Internships are work placement schemes offered by large organisations and companies. They are usually very well structured and provide a diverse range of experiences, offering work experience that is challenging and demanding. They are most commonly found in sectors such as IT and finance. International students would generally be able to undertake an internship under their existing student visa.
Internships are usually for penultimate year students only and are very competitive (often more than the graduate training schemes), and so it is vital that you apply early. The application process can be long and gruelling, involving application forms and two rounds of interviews. Most internships are offered during the summer period but the application deadlines vary enormously, starting from as early as October through to the February of your penultimate year.
There isn’t any “Big List” of internships on offer. Some positions are advertised on the JobOnline website. However to avoid missing deadlines pick up free copies of employer directories from the careers service. Occasionally organisations may offer Easter/Christmas placements which are ideal for first year students. Employer websites and directories are the best source for up-to-date information on these.
Student interested in a summer internship with Ernst & Young are invited to their campus coffee session on Thursday 27 November. Ask in the careers centre for more details.
If you are applying for an internship you may want a careers adviser to check over your application form before sending it off. Contact the careers centre to book a quick-query appointment.
Interns must be paid at least the minimum wage unless they work for a non-profit organisation. To find out more, pick up “Know your rights” from the careers centre.
