Internships and placements
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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. It’s not all, or only, about internships and placements. We outline your options.
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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 the benefits of internships and placements at well-known employers and 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 or even travel to the other side of the world to make a difference.
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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) could be affected.
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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.
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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.
Internship applications and interviews
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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.
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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
Shh! Some internships and work experience opportunities are never advertised. Hunt them out and apply speculatively to add experience to your CV.
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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.
Part-time work
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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 and 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.
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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 working as a courier while at university – for example, delivering food – are an asset in any graduate job and can enhance your 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.
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.
