The graduate guide to internships and work experience
Internships and work experience are a great way to gain skills and make contacts, especially as you think about life after graduation. This guide includes how to find work experience, how to apply for work experience and how to write a CV and cover letter
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Work experience is a valuable practice that all university students can do to boost their career prospects and gain knowledge in their chosen career path. This guide will cover:
- How to identify your personal interests and skills
- How to find work experience
- Creating a potential jobs list
- Updating your resumé (CV) and cover letter
- Identifying suitable companies that offer work experience
- Applying for jobs
- Sending a follow-up message.
Those hunting for their first jobs after graduation will find that doing internships and work experience will be an asset to their CVs and a great way to build a portfolio of work.
What is work experience?
Work experience involves learning practical skills and gaining insights in a real-world work setting. It’s a chance to understand specific roles, companies, or career paths by working with an employer.
Many employers don’t just value paid positions, but also volunteer roles, work shadowing and internships as credible work experience when they are hiring for roles.
Work experience might only be for a couple of days or up to a month and will usually involve shadowing a specific department or member of staff to learn about their role and understand what they do on a daily basis. It will usually be done without any payment.
What is an internship?
An internship is a period of work experience offered by an employer for a fixed period of time (full-time or part-time). It is just another term for work experience, but usually with more in-depth tasks.
An internship is usually an opportunity for a relatively inexperienced worker to pick up professional skills, add experience to their CV, form professional networks and learn about an industry, while an employer can gain access to new talent and fresh ideas.
The law regarding the payment of interns changes from country to country, but it’s always a good idea to have a conversation with the company you are doing an internship with on payment and reimbursement of expenses or check if you might be earning the national minimum wage.
Some companies view internships as trials for permanent jobs. However, it’s important to be aware that some companies will use internships as a means to find free labour instead of as a chance to identify, nurture and attract talent.
Work experience ideas
If you know what career you want to go into, here are some work experience ideas tailored to different career paths:
1. Information technology (IT) and software development
Internship or part-time work with a software development company.
Freelance projects to build a portfolio.
Contributing to open-source projects on platforms such as GitHub.
Networking and collaborating with professionals in your field.
Internship with a marketing agency or in the marketing department of a company.
Content creation for social media platforms.
Assistance with the planning and execution of marketing campaigns.
Google Ads or social media advertising certification.
Clinical internships in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
Research assistant positions in medical research institutions.
Volunteering in community health programmes.
Shadowing professionals in your desired medical speciality.
4. Finance and accounting:
Internship with a financial institution or accounting firm.
Involvement in financial analysis or budgeting projects.
Participation in workshops or courses related to financial markets.
Obtaining relevant certifications such as ACCA or CFA.
5. Engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.):
Internship with an engineering firm or company.
Participation in engineering competitions or projects.
Joining professional engineering associations or clubs.
Attending conferences and networking with professionals.
Student teaching or teaching assistant positions.
Volunteering in educational programmes or community outreach.
Designing and delivering workshops or seminars.
Obtaining relevant teaching certifications or qualifications.
7. Creative arts (graphic design, fine art, film, etc.):
Freelance projects or internships in creative agencies.
Building a portfolio showcasing your work.
Collaboration with other creatives on independent projects.
Attending industry events and networking.
8. Human resources and management:
Internship in the HR department of a company.
Participation in leadership development programmes.
Involvement in employee engagement initiatives.
Obtaining HR certifications or attending relevant workshops.
9. Environmental science and sustainability:
Internship with environmental organisations or agencies.
Participation in conservation or sustainability projects.
Research assistant positions in environmental studies.
Involvement in community-based environmental initiatives.
10. Legal and law:
Internship with a law firm or legal department.
Volunteering for legal aid or advocacy organisations.
Participation in moot court or legal research competitions.
Networking with legal professionals through events.
Work experience could also be a way to narrow down the specialism in a certain industry that you want to go into, such as medicine or law. This isn’t an exhaustive list of how you can obtain work experience either, so be sure to do your own research.
