Introduction: Interning at a Startup
For UK and Ireland students seeking long-term internships abroad, startups offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a dynamic environment.
Interning at a startup differ from short-term roles, providing in-depth learning experiences over an extended period.
In startups, interns are often given broad responsibilities, which allows them to engage in different facets of the business, building versatile skills and gaining international exposure.
Startups are gaining popularity due to their collaborative nature and direct access to leadership.
For students looking to develop entrepreneurial skills and experience fast-paced business growth firsthand, these long-term placements can be especially rewarding, setting them apart in the competitive job market.
The Pros and Cons of Interning at a Startup
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Real-World Projects: Work on meaningful tasks that impact the startup directly. | High Responsibility: Interns may be tasked with heavy workloads, requiring adaptability. |
| Close Mentorship: Interns work directly with founders and leadership, providing rich learning opportunities. | Limited Resources: Startups may have fewer resources and tools, which can slow down progress. |
| Potential for Growth: High-performing interns may receive job offers or more responsibilities. | Fast-Paced Environment: The quick-moving nature of startups can create pressure and stress. |
| Innovative Culture: The chance to bring new ideas to life in a creative, dynamic setting. | Unpredictability: Startups can face financial challenges, making long-term stability uncertain. |
| Versatile Skill Development: Gain experience in various roles, from marketing to operations. | Lack of Formal Training: Startups might not have structured programs, so learning is often self-driven. |
How Interning at a Startup Benefits the Company
- Task Support: Interns take on various responsibilities, allowing full-time staff to focus on strategic priorities, improving overall efficiency.
- Cost-Effective Talent: Interning at a startup provides businesses with affordable support, often at lower costs than hiring full-time employees.
- Fresh Ideas: Interns bring enthusiasm and innovative perspectives, offering creative solutions to challenges startups face.
- Future Talent Pool: Interning at a startup often leads to discovering potential full-time employees, building a pipeline of skilled talent.
- Enhanced Adaptability: Interns contribute diverse approaches, helping startups remain agile and responsive to industry changes.
Interning at a startup is a mutually beneficial arrangement, offering both valuable support and access to emerging talent.
Startup Internships vs. Established Companies
Comparison of Learning Experiences
When choosing between interning at a startup or an established company, consider the differences in both environments. Startups are dynamic, offering varied experiences across multiple roles, while larger companies are more structured with defined tasks and training programs.
Here are some key points to guide your decision:
Startups:
- Diverse responsibilities and faster career growth.
- Close interaction with leadership and a hands-on environment.
- Less structure and potential instability.
Established Companies:
- Specialized roles with formal training.
- Stability and clear career progression.
- Limited exposure to different business areas.
If you thrive in fast-paced, innovative settings, a startup may be a great fit. If you prefer stability and focused expertise, an established company could be more suitable.
How to Choose Between a Startup and a Big Company Internship
How to Make the Most of a Startup Internship
6 Entrepreneurial Skills You Gain by Interning at a Startup
- Idea Generation: Develop innovative ideas for products or services and identify market gaps to address unmet needs.
- Market Research: Understand your target market’s needs, preferences, and buying habits to tailor offerings and identify competitors.
- Business Planning: Create a clear plan with goals, funding sources, budgets, and financial projections for starting and running a business.
- Financial Management: Manage budgets, forecast expenses, and make smart financial decisions to ensure business stability.
- Sales and Marketing: Promote your business through campaigns, social media, and customer relationship building to attract and retain clients.
- Leadership and Management: Motivate your team, set clear expectations, and oversee daily operations effectively.
These skills can be developed through courses, mentorship, or experience at startups or small businesses.
Conclusion: Is a Startup Internship Worth It?
Interested in interning at a startup abroad?
Links Related to Interning at a Startup
- Pre-Internship Training Course
- What is the Turing Scheme and how does it work?
- Can I work during my Erasmus year?
- How to decide whether to study a new subject on your Erasmus year
- A Guide to Making the Most of Your Erasmus Experience
- 5 Tips for Building a Strong Personal Brand During Your Internship
- Spain Study Visa
- Erasmus Internships
- What are Pre-Placement Offers (PPO)?
- What are internships / intern jobs?
- What is a Placement Year?
