What Are Internships and What Do Intern Jobs Involve?
Internships are work experiences offered by companies to students or recent graduates, lasting from a few weeks to a year. These roles, often referred to as intern jobs, provide hands-on training in professional settings, allowing individuals to apply academic knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Intern jobs involve a range of tasks that help develop practical skills, build networks, and enhance career prospects.
Understanding both internships and intern roles is essential for those seeking valuable experience to kickstart their careers.
What Are the Differences between Internships and Work Placements?
A work placement, often known as a placement year (but does not need to be a year as the name often suggests!), is a longer, structured opportunity offered by companies often as part of an academic program.
Work placements typically provide in-depth experience in a specific role or industry.
| Internships | Work Placements |
|---|---|
| Usually a few weeks to a few months | Typically lasts 3-12 months |
| Emphasis on learning and skill development | Focus on practical, job-specific tasks |
| May be paid or unpaid | More likely to be paid but varies by location |
| Not always linked to academic credits | Often tied to academic or accredited programs |
| Lower level of commitment and working hours | Higher involvement and longer working hours |
How do internships work?
Internships usually start with an onboarding process that introduces interns to company culture and role expectations.
At theInterna, we enhance this with a free pre-internship training program, ensuring students are well-prepared.
We encourage you, whether you find an internship through us or not, to go through theInterna Pre-Internship Training Programme to equip you with the skills to be successful during your placement – you can find the contents overview here and the full guide here.
What are Intern’s Jobs?
Depending on the size of the organisation, interns might take on various tasks.
We focus on startups as you’re likely to get hands-on much more quickly than in a larger company.
A larger company gives you a great name on your CV and generally provides a much larger support network.
However, often great roles for interns include: Founder’s Associate, Sales & Business Development, Customer success, Web Development.
We always encourage interns to try to scope out their own roles too.
How do you think you can build value in the company and what interests you the most?
As interns progress, often they will handle larger responsibilities like client interactions or project support.
We’ve had previous examples of some interns at our startups who, in a 6 month sales internship brought in €55k+ to a business in Paris – the biggest ROI of any person in the company.
Do not underestimate what you can do as an intern!
Mentorship helps guide your development, offering feedback to help integrate and grow effectively.
Different Types of Internships
They come in various forms, depending on factors like compensation, work format, and career stage.
Understanding these differences can help you find the right internship that fits your goals and circumstances.
Here are the main types of internships categorized for easy reference.
Based on Compensation:
- Paid Internships: Common in professional fields such as medicine, law, engineering, and business.
- Unpaid Internships: Typically found in non-profits, charities, and research organizations.
- Partially-Paid Internships: Interns receive a stipend, a fixed payment at regular intervals.
Based on Work Format:
- Part-Time Internships: Flexible hours, allowing interns to work while balancing studies or other commitments.
- Full-Time Internships: Require a greater time commitment, often mirroring a standard work week.
- Virtual Internships: Remote work opportunities conducted via email, phone, or online communication platforms.
- International Internships: conducted in a different country, either in-person or remotely.
Based on Career Stage:
- Work Experience Internships: Typically for students in their second or third year of study, combining academic knowledge with hands-on work.
- Research or Dissertation Internships: Mostly done by final-year students, focusing on company-specific research that culminates in a report or presentation.
- Returnships: Tailored for professionals re-entering the workforce after a career break.
Special Programs:
- Internships for a Fee: Companies charge students to find placements, often offering additional services like housing and networking.
- Insights Programs: Short, pre-internship experiences (lasting from a day to a week) offered by large corporations, particularly in industries like banking and finance.
Do Interns Get Paid? Exploring Paid and Unpaid Internships
Whether interns get paid depends on the industry and type of internship.
- Paid internships, common in fields like business and engineering, offer compensation while gaining experience.
- Unpaid internships, often in non-profits or research, focus more on learning than financial reward or where the apprenticeship is accredited (i.e. part of your degree).
Paid and unpaid internships depend on a few factors, the country where the traineeship is taking place and whether it is a curricular internship (accredited, part of your degree or whilst you are enrolled at university) or a extra-curricular or graduate internships.
While unpaid internships don’t offer immediate pay, they can still be worth it—especially if they’re with a company you’d love to work for or in an industry you’re passionate about.
Warren Buffett actually did an unpaid internship for Benjamin Graham, just so that he could learn the core foundations of investing.
Before taking on an unpaid internship, think about the benefits there are for you and how you can make it work for you. Remember that a win-win is always a great way to be thinking about these issues.
Equally, perhaps look to have bonus payments in your contract for hitting certain milestones, this will put both you and the employer at ease and align commercial goals. The skills, connections, and experience gained can lead to future job opportunities and long-term career growth.
Is an Internship Abroad Possible?
Yes, doing an internship abroad is not only possible but can be a highly rewarding experience.