If you haven’t yet decided on a career path
If you haven’t decided on a specific career path but are open to exploring opportunities, here are some of the best places to find work experience:
1. Internship with a local business: Approach small- to medium-sized local businesses in your area and inquire about internship opportunities. This can provide exposure to various aspects of business operations.
2. Retail experience or sales support: Working in a retail environment can offer insights into customer service, sales and inventory management. This experience is valuable in understanding the consumer-facing side of business.
3. Administrative roles: Seek work experience in administrative positions within companies. This could involve tasks such as data entry, document management and general office support.
4. Marketing assistant: Assist with marketing initiatives, whether it’s social media management, content creation or market research. This can give you a taste of the creative side of business.
5. Event planning: Consider gaining experience in event planning, either by volunteering for local events or seeking internships with companies that organise conferences, seminars or trade shows.
6. Start-up internship: Explore opportunities with start-up companies. Start-ups often provide a dynamic environment where you can be involved in multiple aspects of the business.
7. Financial services: Gain exposure to the financial side of business by seeking internships or work experience in areas such as accounting, bookkeeping or financial analysis.
8. Market research assistant: Assist in market research projects to understand consumer trends, competitor analysis and industry dynamics.
9. Non-profit organisations: Consider work experience with non-profit groups or charities. While not strictly business, these organisations often have roles in areas such as fundraising, marketing and project management.
How your subject or major can influence your career
It might be that you have chosen a subject to help you follow a specific career path, such as medicine or law. Or you may have chosen a subject that you are interested in and don’t have a particular career path in mind just yet.
If you have a particular career path in mind, conducting work experience in that area, such as working in a hospital or for a law firm, will help to boost your career prospects in your chosen field.
However, if you have picked a subject that doesn’t naturally lead to a career, then consider the skills you learn in your chosen subject, such as critical thinking, communication or financial skills, and find careers or industries that align with those skills.
Identify your personal interests and skills to help you find work experience
This is an important step towards finding work experience opportunities that line up with your passions and strengths.
Think about activities that interest you, including hobbies or subjects that you are interested in. You can even try new things, talk to professionals, attend events and workshops, and join clubs to broaden your interests.
Next, think about your personal values and principles. Think about the experiences that you enjoyed in the past, such as school projects or part-time roles. Check out job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and take note of any soft skills you possess (such as communication and teamwork).
Once you have all of this information, combine your interests and skills in a list. Now you can begin researching industries and jobs that line up with what you enjoy and excel in.
Despite giving it a lot of thought, you’re still undecided
Feeling uncertain even after putting in a lot of preparation and thought is completely normal when it comes to finding the right work experience. Sometimes reframing work experience as an opportunity to learn more can help you put a positive spin on things.
Take a step back and speak with friends, family and professionals from multiple career fields to gain new insights. Contact career advisers or mentors who can provide advice.
Don’t rush the decision-making process; instead, view it as a chance to discover new possibilities and learn more about yourself.
How to find work experience
1. Set clear criteria: Clearly define your criteria for potential jobs. Consider factors such as industry, location, company size and the specific skills you want to develop.
2. Leverage online tools: Use job search platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed or Glassdoor, to explore a wide range of job opportunities. These platforms often allow you to set filters based on your preferences.
3. Informational interviews: Conduct interviews with professionals in your desired field. Ask about the day-to-day responsibilities, skills required and potential job openings. This first-hand information can guide your job search.
4. Utilise professional networks: Use your professional network, including colleagues, classmates and mentors. Inform them about your job-search criteria and ask for recommendations or insights into potential opportunities. You never know who will have an opportunity for you.
5. Company research: Research companies that align with your values and career goals. Explore their websites, company culture and reviews from current or past employees to see if they are a good fit.
6. Customise your CV and cover letter: Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application process. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.
7. Attend networking events: Attend industry-specific networking events, conferences and webinars. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet professionals, learn about job openings and make valuable connections.
8. Set realistic goals: Set short-term and long-term goals for your job search. Break down the process into manageable steps. For example, researching five companies a week or applying to a certain number of positions.
