With the jobs market for newly qualified graduates becoming increasingly competitive, we look at the benefits of an internship and why internships can set you apart from the crowd. 

What is an Internship?

An internship is an opportunity to experience work with an employer within a chosen sector. It can be an excellent way for entry-level candidates to gain relevant work experience and skills to support their qualifications. An internship provides both students and graduates with exposure to the day-to-day activities of a business. One of the main benefits of an internship is that it provides a possible route to working for an employer who may otherwise prefer candidates with experience in the industry.

Internships can vary in duration, lasting from as little as just a couple of weeks to up to one year. Usually, interns will receive payment for any work they undertake. There are internship opportunities across a wide variety of industries, and they can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door at a large organisation.

Internship vs Work Experience

It is essential when applying for an internship that both you and the employer have an equal understanding of what the opportunity will provide. Knowing the difference between an internship or just work experience can be useful when deciding your next move after graduating. The difference is as follows:

–  Work Experience is typically for a period of only one to two weeks aimed at providing initial insight into the working environment. As the duration is short, it does not usually require a contract and is more often than not unpaid.

–  An Internship, on the other hand, centres more around developing the candidate and providing a structured training schedule. The whole process is designed to help the intern become an established part of the business.

What are the Benefits of an Internship?

There are many benefits of an internship and, if you impress within the role, you have a much higher chance of securing a full-time position after completion. Studies report that 70% of interns were offered a permanent or long-term contract of employment after their programme ended, with many leading to further opportunities and other graduate schemes.

Other benefits include:

  • The chance to develop your knowledge and skills in a specific field of work
  • Gaining valuable work experience to add to your CV and increase your employability
  • Provides an excellent opportunity to make new contacts within the industry through networking
  • Explore different roles within an organisation
  • Obtain university module credits
  • Bringing in a wage for the work you undertake as you ‘earn-while-you-learn’

You may also find that after working in the role for a while, you decide the job isn’t for you and want to try something new. With an internship, you have the option to make the choice that’s best for your personal development.

Are All Internships Paid?

Unfortunately, not all internships are paid. Internships have no legal status of their own. Whether you are paid or not as an intern depends on your employment status and whether your employer classifies you as a “worker”. If they classify you as a worker, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. You also receive “worker” status and are therefore entitled to the National Minimum Wage if you’re employer has promised you a contract of future work. For further information on your rights as an intern, check out gov.uk.

How Can I Secure an Internship?

Now that we know all about internships, let’s look at how to find one. Securing an internship can be just like finding a full-time job. You will need to be proactive in your approach. In most cases, you will need to complete an application form, provide a CV and cover letter, and attend an interview. Therefore, it is essential to do your research on the organisation and its values.

Companies will often only recruit interns at certain times of the year, so start your search as early as possible and find out when employers have recruitment drives for internship programmes. Competition can be high, particularly in sectors such as banking and media. Here are the best media internships in the UK you may want to pursue.

Don’t be afraid of reaching out to companies yourself. Recruiters value proactiveness and can often indicate when they are most likely to start considering candidates for internships. You can also increase your chances of securing an interview by communicating with them via social media on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, and by asking your network of family and friends to keep a lookout for any vacancies.

How to Increase Potential Job Offers from Internships

Overall, the majority of people apply for an internship in the hope of securing a permanent position in the company. It’s like a “trial period” both for you and for the employer, and a job offer is not a guarantee. If you want to continue in the company after your internship, there are ways you can improve your chances of staying on full-time.

Here are a few things to help you stand out from the crowd:

  • Be punctual – punctuality shows that you are reliable, and all managers want reliable workers.
  • Enthusiasm is key – although you may get with some of the more mundane jobs as an intern, remember to show enthusiasm towards the work you do. It serves as a precursor to how you’d approach tasks as a full-time employee.
  • Keep busy – there’s no excuse to be doing nothing. If you complete a task, speak up and ask for another. Your employer is learning how much you can handle and wants to see you take initiative.
  • Build rapport with your colleagues – it’s important to show that you can work in a team and fit in as part of the company. Introduce yourself to your co-workers and ask questions.
  • Keep in contact – once you’ve completed your internship, contact your supervisor to thank them for the opportunity. Mention key takeaways and ask them to consider you for upcoming positions within the company.

Benefits of an Internship: Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, there are more than just a few benefits of an internship. Internships are available across a wide variety of industries. As an intern, you’ll get an insight into the day-to-day workings of your chosen role. You’ll gain hands-on experience over a fixed period of time allowing you to develop your transferable skills and build connections.

Remember to be proactive in your search by applying directly to companies early. Make the most of your internship and treat it as you would the job itself. If they don’t select you to stay in a permanent position, show appreciation for the opportunity and the experience you’ve gained. You’ll still be adding to your network of contacts for the future. You can also benefit from a remote internship, if that’s what you’d prefer.

Be sure to check out our student and graduate jobs board to find internships in your area. You can find actuary internships, creative internships, internships at Spotify, or photography internships.