Internships

View all internships

 Powered by JustJobs

Internship Resources

Internships are work experience placements that can last anything from 2 weeks to 12 months in duration. The most popular internships are summer placements lasting up to 3 months during the summer holiday period.

Employers can sometimes use internships as a screening process for recruiting graduates for future roles. Skills and knowledge gained as an intern can also help you fast-track through a graduate recruitment process.

Internships are always paid if you are performing the role of a "worker" within an organisation. You are legally entitled to be paid at least the national minimum wage in this instance. The only exception would be work placements that are classed as work shadowing or volunteering that does not involve performing the role of a "worker". The Gov.UK website provides further clarification on the employment rights of interns here.

The National careers Service offer some useful advice on the best ways to prepare for an internship with some tips on getting the most out of your experience.

Youth Employment UK also offer some useful tips on getting the most out of your internship as well as publishing a list of Youth Friendly Employers that offer internship opportunities.

Virtual internships have become increasingly popular in recent years. This offers a remote work placement with a company that can be based anywhere in the world - time zone differences permitting!

These organisations can offer advice and details on vacancies for virtual internships abroad:

• AISEC UK
• The Intern Group
• Placement Year International

Typically you should start looking for for internships during the summer of your first year for internships taking place in the summer of your second year. The application process usually involves completing an online application form, performing some online tests and taking part in a screening interview and/or attending an assessment centre.