Internship
An internship in data and analytics is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, strengthen your technical and analytical skills, and build valuable connections in the field. Whether you dream of a future as a data analyst, data scientist, or BI specialist, a good internship can make all the difference. By making smart use of your internship time and starting well-prepared, you take a strong step toward a successful career in data.
Want to get the most out of your internship? Then be proactive, set clear learning goals, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Work on your communication skills, show initiative, and stay curious. This way, you'll not only expand your knowledge but also leave a positive impression on your internship company.
Check out our comprehensive career guide with information about roles in data and analytics. Also, discover all our application tips to start your internship or first job well-prepared.
The search for an internship
Finding the right internship in data and analytics can be quite a challenge, especially with the rapidly growing number of opportunities and increasing competition. However, an internship is an essential step to gain practical experience, expand your network, and give your career a flying start.
Practical tips for finding the ideal data internship
1. Define your career goals
A successful internship search starts with self-awareness. Ask yourself: what do I want to achieve with my internship? Do you want to sharpen your technical skills, such as programming or working with data analysis tools? Or do you want to discover how data is used within a specific sector, such as healthcare, finance, or sustainability? Maybe you want to improve your communication with non-technical stakeholders? By clearly defining your goals, you can focus your search on internships that truly suit you.
2. Research companies thoroughly
Take the time to research companies and organizations before applying. Look at their mission, vision, and values. Read about ongoing projects, technologies they use, and which data profiles they are looking for. Try to find experiences from former interns via review sites or LinkedIn. This helps you determine whether the company and work environment align with your learning goals.
3. Optimize your resume and cover letter
Your resume and cover letter are your first impression. Make sure they are professional and tailored to each internship you apply for. Highlight your strengths, relevant education, and projects. Have you already performed a data analysis, taken an online course, or built a dashboard? Be sure to show it. Optionally, include a link to your GitHub or portfolio.
4. Actively network
Networking is a powerful tool when it comes to finding a great internship. Many internships are filled through connections. Talk to fellow students, teachers, alumni, and professionals in the field. Be active on LinkedIn and optimize your profile with relevant projects and skills. Also, attend data and analytics conferences and events. Often, internship opportunities come up at these events that aren't listed on job websites.
5. Prepare well for the interview
If you're invited for an interview, make sure you're well prepared. Read up on the company, articulate why you want to intern there specifically, and think of questions you can ask yourself. Practice your pitch and be ready to explain your motivation and technical knowledge. Good preparation shows that you are motivated and professional.
6. Be flexible and eager to learn
Sometimes you may end up in an internship that doesn’t align 100% with your ideal scenario. That’s okay. Often, an unexpected internship turns out to be extremely educational. So stay open to new experiences—your greatest growth opportunities are often found there.
7. Track your progress and reflect
During your internship, it's valuable to actively reflect. What are you learning? What’s going well, and where can you still improve? Discuss this regularly with your internship supervisor. This way, you’ll get the most out of your internship and show that you’re serious about your development.
Finally: start early and stay true to yourself
Start exploring and applying early, especially in the popular data and analytics sectors. And perhaps most importantly: stay true to yourself. Choose an internship that genuinely suits you, not just one that ‘looks good on your resume.’ Authenticity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn often make the biggest difference.
The selection process
Once you’ve submitted your applications, the selection process begins. This is the moment when employers assess you not only based on your resume and cover letter, but especially on how you present yourself and whether you’re a good fit for the organization. Good preparation can make the difference between a rejection and an invitation to the next round.
What should you pay attention to during the selection process?
Prepare well for interviews
During interviews, recruiters want to see more than just your technical knowledge. They look at how you think, how you approach problems, and how you collaborate with others. It’s also important that you can explain what you do with data and why. Don’t forget that cultural fit is becoming increasingly important: do you fit in with the team and the company culture?
Therefore, prepare for both technical questions (for example about data analysis, tools, or programming languages) and behavioral questions (such as how you handle feedback or deadlines). Practice answering questions out loud and use the STAR method to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
Show your motivation
Employers are looking for candidates who are not only suitable but also motivated. Show that you’ve done your homework on the company, their mission, and the sector they operate in. Explain why this specific role appeals to you and how your skills contribute to their goals. Passion for data, curiosity, and eagerness to learn are major plus points.
Ask the right questions yourself
A job interview is not a one-way street. It’s also your opportunity to find out whether the company is a good fit for *you*. So ask targeted questions about the work, team collaboration, the technologies used, and how employees are supported. Also ask about growth opportunities and training budgets.
By asking thoughtful questions, you show that you’re serious, engaged, and thinking critically about your own career development. It makes you proactive and sets you apart from other candidates.
