Internships
What is an internship?
If you’re on this page, you’re probably at that stage where you’re hearing people around you talk about getting an ‘internship’. But what is an internship, really? A formal internship is a period of structured work experience, through which you work in your chosen industry and gain hands-on experience and knowledge, useful contacts and training. These internships are traditionally aimed at penultimate-year students, as most large employers offer impressive interns a job for after graduation, although a few are open to other year groups and graduates. Sometimes, though, when students refer to ‘internships’ they mean other kinds of work experience. Here, we explain everything you need to know about all types of work experience, how to apply and even to use it to get a graduate job.
But if you’re already clued up on internships and ready to go, search for internships, placements or insight programmes.
Work experience options
Is an internship all there is?
Your options from A–Z
For many, an internship (sometimes known as a placement) is the best-known form of work experience and we have all the in-depth advice on internships and how to get one. But there are many other types of formal and informal experience that can enhance your CV, so we also explore these options from A−Z.
‘What is an internship and how do I get one?’ Your FAQs answered
From ‘What is an internship?’ to when to do an internship and other questions, discover everything you need to know and where to find out more.
Your work experience options: shadowing, internship and much more
‘What work experience do I need on my CV to get a graduate job?’ is a question we are often asked. And we always answer that it's not all, or at least not only, about internships and placements.
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What is a spring week, insight day or insight programme?
We answer your FAQs on insight days, spring weeks and the other types of introductory work experience that provide a glimpse into working life for first-year university students among others.
What is a work placement or placement year?
Placement year, work placement, year in industry, industrial placement, sandwich year: regardless of what it’s called, this year of work experience helps to boost your job prospects.
The important dates
When to apply
Larger employers that run formal work experience programmes at set times of year typically open them to specific year groups and cohorts of students. For example, insight programmes are usually offered to first years and students from particular demographics that are typically underrepresented in a profession.
Internships are typically offered to penultimate-year students or, in relevant sectors, students on a postgraduate course – but may be offered to other year groups and graduates. These employers are increasingly setting deadlines in the autumn and spring terms. Smaller employers tend to run work experience schemes on an as-needed basis to any student or recent graduate and usually set deadlines a month or so before the start date. Find out more about how to get internships and work experience after graduating.
The recruitment process
Applications and interview prep
Know what to expect
Once you’ve figured out the internship you want to go for, it’s time to start applying. It’s good to remember that, as well as applying for internships the traditional way, there are some internships and work experience opportunities that you can create for yourself.
How to apply for an internship at a big company
Big organisations that hire graduates often offer paid internships too. Find out how to get an internship and what the application process involves.
Discover hidden internships: the art of speculative applications
Here is how to find work experience and internship vacancies that aren't advertised and how to apply for them. We even include an example email for a speculative work experience covering letter.
How to answer internship application form questions
Online application forms for internships and work experience placements often include motivational and competency questions. Here’s how to answer them, even if you have limited experience to draw upon.
How to write a CV for an internship
Check out our essential guide on how to write a CV for an internship to help give your application the best chance of standing out to employers.
Know what you’re getting into
Should my internship be paid?
Knowing if an internship should be paid or not, and understanding whether you should ever do an internship if it is unpaid, can sometimes boggle the brain. Fortunately, we’re here to de-boggle you! We outline the facts on internships and pay: the minimum you should be paid, when you might not be paid and what a ‘good’ internship actually looks like.
Be the best intern
So, now that you’ve landed the internship you wanted, it’s time to make a good impression. Knowing how to start off on the right foot is key. For example, there are some simple things you can do in advance that will make the difference between a great internship and a, well, not so great internship.
Work experience tips: what to do on the first day of your internship
Managed to get yourself an internship or other workplace experience? Congratulations! Check out our essential tips to ensure your first few days go smoothly.
Time to shine! Six ways to become a star intern
Our tips on how to be the best intern ever will help you make the most of your work experience opportunity, regardless of whether it is in person or virtual.
Undergraduate of the Year Awards
Win an internship
The targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards is an annual competition aimed at finding the best undergraduates in the UK. Each award is partnered by a prominent graduate recruiter who provides a fantastic prize for the winner, which could include a paid internship, a trip abroad or other exclusive opportunities.
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