Everything you need to know about internships

Internships are a great way to experience what it’s like to work for a particular company, job role or industry. It can help prepare you for a working environment and develop skills that will be beneficial for your future career. 

This article will discuss everything you need to know about internships and answer some key questions. 

What is an internship?

An internship is a period of work experience offered by organisations to students or recent graduates. This is an opportunity to experience working in a particular industry, obtain work experience, build skills and meet new people. Undertaking an internship is also a great way to decide if a career option is right for you. 

Interns take part in a variety of different activities such as job shadowing, administrative work, assisting with projects and formal learning. Read more about the responsibilities of an intern here. 

Are internships paid?

Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid – it depends on the organization offering the internship. The amount of pay varies depending on the industry, location, and level of experience required for the internship.

Unpaid internships, on the other hand, do not offer any monetary compensation. Instead, they may offer college credit, valuable work experience, and networking opportunities. However, it’s important to note that some unpaid internships may be illegal if the work performed by the intern is considered essential to the operations of the company and does not provide a significant educational benefit to the intern.

How long does an internship last?

The length of an internship can vary depending on the company offering it, the industry, and the specific internship program. In general, internships can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months although some may last up to a year or more.

Short-term internships typically last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and aim to provide students or recent graduates with an introduction to a particular industry or company. These internships may be full-time or part-time and may be paid or unpaid.

Long-term internships, on the other hand, are often designed to provide more in-depth training and experience and may last several months or even a year. These internships may be part of a formal training program or may be offered to individuals who have completed a degree or other training program and are looking to gain practical experience in their field.

How to find an internship 

Like most jobs, organisations that offer internships will usually advertise these on their website. Some may have a dedicated page for student recruitment or early careers. It is likely that you will need to apply using their website usually by submitting your CV and completing an application form. 

Your university or college careers service will also be able to support you with finding an internship. They may display vacancies on their website, host careers fairs or share opportunities on their social media pages.

You can also search on independent job websites to find details of internships. 

What are the entry requirements?

As students or recent graduates typically undertake internships it is not expected that you will have previous work experience in the sector. However, you may need to be studying a particular degree programme and have some knowledge of specific techniques or skills. For example, an internship with an accountancy firm may require applicants to be studying for an accountancy or finance-related degree. 

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