If you’re just starting out in data-focused roles, don’t skip the fundamentals. Before anything else, get comfortable with tools like Excel and SQL — yes, even basic Excel formulas can make a big difference when you’re sorting through messy datasets. The more fluent you are with everyday data handling, the easier it will be to pick up advanced skills later on.
Python and R are also great to have in your toolkit, but don’t stress about mastering both from day one. Pick one, learn how to use libraries like pandas or ggplot2, and get used to doing small projects with real datasets.
Learn by Doing — Not Just Reading
Online courses and tutorials are helpful, but you won’t learn much unless you apply what you’re studying. Try participating in online challenges or tackle simple projects on your own. Can you analyse public transport data for trends? Or scrape weather data and visualise it? These kinds of projects are perfect practice for the types of tasks you’d face in entry-level roles.
Also, start using GitHub to document your work. It doesn’t have to be perfect — just a place to show that you can follow a question through to an answer with code, charts, and a bit of explanation.
Understand the Business Side
It’s not all about crunching numbers. Companies want interns who can understand why the data matters. If you’re working on sales data, learn a bit about marketing. If it’s customer feedback, ask yourself what kind of actions a business might take with those insights. Thinking like this sets you apart because you’re not just analysing — you’re helping solve actual problems.
Build a Tidy Resume and Portfolio
Keep your resume simple and direct. Highlight your technical skills (SQL, Python, Tableau, etc.) and mention a few personal projects that show what you can do. Link to your GitHub or personal website if you have one.
Internship recruiters usually skim applications, so skip the buzzwords. Focus instead on results: “Used Python to clean and visualise 10,000+ rows of weather data,” sounds better than “Strong problem-solving skills.”
Where to Look and How to Stand Out
Now comes the hard part: getting noticed. Lots of students are competing for a limited number of internship spots. The good news? There are more places offering practical opportunities in data science internships than ever — not just big tech firms, but also banks, retailers, and government departments. Look out for roles that align with the tools and topics you’ve been exploring.
Set job alerts, follow relevant LinkedIn pages, and join online communities where opportunities are often shared. And don’t hesitate to apply even if you’re missing one or two “preferred” skills — many companies are happy to train the right person.
Ask Smart Questions During Interviews
If you get called in for an interview, be ready to talk through your projects. Don’t worry if they weren’t complex — the important part is showing your process and reasoning. Practice explaining your code and findings clearly, as if you’re walking someone through a story.
Also, be curious. Ask about the team’s current projects or the kind of tools they use daily. This shows you’re thinking ahead, not just trying to tick a box.
Understand Common Expectations for Interns
Most people imagine internships will involve full projects or major datasets — sometimes that happens, but often, your role will be about supporting a team, preparing reports, cleaning messy files, or helping organise dashboards.
That’s not a bad thing. These tasks help you learn the ropes and give you a look at how real teams work. Make the most of it by staying proactive and asking how you can help — even with simple tasks.
Don’t Ignore Soft Skills
Yes, technical skills matter. But so does how you work with people. Can you take feedback? Are you organised? Can you meet a deadline without someone chasing you? These things are just as important as your coding knowledge.
If you’re wondering how to balance technical tasks with teamwork, check out common mistakes interns should avoid to stay on track and make a strong impression.
Final Thoughts
Landing a great internship takes effort, but it’s completely doable. Focus on growing your skills one step at a time, building projects that show your strengths, and staying curious. With the right mindset and a bit of consistency, you’ll be ready when the right opportunity comes along.