Startup Internships Abroad Opportunities
Public Relations & Social Media intern in a private clinic
Barcelona
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a cutting-edge longevity clinic in Barcelona as a PR & Social Media Intern, where you’ll craft creative campaigns and drive media buzz to make the brand a household name. Ideal for an energetic, Spanish-speaking intern passionate about wellness, storytelling, and digital marketing.
UK Business Development intern for Healthcare Startup in Barcelona
Barcelona
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a purpose-driven healthcare organisation improving dental access for people with mobility challenges across the UK and Spain. As a Business & Sales Intern in Barcelona, you’ll support operations, outreach, and cross-market growth while gaining hands-on experience in international healthcare delivery.
Outbound sales intern for a safe-storage startup
Barcelona
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a fast-growing international company in Barcelona as an Outbound Sales Intern, where you’ll help drive lead generation and sales across the EU and UK. Perfect for a proactive, English-speaking candidate eager to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, international sales environment.
Business Development & Marketing Intern (US & UK Markets) for a LinkedIn AI agent startup
Barcelona
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a fast-growing AI startup in Barcelona that’s redefining LinkedIn outreach for global markets. As a Business Development & Marketing Intern, you’ll support sales, content, and customer success while working directly with the founding team to drive growth in the US and UK.
Business Development Intern – Sales Support & Lead Generation for a platform connecting startups and
Palma
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a fast-growing AI startup in Palma (or remote) that's transforming how investors discover early-stage startups across Europe. As a Business Development Intern, you’ll dive into lead generation, outreach, and sales strategy—gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of AI, startups, and venture capital.
SDR Intern at a cloud and cybersecurity startup in Barcelona (must be Catalan/Spanish speaker)
Barcelona
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
13/05/2025
Kickstart your career in B2B tech sales with a 6-month internship at a fast-growing IT company in Barcelona, specializing in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and managed services. As a Sales Development Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience in lead generation, outreach, and CRM tools while working with a dynamic commercial team—ideal for proactive, Catalan/Spanish-speaking students eager to break into tech.
Software engineering intern in an e-commerce startup
Lisbon
💰 Paid
12/05/2025
Join a fast-growing Portuguese e-commerce startup as a Software Engineering Intern, where you'll help build web and mobile features using React, React Native, and Next.js. This is a hands-on role with real impact, offering mentorship, ownership, and the chance to contribute to the launch of a social commerce platform.
Digital Marketing intern at a remote-first e-commerce startup
Lisbon
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
11/05/2025
Join a fast-growing social shopping startup as a Marketing Intern, where you’ll gain hands-on experience across social media, email marketing, content creation, and user engagement. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a product launch, work closely with an experienced marketing team, and shape how the brand connects with its community.
Sales intern at a remote-first e-commerce startup
Lisbon
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
11/05/2025
Join a fast-growing Portuguese ecommerce startup on a mission to redefine social shopping. As a Business Development & Account Management Intern, you’ll help onboard sellers, analyze performance, and contribute directly to marketplace growth in a remote, high-impact environment.
Implementation Intern at a supplier management software startups
Lincoln
⚙️ Operations
💰 Paid
03/05/2025
The Implementation Intern supports the successful setup of customer sites on the Canopy platform by translating business requirements into clear, actionable documentation for both technical and non-technical teams. This role is ideal for someone detail-oriented and proactive, with strong spreadsheet skills and a desire to grow their technical knowledge in a SaaS environment.
Marketing & Customer Experience Intern at a Jewellery business
Milton Keynes
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
03/05/2025
Join a growing UK jewellery retailer as it launches its e-commerce presence and builds a digital brand from the ground up. This hands-on internship in Milton Keynes offers experience across marketing, content creation, and customer engagement in a fast-moving retail environment.
US B2B Sales Development Representative Intern
Paris
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
02/05/2025
A remote B2B Outbound Sales Internship with a fast-growing AdCreative company, focused on generating leads and driving new business through cold outreach and strategic sales efforts. Ideal for a motivated, US-based individual interested in sales and working independently in a dynamic, creative environment.
Founder’s Associate Intern at an insurance-focussed Fintech
Madrid
💡 Founders Associate
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re looking for a highly analytical and ambitious Founder’s Associate Intern to work directly with the CEO of a leading fintech company in Madrid, supporting strategic projects, research, and day-to-day operations. If you're organized, eager to learn, and excited to gain firsthand experience inside a fast-growing startup, we’d love to hear from you.
