Work experience placements and internships are part of the career process for a lot of people. Being able to find an entry-level job isn’t always a simple process, so people take work placements and internships for a number of reasons.
Interns can potentially get a job at the company in the future, and work experience may be part of qualifications and degree courses, too. So there is a huge industry around internships and work experience, but how do you find them and how do people get work experience when they need it most? Some industries are notoriously hard to find any opportunities within.
In this guide, we’re exploring how to get an internship in the UK as well as how to find work experience opportunities.
How to Find an Internship
Finding internships isn’t always easy, but there are a lot of resources to help, including online job boards, career fairs, university resources, and more. Of course, your own network might come in handy here, too.
University Support
If you are studying at university and are looking for a graduate internship, for instance, there are ways in which the uni may help. When it comes to knowing how to get work experience positions, universities may already have strong links in place.
Most universities in the UK offer career services that provide support and resources for students seeking internships and employment opportunities. These services often include job boards, internship listings, workshops, and one-on-one career advising sessions.
Online Resources
There are tons of online resources for finding both work experience opportunities and for finding internships.
- Prospects: Prospects is a comprehensive resource for students and graduates, offering a dedicated section for internships and work experience opportunities in various industries.
- Indeed: Indeed is a widely-used job search engine that aggregates internship listings from various sources, including company websites, recruitment agencies, and job boards, and there are always a lot of internships, though people need to be cautious about the companies in question and check the source.
- LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that offers internship listings and allows users to connect with employers and industry professionals.
- InternWise: Internwise is a site specifically for internships, connecting would-be interns with companies looking to take them on.
Directly Searching Company Websites
Internships and work experience in the UK are competitive, and sometimes, companies don’t even have to advertise them externally.
Many companies in the UK do advertise internship opportunities directly on their websites. It's a good idea to regularly check the careers or recruitment sections of companies you're interested in to see if they have any internship openings.
Government Resources
The UK government offers resources and programs to support students and graduates in finding internships and work placements. Websites such as Gov.uk and the National Careers Service provide information on apprenticeships, internships, virtual internships, and work experience opportunities.
The National Careers Service is a Government-run service who provide careers information, advice and guidance. They have information and guidance on finding work experience and apprenticeships.
Career Fairs and Events
Whether you’re currently a university student or you are just looking for employment opportunities, career fairs and recruitment events provide opportunities to meet employers, learn about internship opportunities, and make valuable connections. Many universities and organisations host career fairs throughout the year, both in-person and virtually.
Work Experience Application Tips
Applying for work experience positions in the UK isn’t always easy and the success rates aren’t always high. It may be a numbers game, and you could apply to several roles before you are accepted.
Boost your chances by spending some time on your application and trying to stand out from the crowd.
Applications can vary depending on your industry. For instance, in the NHS, there are a lot of roles where people need to demonstrate their understanding through work experience. The guide below provides some creative tips on finding work experience and applying for work experience in the NHS. Every industry has its own quirks and differences.
More work experience application tips include:
- Before applying, research the company's values, culture, and products/services to tailor your application accordingly and demonstrate your genuine interest.
- Show your transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, even if you lack direct experience in the field. Employers will know you don’t have loads of work experience, but anything you can show is a bonus.
- Pay close attention to any application instructions provided by the company and ensure that you follow them carefully, including submitting required documents and adhering to formatting guidelines.
- Talk to people within the company if you have questions. Show that you are not afraid to chat with them and try to be confident in doing so, especially if the role itself requires you to be.
Every internship and work experience opportunity is slightly different, so perhaps the best advice is to tailor it to the company and what you think they need.
Perfecting Your CV and Cover Letter for Internships
You don’t get many opportunities to impress in a short CV and cover letter for internships. It is important to get them right.
Perfecting your CV and cover letter for internships is crucial to take that chance to make a strong impression on potential employers and secure valuable work experience in your chosen field. Your CV and cover letter serve as your first introduction to employers, highlighting your skills, experiences, and qualifications.
When crafting your CV, focus on showcasing relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the internship role.
Start with a clear and concise personal statement or objective that summarises your career goals and highlights what you can offer to the employer. Tailor your CV to the specific internship role and company by carefully reading the job description and incorporating relevant keywords and phrases.
Even though you can’t show what other work you have done (usually) you can highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and experience in the field.
Use bullet points to list your achievements and responsibilities in previous roles, emphasising measurable results and quantifiable achievements where possible.
Your cover letter should complement your CV by providing additional context and explaining why you are interested in the internship and how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate.
Start by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible, and introduce yourself and your interest in the internship role.
Use the body of the cover letter to expand on key points from your CV and provide examples of how your skills and experiences align with the internship requirements, even though you may not have worked in a similar position.
Be specific and highlight relevant achievements or projects that demonstrate your qualifications for the role. Use the closing paragraph to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity, thank the employer for considering your application, and indicate your availability for an interview.
When to Apply for Internships
Competitive internships may require some forethought. In fact, you might have to apply six months or even a year before the internship is due to start.
These are the common internship application timelines that you'll need to bear in mind:
Summer Internships
The best time to apply for a summer internship is early in the year, typically in January or February.
Fall Internships
Students should aim to apply in April or May, as most of these opportunities commence between late August and early October.
Graduate interns or summer interns may find this easier, as the companies are more accepting of having to work around term times.
Consider your academic calendar and schedule when planning to apply for internships. If you're a student, you may want to apply for internships during semester breaks or over the summer when you have more flexibility in your schedule and may even be able to earn some money. If you’re not a student, you may find more success when applying at other times (though don’t let this dictate when you apply).
How to Impress in Interviews
There are a few ways in which you may be able to put yourself ahead of the crowd (and there may be a crowd) of people wanting the role or applying for work experience. Take the time to research the company, its culture, values, and recent achievements. Familiarise yourself with its products, services, and industry trends. This demonstrates your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the internship role and the organisation. Of course, it is easier to do this with some companies than others.
Practise as much as you can, too. Prepare responses to common interview questions such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why are you interested in this internship?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" Practise your answers to ensure they are clear, concise, and highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
How Superprof Can Help
Working with a Superprof tutor is a way that people can potentially grow their confidence before an interview, or even prepare their CV and cover letter. We have a number of tutors available to help with these aspects of applying for work experience and interviews, who can guide you through the process.
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