Best Online Platforms for Engineers: Coursera, Udemy or IIT-based Courses?
Most engineering students believe internships begin in the 3rd or 4th year.
But today, companies expect graduates to have practical skills, not just academic scores. This is why first-year engineering students who start early gain a massive advantage—better confidence, stronger resumes, and a smoother transition into core engineering roles.
This guide helps first-year students understand why early internships matter, what options they can explore, and how they can actually find one—even with zero experience.
Why Should First-Year Engineering Students Seek Internships?
1. Get early exposure to the industry
Internships show students how engineering work is done in the real world, not just in books.
2. Look at other fields before deciding on a branch specialization.
Civil, Mechanical, AI, Electronics, and Computer Science—exploring these fields early on helps you figure out what you really like.
3. Get better at talking to people and working as a team
Soft skills are just as important as technical skills.
4. A strong portfolio for future internships
If you intern early, you’ll stand out when you apply for jobs in your second and third years.
5. Better Placement Chances in Final Year
Companies like pupils who have worked with their hands.
What kinds of internships can first-year students get?
It’s okay if you can’t get high-level technical jobs yet.
Here are the options that are realistic and helpful:
1. Basic technical internships
- Getting Started with Python
- Electronics 101
- Basics of AutoCAD
- The principles of web development
- The basics of computer networks
2. Research Internships (Online and Offline)
A lot of professors from IITs, NITs, and institutions help beginners with their research.
3. Internships online
- Great for people who are just starting out
- Learn from Microsoft
- Forage
- Goldman Sachs virtual internship in engineering
- Labs for beginners in AI and ML
4. Internships at Startups
Early-stage firms generally want first-year students who are eager to work for them.
- Simple coding jobs
- Researching products on social media
- Help with testing, documentation, or the field
5. Nonprofit or social projects
Helpful for improving your ability to lead and solve problems.
6. Internships on Campus
All of these things count as experience: clubs, tech cells, and coding societies.
Internshala is one of the best places to find internships.
The biggest place for internships for beginners.
- LinkedIn
– Networking & applying directly - SmartBridge & Forage
– Internships in the virtual world. - TCS iON Career Edge
– Free basic programs. - College Departments and Clubs
– A lot of Initiatives start inside before heading outside.
How to Get an Internship in Your First Year (Even if You Have No Experience)
1. Make a Simple Resume
Includes:
- School Successes
- Projects for the first year
- Courses Finished
- Even Basic Skills
2. Make One Small Project
Companies emphasize taking the initiative over being perfect. For example:
- Website for your portfolio
- Easy app for phones
- Arduino mini-project
- Excel/Python for data analysis
- Using AutoCAD/SolidWorks to make a 3D model
3. Take short courses on sites like Coursera, Udemy, and NPTEL.
This instantly makes your profile better.
4. First, apply to startups
They respond more quickly and respect enthusiasm more than experience.
5. Be Smart About LinkedIn
Post about how you’re doing with your learning
Send founders short messages
Get involved with engineering groups
6. Go to college events and workshops
Every event is a chance to meet new people.
Things First-Year Students Should Not Do
- Starting to gain skills in the third year
- Only applying to big enterprises
- Resume with no personal projects that you can copy and paste
- Expecting a high income in your first year of internships
- Not paying attention to soft skills like working together and talking to each other
- The most important thing is to start small. Over time, things get better.
Skills First-Year Engineering Students Should Learn
Technical Skills
- Python/C
- Web development
- Basic CAD
- Electronics fundamentals
- The basics of the cloud
- Data structures (for beginners)
Skills that are soft
- Talking to each other
- Presentation
- Managing your time
- Working together as a team
CONCLUSION
Internships in your first year aren’t just about getting a high-paying technical job; they’re also about gaining confidence, learning about your hobbies, and starting your engineering path early.
Students in their first year who look into internships stand out during:
✔ Choosing projects in their second year
✔ Summer internships
✔ Training in their third year
✔ Final placements
Career Laksh can help you figure out what skills to study and what internships are right for your engineering field.
🌐 Visit: https://career-laksh.com/
📩 Reach out through the website for personalised counselling and internship guidance.
Go to https://career-laksh.com/ to find out more.