An internship gives you the opportunity to work at a company to learn new skills and gain experience in a particular industry or job role. Internships could last from one week to one year depending on what type of internship it is.
Think of an internship programme like a fixed period of work experience. Internships can be great for:
Remember, never do something just because you think it’ll look good on your CV or application. You should always get value out of the experience and do something you’re genuinely interested in.
It’s important you know what you’re signing up for before you start an internship. Make sure you’re getting something out of it, and that you’re being paid fairly for what you’re doing.
What you do depends on the company and industry. It might include:
Internships can look great on your CV. They can help show that you’re passionate about the industry and have gone the extra mile to demonstrate that. They can also give you something to talk about in job interviews or assessment centres.
However, it completely depends on the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re going into a retail apprenticeship, a part-time job in a shop may be able to demonstrate those skills better. Or if you’re going for a job at a charity, volunteering may be something that shows your skillset.
Think about the skills you’re going to need for the job and how you can best get experience that demonstrates them. Read more on identifying your transferrable skills.