Dealing With an Internship Rejection
By Laureen Laguio
Getting rejected is always a tough pill to swallow. We’ve been taught how to write a resume and ace a job interview, but not so much on how to mentally prepare ourselves for the possibility of rejection. I recall the first time I’ve been rejected for an internship application; initially, it felt like the efforts I made to update my resume and attend an interview suddenly went down the drain. But I’ve learned that dealing with rejection takes as much courage and openness to growth as it does to accept an offer. So how can you handle it well?
1. Acknowledge your feelings about the rejection.
Give yourself the space to cry and vent. Consider talking to a close friend or relative about how the whole thing feels. Do the things you love, whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, or exercising. It’s better to acknowledge your emotions and let them all out to ease the pain, rather than bottling them up.
2. Remind yourself that you’re competent.
It hurts to know that you didn’t get the offer, but always tell yourself that you are qualified for other opportunities. Getting rejected doesn’t mean that you won’t get an offer elsewhere; there are other internships out there that will align with the kinds of skills and experiences you want to have.
It’s also worth noting that it can be extremely competitive to land an internship where you are just as qualified as every other applicant, so don’t be hard on yourself if you get turned down. It could be an opportunity for you to take the time to reflect on the kinds of internships you want to have, the companies you want to work with, and the skills you want to learn.
3. Express gratitude.
Instead of not replying to the rejection letter or complaining to the employers, thank the company for giving you the opportunity to apply and for taking the time to know you better. If you’re interested in applying again in the future, let them know that too! As long as you’re nice, you’ll stay in their good graces and get another shot with them next time.
4. Ask for feedback.
Remember that it also takes courage and openness to growth when you get rejected. So, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask how you can do better next time! Ask for what went well, which areas you could improve on, and suggestions on how you could work towards those improvements.
If you don’t get an answer from them, that’s okay! Don’t be discouraged. Taking the initiative to ask for feedback is already a step towards growth, so be proud of yourself for that. Make it a habit because it’s going to be a valuable skill throughout your career.
5. Move on to the next opportunity!
As mentioned in step #1, this isn’t the end. There are plenty of opportunities you can try out, and it doesn’t have to be another internship application. Maybe you can take an online course to sharpen some skills or volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about. If you’re unsure, it would be great to talk to a friend, family member, or a guidance counselor about your next steps.
Applying for an internship is no easy feat, but don’t let one rejection keep you from learning and growing. After all, that’s what life is all about. Also, know that you’re not alone; you’ll always find a support system among your peers, relatives, and mentors. One rejection could be a nudge towards a better direction in your career journey. Just keep trying! You’ll eventually find the right company that would welcome you to their team and equip you with the experiences you’ve been looking for.
About the Author
Laureen Isabelle Laguio is a Marketing & Growth Mission Specialist at KadaKareer. She was born in the Philippines, lived in Indonesia for 10 years, and is now studying Organizational Communication with a minor in Psychology at De La Salle University — Manila. She finds joy in traveling, reading books, and sipping a cup of iced coffee.
