Internships, sometimes referred to as summer internships, are temporary jobs that students who study in UK can do throughout their undergraduate studies. Together with practical experience, they offer the abilities necessary in their respective fields. The internship may be conducted remotely or on-site. Students who are studying abroad occasionally mix work placements with internships. Internships are typically taken during the summer or just after graduation in order to obtain practical experience. Students gain academic credit for the year through work placements even though they are a requirement for the degree.
International students have a plethora of learning and permanent employment prospects from their internships in the UK. Get pre-placement offers if the company is pleased with your work and your experience. In order to get exposure to the industry, several programs also require an integrated internship as part of their coursework.
Why Should Foreign Students Choose Internships?
A successful career can be paved with a hands-on internship. For international students, a quality summer internship is crucial for the following reasons:
- Enhances a Student’s Curriculum Vitae:
Candidates with prior experience in the relevant industry are often preferred by employers. Through internships, students can gain the necessary industry exposure and competitive edge to further their careers. Additionally, it offers students a competitive advantage over other applicants when they apply for jobs with companies.
- Additional Revenue:
An internship that pays well can help students make additional cash. Reducing the financial burden and assisting with employment permits following college are other benefits.
- Selecting a Field:
Through internships, students can gain insight into the area and determine if it’s a career path they want to take. It can also assist students in selecting their master’s program courses.
- Boost Your Skill Set:
An internship can improve-
- both hard and soft abilities required for advancement in the workplace.
- Make the shift from studying to working easier.
- Develop a better comprehension of workplace culture.
- It gives you an understanding of the organization’s workings and difficulties.
- Boosts your self-assurance when applying to universities.
- Creating a network:
You make new friends and develop close relationships with them. They will be able to network and learn about the various work ethics of the intern group. It also gives you access to some beneficial relationships in the business.
- Fresh Employment Prospect:
Employers in the UK may extend a full-time employment offer if they are impressed with your performance. You need to get along well with your coworkers, be gregarious, express gratitude, and leave a positive impression.
Some Advice for Foreign Students Looking for Internships in the UK
It might be difficult for any international student to find a suitable internship in a foreign country. Here are some pointers for overseas students looking to locate the ideal internships in the UK:
- LinkedIn Pages and Groups:
The website is only focused on business networking. Students can further their careers on LinkedIn by joining various groups and sites. They frequently publish opportunities for internships. Students can use the LinkedIn platform to look for internships in the UK.
- Internship Portals:
Students can search and apply for internships through a number of internship portals located throughout the United Kingdom. A few of the websites are:
1) Student Circus- It is mostly intended for students who hold Tier 4 visas.
2) Milkround- There are over a thousand internship positions on there.
3) TARGET Jobs- They can choose from internship opportunities and get expert assistance from the platform’s professionals.
4) E4S- Summer internships with a short period are available. Full-time and part-time positions are available on the platform.
5) Rate My Placement- Here, students can locate internships. Furthermore, the platform answers every question on where to look. Through this platform, you can also learn how to succeed in the internship.
- Government Website:
Additionally, students can visit the official website of the UK Council. For the benefit of the students, they publish paid internships, apprenticeships, and part-time positions. Using the platform, international students may quickly locate and apply for internships in the UK.
- Through the University:
In the UK, every institution and university has a placement cell. They can be contacted by university students looking for internship opportunities. They will offer you advice and assist you with the documentation and resources.
- Social Networks:
These days, social media is a presence for all major businesses. On their social media platforms, they post information about internships. You can apply for these kinds of internships by utilizing the power of social media.
- Make use of your network:
Use your family, friends, or connections in the UK to see if they can assist you in finding an internship.
- Internship Abroad:
The following organizations assist overseas students in locating internships in the United Kingdom:
1) AIESEC UK- Through compensated internships, they assist with international student exchange programs.
2) Absolute Internship- They connect graduates and students at UK universities with foreign internships in major cities across the world.
3) The Intern Group- The corporation is officially registered in London, England. They offer virtual internship opportunities and in-person programs to international students in Germany, the US, Europe, Australia, and the UK. London, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Dublin, Madrid, New York, California, Toronto, Australia, Chile, Tokyo, Columbia, Shanghai, Barcelona, and Berlin are among the places where they provide internships.
4) Beyond Academy- By providing students with a distinctive internship program in 18 industries and 14 cities—including London, Tokyo, New Zealand, and New York—it expedites careers.
5) BUNAC- They provide professional internships in the US, Australia, and Canada.
6) Placement Year International- They provide students studying business, hospitality, sports, and leisure with paid internships and job placements.
7) City Internships- They provide internships in numerous cities all around the world.
8) CRCC Asia- They arrange international internships in China, Vietnam, Japan, and the UK. The majority of internships are in business, marketing, law, and finance.
Points to Remember-
- Duration of the Internship– Most summer internships run for two to three months, which is sufficient time to acquire skills and get a flavour of the work. However, they can also go from a week to a year, based on the company and the industry.
- Payment– In the UK, a paid internship should pay at least the National Minimum Wage for your age. Although hourly rates are also up to the employer, interns are entitled to compensation, with the following exceptions:
Employed by nonprofit organizations, when working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), when it’s a requirement for a higher education course, or when work shadowing.