A structured list of potential companies is essential for a successful internship search. It helps you stay organized, track your outreach, and follow up systematically.
Why you need a company list
Without a system, you'll lose track of which companies you've contacted, who you spoke with, and what was agreed. A good list helps you:
- Keep an overview of all potential companies
- Track your contact history
- Follow up at the right time
- Prioritize your efforts
- Avoid contacting the same company twice
What to include in your list
For each company, record:
- Company name
- Contact person: Name, title, email, phone
- How you found them: Job ad, LinkedIn, recommendation, etc.
- Contact date: When you first reached out
- Method: Email, phone, in-person
- Response: What they said
- Follow-up date: When to contact again
- Status: Not contacted, contacted, meeting scheduled, etc.
- Notes: Any relevant information
Tools for your list
You can use:
- Spreadsheet: Excel, Google Sheets – flexible and easy to sort
- Note app: Notion, Trello – good for visual tracking
- Paper: Simple notebook – works if you prefer analog
The tool matters less than actually using it consistently.
How to find companies
Sources for finding potential internship companies:
- Job postings: Companies that are hiring often welcome interns
- LinkedIn: Search for companies in your field
- Industry directories: Trade associations often list member companies
- News: Companies in the news may be growing and need help
- Your network: Ask friends, family, and former colleagues
The next guides will show you specific tools like Jobindex Archive and LinkedIn for finding companies.
How many companies to target
Aim for 20-50 companies on your initial list. Not all will respond, so you need volume. But focus on quality too – each company should be genuinely interesting to you.
Prioritize by:
- Companies you're most excited about
- Companies that match your skills well
- Companies that are realistically likely to take interns
Key takeaways
- A structured company list keeps your search organized
- Include contact details, dates, and follow-up reminders
- Use a tool you'll actually update regularly
- Aim for 20-50 companies initially