International internships provide the chance to work in a different cultural and professional environment, offering unique insights and skills that can set you apart in the job market.
Many industries offer both in-person and virtual international internships, allowing you to gain global experience either remotely or by relocating.
Whether you’re looking to improve language skills, expand your professional network, or gain exposure to international business practices, an internship abroad can be a valuable stepping stone in your career.
Internship Basics: Duration, Availability, and Requirements
How Long Do Internships Typically Last?
When Are Internships Usually Available?
Shorter internships are often available seasonally, typically offered during the summer, lasting a few months and allowing students to gain experience between academic terms.
On the other hand, longer internships or work placements, which can last up to a year, are available throughout the year and are commonly part of academic programs or structured placements.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Internships?
Entry requirements for internships can vary depending on the industry and company, but here are the most common ones:
- Education Level: Many internships require candidates to be current students or recent graduates from a relevant field.
- Relevant Skills or Experience: Some internships may ask for specific skills or prior experience, especially for technical roles.
- Academic Standing: Certain internships, especially those tied to academic credit, may require a minimum A-levels or equivalent or a certain level of degree at university.
- Availability: Interns may need to commit to specific hours, either part-time or full-time, based on the role.
- Application Materials: A well-prepared resume, cover letter, and sometimes a portfolio or references are often required to apply.
These are typical entry requirements, but each company may have its own criteria.
How to Find the Perfect Internship for You
- Research companies and organizations in the country where you’ll be studying, focusing on those that align with your field of study or interests.
- Reach out to your school’s study abroad office or career center for partnerships or connections with companies in your study destination.
- Use online job search platforms like LinkedIn or theInterna to find internships abroad and connect with potential employers.
- Network at job fairs and events to make connections with professionals in your field and seek advice or opportunities.
- Be proactive and persistent by applying to multiple companies and following up to show your enthusiasm.
For more help, check out theInterna’s job listings to find your perfect internship!
How to Apply to Secure an Internship
5 Tips to Get Your Intern Job
- Apply to at least 10-15 Intern Jobs: On average, students apply to around 15 intern positions before securing one. Broaden your search across different companies to increase your chances of landing the right opportunity.
- Tailor Your CV for Each Application: Customize your CV to highlight the specific skills and experience that match the job description. A well-tailored CV helps you stand out. TheInterna offers free CV templates to get you started.
- Prepare for Interviews: Research the companies and practice common interview questions. Good preparation shows your dedication and makes a strong impression on employers.
- Submit Applications Early: Many companies begin reviewing intern job applications well in advance. Applying early gives you a better chance of being noticed before the competition intensifies.
- Familiarize Yourself with the Onboarding Process: Once you’ve secured an internship, get ready for the onboarding process. Create an account with TheInterna to track your progress and stay updated on the next steps.
Following these tips will boost your chances of securing the ideal intern job.
How to Prepare for Your Internship
When preparing for your internship, a standout CV and a compelling cover letter are essential for making a great first impression.
- Your CV should showcase your skills, experience, and achievements relevant to the role.
- Your cover letter needs to be tailored to the specific role you’re applying for.
- A solid interview preparation is key to landing the internship.
For detailed tips on each step, check out our guides on:
- writing a good CV crafting an effective.
- Cover letter.
- Interview preparation.
The Top 5 Benefits of Doing an Intern Job
Completing an internship offers numerous benefits for students and recent graduates:
- Gain Professional Experience: Internships provide hands-on work in real business environments, helping you learn industry practices and management styles.
- Develop Entrepreneurial Skills: Internships foster creativity and problem-solving, valuable for future employers or even starting your own business.
- Enhance Communication and Teamwork: Working in diverse teams improves interpersonal and collaboration skills, which are crucial in any career.
- Explore Career Opportunities: Internships expose you to various roles, allowing you to discover new career paths and industries that align with your interests.
- Build a Professional Network: Internships offer the chance to connect with industry professionals, opening doors to mentorships, job offers, and future opportunities.
Do Internships Result in Job Offers?
Internships can often lead to job offers, especially if interns perform well and demonstrate a strong fit within the company.
Many employers use internships as a way to evaluate potential long-term employees by observing their skills, work ethic, and ability to collaborate with the team.
High-performing interns may be offered full-time positions upon completing their internship, particularly in industries like business, engineering, and technology, where there is a strong demand for skilled workers.
However, securing a job offer depends on the company’s hiring needs and the intern’s performance.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Internship
- Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve both personally and professionally.
- Network actively: Connect with colleagues and industry professionals to build lasting relationships.
- Embrace learning opportunities: Seek feedback and be open to learning new skills.
- Balance work and personal development: Manage your tasks while also focusing on growth.
- Reflect on your experience: Document your journey to track progress and future potential.
For more tips, visit our guide
Reviews for Internships
Links Related to What are Internships
- 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
- Interning at a Startup