AI / Machine Learning intern
Faro District
💻 Web Development and UI/UX
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re looking for a driven Technology Intern with a background in machine learning, TensorFlow, and biometric systems to help advance real-world AI solutions at a cutting-edge secure communications startup. If you have the courage to push new ideas forward, a sharp technical mind, and a passion for innovation, we want to hear from you.
Design intern at an AI startup
Faro District
✏️ Product and Design
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re seeking a talented and disciplined Design Intern to help shape our brand, UI, and marketing assets at a fast-moving tech startup focused on secure communications. If you have sharp design skills, experience with Figma, Canva, and AI imagery, and the drive to lead creative projects within a strategic framework, we want to hear from you.
Sales Development Representative Intern at an AI startup
Faro District
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re looking for a tenacious, detail-driven Sales Intern to help build and execute an AI-powered sales strategy at a fast-growing tech startup redefining secure communications. If you’re a natural leader with a passion for business, courage under pressure, and a drive to deliver results, we want to hear from you.
Sales & Business Development Intern at a Communication Coaching Platform
London
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
14/04/2025
Are you ready to make an impact in the sales world? This internship provides an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in B2B sales, lead generation, and business development. Work directly with experienced founders and sales professionals while contributing to the growth of a dynamic communication coaching platform.
Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Internship in an International Energy-Focused HR Consultancy
Madrid
🎧 Customer Success
💰 Paid
11/04/2025
Join a Madrid-based recruitment consultancy specialized in the global energy sector, supporting the France division with end-to-end recruitment tasks. From sourcing to first interviews, you’ll gain hands-on experience in international talent acquisition while sharpening your French, Spanish, and English communication skills. Ideal for someone who thrives in a multicultural environment and wants to grow their career in HR within a dynamic, fast-paced startup.
Marketing & Sales Assistant in an EdTech Company Focused on Chinese Language Learning
Paris
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join an international EdTech platform helping children around the world learn new languages through immersive and tech-enabled methods. As a Marketing & Sales Assistant, you’ll support operations across sales, marketing, administration, and communications. This is a hands-on opportunity for someone interested in education, digital tools, and global impact to gain broad experience across teams.
Consultative sales Intern for a Marketing agency in London
London
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
08/04/2025
This internship offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain hands-on experience in sales and account management. The intern will work directly with a growing sales team, contributing to lead generation, account management, and podcast-driven growth strategies. This is a chance to shape the future of the sales process, learn from industry experts, and play an active role in a variety of sales and marketing activities.
English & AI Support Intern in a Company Enhancing Language Services with Technology
Madrid
⚙️ Operations
💰 Paid
07/04/2025
This internship offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in both teaching and technology, providing you with a well-rounded experience. By working directly with ESL students and engaging with AI-driven improvements, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience that can open doors in both the education and tech industries. If you’re passionate about making a real impact in both education and technology, this is the perfect role to kickstart your career and learn in an exciting, dynamic environment.
English Teaching Intern in a Madrid-based language centre
Madrid
👨💻👩💻 Curricular Internship
💰 Paid
07/04/2025
A Madrid-based English learning centre is looking for an enthusiastic intern to support its interactive and engaging teaching programs. The centre focuses on making language learning fun and immersive for children through creative teaching methods.
Founders Associate Intern in a Fast-Growing Sports Management Platform – Madrid or Remote
Madrid
💡 Founders Associate
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
An innovative sports management platform is looking for a Founders Associate Intern to join their team and play a key role in scaling the business. This position provides a unique opportunity to work closely with the Founder and CTO and be involved in every aspect of the business, from operations to strategy. The role can be hybrid in Madrid or fully remote, offering a great chance to grow alongside a fast-developing startup.
Digital Marketing intern at theInterna
London
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
31/03/2025
Join a fast-growing startup connecting top UK & Irish students with startups across Europe as a Digital Marketing Intern, where you’ll take the lead on content, campaigns, and performance analysis. This is a hands-on opportunity to build your skills across the digital marketing stack while making a real impact in an early-stage business.
QA Tester and Automated Testing Intern at an GenZ career platform startup
Madrid
💻 Web Development and UI/UX
💰 Paid
31/03/2025
A company developing an AI-driven career mentorship platform is looking for interns to join its Quality Assurance (QA) and Automated Testing team. The platform is designed to help Gen Z navigate the future of work by providing personalized career guidance, learning paths, and skill development opportunities.
