Internships are a fantastic way to kickstart your career. However, it’s not always possible to take on a full-time internship as a student or graduate. Whether you’re a full-time student, a student parent, or working while you study, finding time to dedicate to an internship is tough. One way around this is to look for a part-time internship. This will empower you to gain hands-on professional experience while still having time for your other commitments.
Part-time internships are perfect for getting your foot in the door in your target career path and growing your network. The rise in popularity of virtual internships and part-time internships has made the process more flexible than ever. In turn, applicants from all walks of life are able to enjoy the career benefits of undergoing an internship.
This article looks at 5 ways to find a part-time internship in the UK.
What Is a Part-Time Internship?
Part-time internships are an excellent way to launch your career. In particular, they offer a fair chance to full-time students, parents, and those working as they study to gain practical industry experience.
As the name suggests, part-time internships work in the same way as full-time ones but with a reduced schedule. For instance, you may work anywhere between 5 and 20 hours per week as a part-time intern. Concrete information on the exact timetable will depend on the job role and company. You are usually provided with this information during the interview process.
Since you are spending fewer hours in the company, you may find a part-time internship slightly more intense in the beginning. That said, you will soon find your feet.
A part-time internship is just as immersive as a full-time one so you will still have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make your mark. Plus, the work experience will look great on your CV.
When we think of interns, we usually picture young students and school leavers. However, there are plenty of mature students and career changers who also take on part-time internships to refresh their careers.
How Long Is a Part-Time Internship?
Part-time internships can last anywhere between a week and a year. It all depends on the company and sector. Generally speaking, student internships are shorter in duration than graduate internships.
There is also the possibility of doing a part-time summer internship. These will typically last for two to three months during your summer break. As a part-time intern, you may work the mornings, afternoons, or a few days a week. This is decided upon by your employer based on its needs.
Tips For Finding a Part-Time Internship In The UK
Are you on the hunt for a part-time internship but don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled a list of where to find part-time internships in the UK.
1. Talk to Careers Services at Your School or Uni
Your academic institution will typically offer you guidance on finding an internship to suit your needs. We recommend having a chat with the career services team before you begin your search to see what support they provide.
2. Use Job Boards for Students and Graduates
Searching dedicated job boards and websites is an excellent way to find a part-time internship. These sites boast extensive experience working with students and graduates looking for employment opportunities. As such, they’re a fantastic resource for finding your perfect internship. They can save you a lot of time and effort by connecting you with great employers looking for talented interns.
Our jobs board for students and graduates is packed with great job opportunities. You’ll find a host of student jobs, summer jobs, graduate jobs, and online jobs for students.
Check back regularly to see the latest part-time internships UK. From creative internships to actuary internships, we support every type of student in finding their dream internship.
3. Use Your Network
Don’t forget about your own network. Speak to friends, family, and peers to see if they have any leads on a part-time internship. They may have opportunities within their companies or connections who can help you with your search. In addition, they are a great source of advice on how to communicate with employers and develop your personal brand.
One of the biggest perks of utilising your network is that they can provide you with referrals, recommendations, or references. This will come in very handy when searching for an internship.
4. Apply Through a Third-Party Internship Provider
There is a wide range of third-party internship providers in the UK that connect students with their ideal internship. The best thing about these organisations is that they do a lot of the leg work for you. Moreover, they tend to have a wide range of internships, including part-time or remote options.
Organisations such as the Bright Network and Student Employment Services UK are good resources to try. Alternatively, you could try to find part-time internships UK through the gov.uk website.
5. Contact Companies Directly
If you’re fortunate enough to know the type of internship and employer you are looking for, you could reach out directly. This method works best if you have a short list of 2 to 3 companies in mind.
We recommend personalising each message to a potential employer, whether it’s via an email, professional networking site, or other means. As a result, it’s probably not the most effective option if you don’t have a clear idea of the employer you want to intern for. Our guide to online networking has some actionable advice on how to contact potential employers.
Remember, when it comes to applying for internships, focus on quality over quantity. Sending out a bunch of generic emails to random companies is unlikely to deliver the desired result. Instead, do your research and try to find a connection or point of contact within the business. Then, reach out and ask how to apply for an internship and what part-time internship opportunities may be available.
Final Thoughts
Finding a part-time internship is the best way to gain hands-on industry experience without a full-time commitment. Whether you’re a student parent, a full-time student, or working as you study, it’s a flexible way to gain the experience you need.
Our specialised student and graduate jobs board is packed with opportunities, including internships and student jobs. Don’t forget to browse our resource hub for more useful information and career advice for students. You’ll find everything from CV writing tips to advice on how to write a high-quality cover letter.
We also recommend checking out our blog every Wednesday to stay ahead of the latest employment news and trends.
If you have any additional queries, please feel free to get in touch or sign up for the free Developing a Student email newsletter below.
