While doing my PhD in Statistics at Rice, I realized I wanted to test the waters outside academia. Getting an internship in industry felt like a game-changer—a way to gain hands-on experience, build connections, explore future paths, and yes, even earn a bit more money.
I went through the process myself and learned a lot along the way. I interviewed with various companies including Google, Meta, and Amazon. In this blog, I’m sharing the steps, tools, and strategies that helped me land opportunities—and that might help you too.
1. Get Ready for the Application Process
Prepare Early:
Some companies open applications early in the fall—sometimes as early as August. Deadlines can sneak up quickly, so start searching as soon as the semester begins. If you already have companies in mind, check out their programs specifically for graduate students, for example:
Tailor Your Materials:
Don’t send the same CV to every role. Customize your resume (and cover letter if requested) by aligning it with the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to that position.
💡Tip:
At Rice, the CCD (Center for Career Development) offers amazing support. They’ll review your materials, help you explore career paths, and even conduct mock interviews. They even have daily drop-in hours for any question you might have.
2. Build a Strong Foundation:
Leverage Your Network:
Many PhD students underestimate the value of networking. Reach out to alumni, attend conferences, connect with visiting speakers, and talk to professors who have industry ties. You never know who might help you get a foot in the door.
Polish Your LinkedIn:
I know it’s not everyone’s favorite platform, but it has its benefits. Include keywords in your summary, showcase your projects, and engage with people in your field. Even a simple comment on a relevant post can lead to a meaningful connection.
Build a portfolio:
If possible, create a simple website to showcase your experience, portfolio, and projects. It gives recruiters a deeper look at your work and helps you stand out. You could use Github Pages or Rice Blogs.
💡Tip:
Connect with Rice alumni who now work at companies you’re interested in or people with whom you have something in common (like your school or home country). They are often willing to help!
3. Make Applications Less Daunting
Apply Broadly and Strategically:
The more roles you apply to, the higher your chances of getting an interview. Use multiple platforms in your search including LinkedIn, Handshake, Indeed, Company career sites, etc.
💡Tip:
Tools like Simplify and Sonara can help you autofill applications, save time, and track your progress. They make the process way less tedious.
4. Master the Interview Game
Once a recruiter reaches out, the next big step is the interview process.
Technical Interviews:
These vary by field, so ask your recruiter what to expect. For coding interviews try to practice frequently on platforms such as
Behavioral Interviews:
These are just as important. Prepare stories about your past experiences using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practice helps a lot!
💡Tip:
Use the CCD’s career resources or do mock interviews with them. Also, tools like ChatGPT with voice mode can simulate behavioral interviews. They help you refine your responses, improve confidence, and even adjust tone or language.
5. Additional Note for International Students: Most internships happen in the summer and last 10–14 weeks. If you're an international student, make sure to check your visa eligibility and consult with OISS before applying or accepting an offer to make sure everything’s in order.
The path to an internship as a PhD student isn’t easy, but it is absolutely doable. Use the resources around you, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The skills and clarity you gain from an internship can be worth every bit of effort.
About the author:
Mauro Florez is from Bogotá, Colombia, and is a Ph.D. student in Statistics. He earned a B.S. in Statistics at Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 2019 and a B.S. in Mathematics at Universidad Sergio Arboleda in 2017. Read more.
Further Reading:
Sharpen your professional skills at Rice
An Honest Look at How I've Navigated Networking from Ground Zero