Looking for internships can be both exciting and stressful. It feels great to imagine yourself gaining real-world experience and taking the first step into your career. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? What if you keep getting rejected?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Many students and graduates face rejection when trying to find internship in UK or anywhere else. The process can feel discouraging, but with the right mindset and approach, you can bounce back stronger and more focused.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to deal with internship rejections and how to stay motivated on your journey to success.
1. Understand That Rejection Is Normal
First and most importantly—rejection is a part of life.
Whether you’re applying for internships, jobs, or even a university program, getting a “no” doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Often, there are many applicants for the same position, and only a few get selected.
Sometimes it’s not even about you. The company might be looking for someone with specific skills, or maybe they filled the position internally. Don’t take it personally.
Remember, many successful people faced rejection early in their careers. What made them successful wasn’t luck—it was their ability to keep going.
2. Reflect Without Blaming Yourself
After receiving a rejection, take a moment to reflect. Think about the application process:
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Did your CV match the internship description?
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Was your cover letter tailored to the company?
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Were you confident during the interview?
Try to learn from each experience. If you’re lucky, some companies might give you feedback. If they don’t, it’s okay to politely ask. You may receive valuable advice that can help you improve your next application.
At the same time, avoid harsh self-criticism. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking “I’m not good enough,” but that’s simply not true.
3. Stay Positive and Keep Your Confidence
It’s natural to feel down after a rejection, especially if you’ve faced several. But try not to let it affect your confidence.
Here’s a helpful tip: write down your achievements. List all the things you’ve accomplished so far—academic successes, volunteer work, part-time jobs, or any skills you’ve learned. This can help remind you of your value.
Your journey isn’t defined by one rejection—or ten. It’s about your ability to keep showing up and trying again.
4. Improve Your Application Strategy
If you want to find internship in UK, a strong application is key. Here are a few tips to improve your chances:
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Customize your CV and cover letter: Don’t send the same document to every company. Tailor it to match the role and show you’ve researched the business.
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Use action words: Instead of saying “I helped with projects,” say “I supported a team of 5 in managing a marketing campaign.”
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Practice your interviews: Record yourself answering common questions or practice with a friend. This helps build confidence and improve your communication.
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Follow up: After interviews or applications, send a polite thank-you or follow-up email. It shows professionalism and interest.
5. Use Every Opportunity to Learn
Even if you don’t get an internship right away, you can still build your experience.
Here are some ideas:
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Freelance or volunteer: Look for short-term projects or volunteer roles. These help you gain experience and improve your CV.
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Online courses: Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or FutureLearn offer free or affordable courses on topics like marketing, coding, or business.
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Part-time jobs: Even if the job isn’t directly related to your field, it can still teach you valuable skills like teamwork, time management, and communication.
Remember, every step you take adds value. You don’t need to wait for the “perfect” internship to start growing.
6. Expand Your Search
If you’re struggling to find internship in UK, it might be time to widen your search. Look beyond big cities and well-known companies.
Try these ideas:
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Check local businesses: Many small companies need help but don’t advertise widely. Reach out with a professional email and offer your support.
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Use university career services: They often have exclusive listings and can help you improve your application.
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Attend career fairs and networking events: These are great for meeting employers face-to-face and leaving a strong impression.
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Use platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and RateMyPlacement: Set job alerts and keep checking for new listings.
Also, don’t be afraid to apply for unpaid or short-term internships, especially if they offer meaningful learning experiences.
7. Stay Connected and Inspired
The journey to find internship in UK can feel lonely, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Talk to friends who are going through the same thing. Join student groups or online communities. Share your experiences, and you’ll find that many others are facing the same challenges.
Reading success stories can also be uplifting. Learn how others got their first internship, what they learned, and how they handled rejection.
When you surround yourself with positivity, it’s easier to stay motivated.
8. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Instead of trying to apply to 50 internships in one week, break your goals into smaller steps:
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Update your CV this week
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Write 2 new cover letters next week
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Apply to 5 companies every week
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Practice interviews on weekends
Each small step you take brings you closer to success. Celebrate your progress, even if it’s just sending one well-written application.
9. Believe in the Bigger Picture
Finding an internship might take time, but the effort is worth it. Internships help you:
So, even if you get rejected now, you’re still moving forward. Every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
Stay committed to your goal. Keep learning, keep applying, and most of all—keep believing in yourself.
Final Thoughts
Internship rejections can hurt, but they don’t define you. If you want to find internship in UK, the key is to stay positive, learn from each experience, and keep going.
Remember, the right opportunity might be just around the corner. Don’t give up. Your determination today will shape your success tomorrow.
You’ve got this!
Internwise UK 
