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 .
TRENDING IN Internships
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find what’s right for you
Advice by sector
FAQs
More careers advice
Browse by category
Advice for school leavers
Discover the world of options open to you on finishing school or college and get tips on how to make the right decision for you.
CVs, applications and tests
Find the tools and tips you need to help you apply for graduate jobs or internships. We cover every aspect of the application process, from writing a CV to answering online application questions and sitting psychometric tests.
Career ideas
Find advice for figuring out your dream career, including what options are available to you after graduating and how to choose the right graduate role.
Finding a job
Finding a job isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Here we help you to jump potential hurdles, giving essential advice for home and international students: from applying in tough economic times to getting a top graduate job with a 2.2.
Internships
Completing an internship allows you to sharpen your skills, improve your CV, prepare for the world of work and potentially land yourself a graduate job. Discover what internships actually involve, how to apply for them and how to make the most of them.
Interviews and assessment centres
You impressed on paper; now it’s time to show the employer in person that you’re the right hire. Learn how to do this with our expert advice for answering interview questions, developing interview techniques and acing assessment centre exercises.
Job descriptions
Discover the qualifications, skills and experience you’ll need for more than 300 job roles and find one you’ll love.
Job offers and working life
Job offers, rejection emails and stepping into the working world with your first graduate job can pull you in a million directions. Fortunately, we’ve curated advice on how to accept job offers, bounce back from rejection and make an impact in your first job.
Skills for getting a job
Discover the skills that major graduate employers seek and how you can demonstrate them on your application form, and at interviews and assessment centres.
University life
Wanting to leave uni with a degree is a given. But what do you want from the other bits of student life? Discover how to combine study, rest, work and play with our insights from students and graduates.
advice by sector
