualified individuals to support warehouse operations. From skilled labor to implementing warehouse management systems (WMS), there are endless opportunities for young, motivated individuals to build a career in the warehousing sector.

Students should feel empowered to apply for open internships (or create their own and pitch them) to warehouses near them at any time of year. It’s a win-win situation for this particular market segment.

Kate Moore, Warehouse Automation Expert, Kardex

Adjust Priorities for Late-Season Internships

No, students are most certainly not too late in the year to have an internship in warehouse and logistics. Due to the dynamics of this industry, there is a continuous need for assistance all year, more so during the fall and holiday seasons when companies are gearing up for the onslaught of the peak season. Many logistics companies and warehouses are always recruiting, and internships are allowed to start at any time of the year, not just in the summer.

I communicate with both students and employers, and I can attest that time is usually less rigid than one might imagine. Business establishments are seeking reliable talents who are willing to dive in and help, despite it being the second half of the year. Students who take initiative normally stand out based on their ambition and willingness to learn on the job, regardless of the calendar date.

I always advise our students to consider each conversation, visit to a site, or job shadowing opportunity as a foot in the door. It may be a temporary or part-time job, but you can easily turn it into a long-term position if you prove to be trustworthy and committed to the work.

Doug Crawford, President and Founder, Best Trade Schools

Target Companies During Operational Changes

College students are not too late to find internships in warehouse and logistics, but they might have to adjust their priorities. While big logistics companies usually fill their summer internship positions early, small or regional companies may still be seeking interns throughout the year, particularly during seasonal peaks. The key is to be ready to start immediately and to remain flexible. The positions might not be formal internships per se, but could be short-term contracts or temporary jobs that offer valuable experience.

Allan Hou, Sales Director, TSL Australia

Seize Opportunities in Evolving Logistics Landscape

Logistics companies hire year-round, not just during traditional recruiting seasons. We’ve brought on talented people in November, February, and even mid-summer when the right person showed up.

The reality is that warehouse and logistics operations never stop. When I was negotiating contracts for clients like Honda and Starbucks, their facilities were constantly adapting to demand fluctuations and needed fresh talent immediately. The peak season from October through December is actually when many companies desperately need extra hands and often convert strong performers to full-time roles.

Focus on companies experiencing growth or operational changes right now. During my three decades in transportation, I’ve seen businesses expand operations, implement new technology, or handle supply chain disruptions at any time of year. These moments create immediate internship opportunities that don’t wait for spring recruiting cycles.

Skip the formal application portals and contact operations managers directly at local logistics companies. When we hire at AFMS, we value people who understand our business challenges over those who simply follow traditional timelines. Show them you understand their current pain points — like the shipping rate increases we’re seeing for 2025 — and you’ll stand out regardless of when you apply.

Mike Erickson, Founder & CEO, AFMS