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Internship advice for students
Internships can significantly enhance your job prospects after university but they are not always a strict requirement to secure employment. Although, having internship experience can provide several advantages for your career. If you are thinking about applying to becoming an intern, we have answered the most common asked questions when it comes to internships.
What is an internship?
An internship is a temporary job provided by an employer to give individuals, often students or recent graduates, practical experience in a specific industry or field. Intern programmes can vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and typically involve tasks and responsibilities relevant to the industry or profession. Interns have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain exposure to real-world work environments, and often receive mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in their field.
How do you find an internship?
You can find an internship to suit you by following these steps:
- Identify your career goals and interests
- Determine your requirements
- Start searching early
- Contact specific companies
- Search jobsites
- Visit employers
- Apply to open positions
- Search online…
Websites to search for internship positions
Do you need an internship?
If you have recently graduated or in your final year of university, intern programmes can be a great way to boost your career, but they aren’t necessarily for everyone.
If you have struggled to find an internship there are other options for you to choose. Consider finding part-time, full-time, or freelance work at a company.
There are plenty of organizations that don’t have official programs but likely could use some extra assistance.
Can I get an internship after uni?
Yes. Intern programmes are ideal for recent graduates. Many graduates choose summer internships and to intern straight after they graduate.
Can you do an internship and uni at the same time?
If you want to get ahead of your peers and boost your career prospects out of uni, you may opt to intern whilst you’re still studying.
How long are internships in the UK?
An internship can last anything from a week and a year. Make sure to find out the length before you apply to ensure it fits in with your plan and schedule.
How much do you get paid for an internship?
Depending on the type you apply for, being paid may vary.
Whether or not an intern gets paid depends on the intern’s employment status. There are three recognised employment statuses in the UK. These are:
- A volunteer
- An employee
- A worker
The National Minimum Wage does not entitle interns pay, especially where they work for a voluntary organisation, charity, statutory body or an associated fundraising body. However, they may get some limited benefits, such as lunch expenses or reasonable travel.
Will an internship lead to a job offer?
It depends on the organisation you join. Some will lead to further internships and some may lead to the offer of a full-time position, if you’re lucky. Either way, they give you something to put on your CV and some industry experience to shout about.
Benefits of an internship
There are a number of benefits to completing an internship and many vary depending on your personal and career goals. Here are the 8 main benefits of an intern programme:
- Build your professional network.
- Gain professional skills needed in the workplace and in leadership positions.
- Learn how a professional workplace operates.
- Build your CV and references.
- Gain invaluable professional feedback.
- Learn from others.
- Find what you like and dislike.
- Could lead to a permanent position.
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