Ask HN: How to handle this recruiting situation?

Hi HN, I’m a 2nd-year CS undergrad restlessly applying for internships for this summer.

About 2 months ago, I applied to  and was subsequently matched with teams who were interested in me. I did my due diligence in interviewing and moving though the rounds, and at the very end I was told that my interview went well and that they “were trying to get approval to add an additional internship position” to hire me.

I was thrilled, but over the next 2 weeks, every time I asked my recruiter for an update, I was always told that he was still awaiting approval. Most recently, I was told that the odds of being approved “weren’t likely.” I don’t understand why I was interviewed at all for a team that wasn’t guaranteed to have an opening. What can I do now?

Should I ask for the contact information of the higher-ups to try to plead my case?

Thanks so much, HN.