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Internships United Kingdom 2025

Introduction to Interning in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom offers interns a gateway to world-class industries, from finance and technology to media and the arts. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in a global business hub while immersing yourself in British culture. With London at the heart of international commerce and English as the global language of business, an internship in the UK can significantly boost your career prospects for 2025 and beyond.

Internships UK - Internships in the United Kingdom

Internships United Kingdom: What You Need to Know

Top Industries for Internships in UK

  • Finance and Banking – Intern with top firms in London, Europe’s financial hub.
  • Technology and Innovation – Gain experience in AI, fintech, and startups in cities like London and Manchester.
  • Media and Creative Industries – Opportunities in film, journalism, and digital media with globally recognized brands.
  • Business and Marketing – Internships in market research, digital strategy, and brand management.
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals – Work in research, biotech, and public health initiatives.
  • Engineering and Manufacturing – Experience in aerospace, automotive, and sustainable engineering.

These industries offer hands-on experience and a strong foundation for a successful career in the UK.

Top Cities for Internships United Kingdom

  • London – The economic and cultural heart of the UK, offering top opportunities in finance, media, tech, and business.
  • Manchester – A growing hub for digital innovation, music, and media, with strong opportunities in tech and marketing.
  • Edinburgh – Ideal for finance, tourism, and government-related internships in Scotland’s historic capital.
  • Birmingham – A center for engineering, manufacturing, and business with a thriving corporate scene.
  • Bristol – Known for its aerospace, environmental sustainability, and creative industries.
  • Glasgow – A major player in engineering, healthcare, and the arts, offering diverse internship opportunities.
These cities provide rich professional experiences and cultural immersion, making them top choices for interns in the UK.

How to Get an Internship in the UK

Securing an internship in the United Kingdom is simple with theInterna’s free support. We guide you through the entire process, helping you land the right opportunity. Start by creating a candidate profile on our internship job board to access exclusive listings. Here’s how we help you secure your ideal internship in the UK:

  • Tailored Matching – We connect your skills and academic background to the best internships in your field.
  • Application Assistance – Get expert support in crafting a strong CV, cover letter, and portfolio.
  • Documentation Guidance – We ensure you submit all required academic transcripts and recommendation letters on time.
  • Interview Coaching – Prepare with mock interviews and refine your responses to highlight your strengths.
With our expert support, landing an internship in the United Kingdom is easier than ever. Create a Candidate Profile

Tips for Living in the United Kingdom as an Intern

  • Find Housing Early – Shared flats and student accommodations can save money and help you meet people.
  • Manage Your Budget – Plan for rent, transport, and daily expenses. Use student discounts where possible.
  • Immerse Yourself – Explore different cities, try local foods, and join events to enhance your experience.
  • Use Public Transport – Learn the train, bus, and Underground systems. Transport cards can cut costs.
  • Network Strategically – Build industry connections through events, colleagues, and online platforms.
  • Check Legal Requirements – If you're from outside the UK, review visa and work permit rules.

Find Internships in the United Kingdom in 2025

Implementation Intern at a supplier management software startups

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.

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Consultative sales Intern for a Marketing agency in London

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.

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Business Development Intern

A hands-on opportunity to gain experience in sales, partnerships, and market expansion within an innovative SaaS company. Ideal for proactive and entrepreneurial individuals looking to develop key business skills in a fast-growing environment.

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Sales & Business Development Intern at a Communication Coaching Platform

Company Overview
This company provides innovative communication coaching services, helping businesses improve their internal and external communications. With a focus on empowering individuals and organisations to communicate more effectively, the company helps clients build stronger relationships. They work with Fortune 500 executives, high-growth startups, and ambitious professionals who understand that exceptional communication drives exceptional careers. They’re helping people unlock their authentic voice and presence to achieve breakthrough results.

If you’re passionate about the science and art of effective communication and want to join a company making a real difference in how people connect and persuade, PitchNinjas is where your sales talents can truly shine.

About the Role
As a SDR Intern, you’ll be a key player in building and growing the company’s sales pipeline. You’ll be responsible for lead generation, cold calling, and top-of-the-funnel sales activities, scheduling sales meetings, while working directly with the co-founders and sales team. This is an ideal role for a motivated, communicative individual looking to gain hands-on sales experience in a growing company.

Key Responsibilities

  • Generate leads and build a strong sales pipeline through cold calling, emails, and outreach.

  • Qualify leads based on their interest and needs, setting up meetings with potential clients.

  • Work alongside the sales team to develop and execute outreach strategies.

  • Assist with scheduling and coordinating sales calls and meetings.

  • Engage with potential clients, building relationships and guiding them through the sales process.

  • Help with administrative tasks related to sales, including CRM updates.

Ideal Profile

  • Strong communicator, comfortable speaking with potential clients and thinking outside the box.

  • Self-starter with a proactive attitude and the ability to work independently.

  • Motivated to learn and grow in a sales environment.

  • Comfortable making cold calls and engaging with new business opportunities.

  • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

  • Previous sales or business development experience is a plus, but not required.

Internship Details

  • Duration: 6 months

  • Location: Remote (UK or EU time zones)

  • Compensation: £400

Why Apply?

This internship offers an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sales. You’ll have the chance to work directly with experienced professionals, develop your communication skills, and learn about the ins and outs of B2B sales. If you’re a go-getter looking to make a real impact, this is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your career in sales.

What Students Say About theInterna’s Internships

theInterna Reviews: Real Stories from Internship Students

Many students who’ve completed an internship or placement year, like those featured on theInterna, highlight how it transformed their careers by offering hands-on experience and valuable connections.

To help with your decision, consider reading testimonials or listening to real stories from students who’ve gone through placements.

Student Testimonials on theInterna’s Internship Experience

Tom Coleman
Tom ColemanStudent - Durham
theInterna has been very helpful with not only finding me a valuable internship in a Spain but also by providing a crash course into the world of start-ups that means I can provide more value to the company I’ll be working for. The course content was perfectly balanced between concepts, tools, and practical exercises. I feel ready to hit the ground running!
Hannah Kenyon
Hannah KenyonStudent - University of Leeds
The Strategy, Sales and Digital Marketing course ran by theInterna has been truly amazing. Packed with content, diagrams and links to external platforms, I have learnt so many new things and it has broadened my areas of interest. I now feel much better equipped and have formed more of an idea of my career path when I graduate. theInterna also set me up with a brilliant internship in Spain, providing a flawless process from the initial call through to securing the placement, and it has been a pleasure having the agency as a point of contact. Without a doubt I would recommend theInterna.
Hannah Yates
Hannah YatesStudent - Cardiff University
Outstanding training and support provided by theInterna. The training comprised a variety of invaluable resources, presented clearly and concisely, with a good mixture of videos, articles and exercises to put our knowledge into practice. The calls were useful to consolidate what I’d learnt over the week and get clarity on anything I was unsure of. Not only do I feel better equipped to begin my internship, but I feel inspired to create my own startup in the near future!
Imogen Barrett
Imogen BarrettStudent - Oxford
the Interna is a fantastic organisation which feels so tailor made to your needs: you get a consultation call with theInterna to help you find the best option for an internship. The new Interna training course is an amazing free add on to boost business skills and add to your CV.
Samuel Carro
Samuel CarroStudent - Cardiff University
I personally believe that this course was so beneficial for me whilst also on my placement. Joining a Start-up can be very fast-paced sometimes, and you often have to learn on the job. Doing this course alongside my job allowed me to learn some valuable skills that I needed in future weeks! What I liked most was the flexibility of the course, there were lots of resources that you could use, but if you did not have enough time, there were summary pages that were clear and concise! It as a great and very interesting course.

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FAQs about Internships in the United Kingdom

The cost of living in the UK varies by city. London is the most expensive, with monthly expenses ranging from £1,500 to £2,500 (€1,750 – €2,900), while cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow are more affordable, typically costing £800 to £1,200 (€930 – €1,400) per month. Smaller towns can be even cheaper, around £600-£800 (€700 – €930) per month.

In the UK, whether an intern is paid depends on the role. If you’re classified as a “worker,” you’re legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage. However, unpaid internships are common in industries like media and the arts, particularly if they are shorter or part of university coursework.

If you’re from the EU, EEA, or outside the UK, you may need a visa. A Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa is often required for internships. Check the UK government website or your local consulate for the latest requirements.

The UK is generally safe, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as in any country, take precautions in busy cities to avoid petty crimes like pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.

Securing an internship in the United Kingdom can be competitive, especially in industries like finance and tech. In 2024, internship availability dropped by 30% (from 5,500 to 3,817 positions), with top investment banks accepting only 1.5% of applicants. The overall intern-to-full-time job offer rate was 66.6%, the lowest in five years, while the acceptance rate of these offers remaind aproximately the same (79%).

However, with the right preparation, landing an internship is possible. theInterna helps you find and apply for internships in the UK—completely free.

We match you with opportunities, refine your CV, and provide interview coaching to boost your chances. With our support, you’ll be well-prepared to secure an internship and kick-start your career in the United Kingdom.

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Students can find internships United Kingdom-wide in tech, marketing, finance, healthcare, and engineering—especially in startups located in major cities like London and Manchester.

 

Most internships in the United Kingdom open applications 3 to 6 months in advance. For summer 2025 roles, apply between October 2024 and March 2025.

Yes. Many internships United Kingdom-based accept international students, but you may need a Temporary Work visa. theInterna can guide you through the process.

 

Absolutely. Startups across the United Kingdom regularly offer internships to students and grads. theInterna helps match them with the right candidates.

Employers benefit from fresh talent, new perspectives, and potential future hires. Internships United Kingdom-wide also help boost a company’s visibility and employer brand.

 

If your intern qualifies as a “worker,” you’re legally required to pay at least minimum wage. theInterna can help clarify what’s needed for compliant internships in the United Kingdom.