Pay attention to communication after the interview
The way an organization communicates after an interview says a lot about their culture and working style. Are you kept informed? Do you receive feedback? Does it take a long time to hear back? Pay attention to these signals, as they can offer valuable insights into how things work internally.
Stay positive and learn from every interview
Every interview is a chance to grow, even if you don’t get the job. If possible, ask for feedback and reflect on what went well and what you could do differently next time. By actively learning from the process, you’ll become increasingly confident in presenting yourself.
During the internship
Congratulations, you got the internship! This is a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience, develop your skills, and build valuable connections in the world of data and analytics.
Make the most of your internship: practical tips
1. Be proactive and show initiative
Don’t wait for someone to ask you to do something. Actively look for opportunities to learn and add value. Ask if you can contribute to a project, offer to analyze a dataset, or suggest improvements for an internal dashboard. Show that you’re engaged and willing to take initiative. Employers appreciate interns who think along and come up with solutions.
2. Learn by doing and observing
You don’t just learn by doing things yourself, but also by watching how experienced colleagues approach tasks. Observe how they analyze problems, communicate with stakeholders, and handle complex datasets. Ask questions, listen actively, and take note of relevant insights. The more you learn about day-to-day practices, the better prepared you'll be for a future role in data and analytics.
3. Communicate clearly and understandably
In the data world, performing analyses isn’t enough — you also need to convey your insights. Practice presenting your findings clearly to colleagues without a technical background. Use clear visualizations and avoid jargon. Good communication not only increases your impact, but also shows that you understand who you’re working for.
4. Actively seek feedback
Don’t wait for formal evaluations. Ask for feedback on your work, your approach, or your collaboration along the way. This shows that you’re open to growth and development. Don’t be afraid of critical comments — they often provide the most valuable lessons. Ask for examples or specific tips to improve your work.
5. Build your network
An internship is more than just a learning experience; it’s also a great opportunity to grow your professional network. Connect with colleagues both inside and outside your team, show interest in their work, and be visible within the organization. The network you build now can help you later in finding a job or a valuable collaboration.
6. Track your progress
Keep a record of what you’re working on, what you’re learning, and the results you achieve. This is useful for your final report or internship presentation, but also for yourself. It gives you insight into your development and helps you demonstrate your achievements with concrete examples — like improved dashboards, automated reports, or new data insights.
7. Show interest in the field
Stay informed about trends and developments in data, analytics, and AI. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, or webinars and bring your knowledge into conversations. Show that you have a passion for the field. This makes you more interesting not just as an intern, but also as a future colleague.
Turn your internship into a springboard
By taking initiative, being open to feedback, communicating effectively, and expanding your network, you’ll get the most out of your internship period. See it as an investment in yourself and your future. Those who prove themselves during a data and analytics internship take a solid step toward a successful career.
After the internship
Your internship may be over, but that doesn't mean its value ends there. An internship not only offers hands-on experience but can also be a springboard to your next career step. Right after your internship period, there are important actions you can take to get the most out of your experience.
What to do after your internship? Discover these smart next steps:
1. Reflect on your internship experience
Take the time to look back on what you’ve learned. Which tasks did you enjoy? Which ones less so? What skills did you develop? Write down these insights—they’ll help you make more informed decisions about your future career. Think about your professional growth: did you improve in communication, data analysis, teamwork, or planning?
2. Ask for feedback
Actively seek feedback from your internship supervisor and colleagues. What did you do well? What could you improve? Constructive feedback is valuable for your professional development and will help you perform better in future work situations.
3. Stay in touch with your network
Don’t let the connection with your internship supervisor and colleagues fade. Add them on LinkedIn and occasionally send an update or a thank-you message. This could lead to valuable tips, references, or even a job down the line. Your network is one of your most important assets in the job market.
4. Leverage your experience strategically in applications
The skills and knowledge you gained during your internship give you an edge in future job applications. Make sure to clearly highlight this experience in your CV and cover letter. Focus on what you contributed, what you learned, and the results you achieved.
5. Improve your online visibility
Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date. Add your internship to your work experience, including your tasks, the tools you used (such as Excel, Python, or Power BI), and the results you achieved. This increases your chances of being found by recruiters.
6. Consider a follow-up step within the same company
Was your internship a success? Then ask if there are opportunities for a (part-time) job or a junior position. Many companies like to hire former interns because you’re already familiar with the organization and have proven yourself in practice.
7. Keep learning and developing yourself
Use the insights from your internship to further develop yourself. Take online courses, work on personal projects, or explore new tools and techniques in your field. This keeps you attractive to future employers.
