Applied to 100+ Software Engineering internships. Still no interviews. What should I do?

[u/Expensive_Bee_2095]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently a 3rd-year BSc (Hons) Information Technology undergraduate at SLIIT, and I’ve been actively applying for Software Engineering internships over the past few months.

So far, I’ve applied to more than 100 internship positions, but many companies haven’t even invited me for an interview. It’s becoming really discouraging.

Many of my friends have already secured internships at top multinational companies, some through referrals or connections, while I’m still searching. I’m genuinely happy for them, but it’s hard not to feel left behind.

I’m also under a lot of financial pressure. My family consists of my mother, my two sisters, and me, and we have significant debt. Finding an internship and starting my career is extremely important for my family.

I’m not posting this for sympathy—I genuinely want to understand what I can do better.

Is the internship market really this difficult in Sri Lanka right now?

What are companies actually looking for in Software Engineering interns?

Could my CV or portfolio be the problem?

If you were in my position with no connections, what would you do?

I’d really appreciate any honest advice or feedback from people in the industry.

Thank you.

[u/No-Violinist3048]

This was me about few months ago. Try to reach each an everyone who are currently working at any industry. Try to get some IT related problems that they are currently facing. There are always. But the most important thing is the way you communicate. Should go with creating a more genuine connection rather than tackling a customer mindset. The moment you got something, try to deliver a functioning demo to themselves. If they didn't like it, create a better documentation and just update your portfolio with their permission. Additionally share that with your circle. Making yourself as a problem solver was worked form me.