What Are Internships & Intern Jobs? A Complete Guide

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.

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.

Internships really can vary, in general for the placement whilst at university these tend to be 3-12 months whereas summer internships tend to last 6-8 weeks and are often done in the summer.

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.

Yes, 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 did an unpaid internship for Benjamin Graham, just so that he could learn the core foundations of investing.

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.

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.

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.

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.