Internships and placements
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Ten good reasons to look for work experience with small employers
There are small and medium-sized companies in every career sector all over the UK, so don’t limit your work experience options by only looking for opportunities at large companies.
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The law on unpaid internships: know your rights
Our guide to interns’ rights sets out when students and graduates are entitled to the national minimum wage and explores the issues around unpaid internships.
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Why extracurricular activities will help you get hired
Extracurricular activities are crucial if you want to boost your graduate career prospects. Discover the best hobbies to put on your CV, along with tips on how to gain even more employability skills from them.
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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.
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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.
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Your work experience options: shadowing, internship and much more
‘What work experience should I do 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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Work experience and internships: your first and second year timetable
Find out how to boost your chances of getting an internship by using our calendar graphic with tips throughout the year.
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How to get an internship with a big graduate employer
Big organisations that hire graduates often offer paid internships too. Find out how to track down vacancies at the top places to intern.
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Volunteering as a university student: what are my options?
The volunteering opportunities at university are vast. As a student, you can volunteer in your local community, take part in fundraising events and, when safe to do so, travel to the other side of the world to make a difference.
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International internships: your options explained
Seeking a summer internship abroad – or how about a placement year? Whether you want to be two metres from a beach or at the centre of global commerce, there will be something for you.
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Internships, work experience and the coronavirus
Are there any internships or placements available in 2021? What if Covid-19 means I won’t be able to get any work experience?
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A student's guide to virtual internships
Discover the differences and similarities between virtual and in-person internships, along with ways to sell an online experience on your CV.
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Getting work experience after graduation
Graduated recently? Still job hunting? Find out where to look for a graduate internship or placement and how your entitlement to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit could be affected.
Internship applications and interviews
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How to answer five unspoken internship interview questions
If you want an internship, placement, voluntary post or work shadowing opportunity, you’ll need to answer the questions employers have in mind when recruiting.
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CVs and covering letters for work experience
Check out our essential guide to CVs and covering letters for work experience and internships to help you make the best possible application.
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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.
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How to shine in your work experience interview
Interview coming up for an internship or work placement? Know what to expect and what’s expected of you with our tips on how to prepare for an internship interview.
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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.
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How to answer common internship interview questions
Practising these common internship interview questions will prepare you to express why you want the placement and how you’re a good fit for the team and organisation.
Part-time work
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Ten skills you can get from doing a bar job
You may think that all you’ve learned from your bar job is how to pull pints but you’d be wrong. Working behind a bar can give you skills that are highly sought after by graduate recruiters and internship providers alike.
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Ten skills you'll gain from part-time delivery jobs
The skills you develop when working as a courier – for example, as a food delivery driver – are an asset in any graduate job. They enhance CV and interview answers.
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Ten (non-dodgy) ways to make money as a student
Find a part-time job at university that will put money in the bank and skills on your CV.
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Seven not-so-average part-time jobs
If you’d prefer part-time work that’s beyond the ordinary, here are some options that aren’t your standard Saturday jobs.
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Balancing study and part-time work
Juggling undergraduate study with a part-time job is demanding, so how do you set about getting the right balance between your work, academic and social commitments?
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Ten skills you'll gain from working in part-time retail jobs
Don’t overlook any of the skills you’ve gained from part-time retail work. It can really help when you're putting together your CV and application for internships or graduate jobs. Here’s how to present the skills you’ve gained.
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Full-time student, part-time worker? Know your employment rights
From wages to tax to rules for international students, we explain the employment rights that will make your part-time job a beneficial and hassle-free experience.
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Part-time jobs that will kick-start your graduate career
A part-time job is an asset to any graduate CV but your CV will look even better if you find a part-time job that prepares you for your preferred graduate profession.
Gap year
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'What are my gap year options?' and other FAQs about taking time out
Pick up ideas for gap years and international internships that will boost your career prospects from our overview of how to plan time out in the UK and abroad after graduating.
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Discover the Turing scheme: the post-Brexit programme for study and work overseas
Find out what we know so far about the Turing scheme, which is set to start later this year, and the skills you’ll gain from studying or working abroad.