9. Professional development courses: Consider enrolling in online courses or workshops related to your interests. Some platforms offer job boards or connections to employers actively seeking individuals with specific skills.
10. Stay organised: Keep a spreadsheet or document to track your job-search progress. Include details such as application deadlines, contact information and any follow-up actions needed.
Work experience websites
Several websites cater to individuals seeking work experience opportunities, internship programmes and placements. Here are some popular platforms where you can explore and apply for work experience:
UK
1. Prospects
2. TARGETjobs
4. Gov.uk
5. Indeed
US
2. LinkedIn
3. Idealist
5. WayUp
Canada
2. Workopolis
3. JobBank
5. Monster
Australia
2. Seek
4. CareerOne
It’s always a good idea to explore multiple platforms to find the most suitable opportunities for your work experience.
How to apply for work experience
When applying for work experience, whether you are applying for an advertised position or proactively reaching out directly for placement opportunities, you can apply in the same way.
You’ll need to provide a tight, word-perfect CV and a personalised cover letter expressing what interests you about the company, why you’re a good fit, what you can bring and what you hope to learn.
Keeping an updated CV and tailored cover letter is essential for making a positive first impression when you apply for any vacancies. It highlights your skills, growth and ability to adapt to industry trends.
Tailoring your documents for each application not only boosts keyword matching for applicant tracking systems but also helps you connect personally with employers, making you stand out in competitive job markets.
How to update your CV
1. Contact information: Ensure your name, phone number, email address and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) are up to date.
2. CV format: Use a clean and professional format with a simple, easy-to-read font.
3. Objective or summary: Tailor your objective or summary to reflect your career goals and what skills your degree has provided you with.
4. Education: List your most recent educational experiences first. Include your degree, major, university, graduation date and relevant academic achievements.
5. Experience: Focus on any work you have completed as part of your degree. Use bullet points to highlight your responsibilities, achievements and skills gained during your degree or at a part-time job. Emphasise transferable skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
6. Skills: Update your skills section to include any new skills acquired during your graduate experiences. Include both technical and soft skills. Explain how these traits specific to your degree have prepared you for this career path.
7. Certifications and training: Add any relevant certifications or training you’ve obtained.
8. Keywords: Tailor your CV to the specific job by incorporating keywords from the job description.
9. Proofread: Check for grammatical errors and ensure the information is clear and concise.
How to update your cover letter
1. Header: Use a professional header with your name, address and contact information.
2. Introduction: Mention the position you’re applying for and express your enthusiasm for the role.
3. Body: Highlight your graduate work experiences and how they make you a strong candidate for the position. Provide specific examples of your achievements and contributions. Relate your experiences to the job requirements and quantify them if possible.
4. Skills: Showcase relevant skills gained during your graduate work.
5. Why you’re a good fit: Explain why you’re a good fit for the position and the company.
6. Closing: Express appreciation for the opportunity and convey your eagerness to discuss your application further.
7. Signature: Sign off professionally and include a digital signature if submitting electronically.
Send a follow-up message
After submitting your application form or expressing your interest in a work experience opportunity, it’s important to send a thoughtful follow-up message. Wait for an appropriate period, typically a week or two, before reaching out.
In your email subject line, maintain professionalism while being clear. Express gratitude for the opportunity and briefly mention why you are particularly interested in the role. Politely inquire about the status of your application and ask if they need any additional information. Finally, end your follow-up message on a positive and appreciative note.
What to expect when doing work experience
It’s fine to question what your tasks might be and who you will be shadowing. Most internships, particularly short ones, will involve administrative tasks. However, to get real value out of a placement, you should also be supporting members of the team and taking on assignments of your own so you can learn by observing and doing.
We’ve all heard stories of interns who were stuck in the post room or on coffee duty, so do your research before you forge ahead. An internet search could reveal how a company treats its interns.
By the end of your work experience you should have:
Been given learning opportunities
Built connections with professionals in your field
Enhanced your skills
Gained an understanding of company culture
Contributed to ongoing projects.
Making the most of work experience
To really impress, treat your placement as you would a new job. Be on time and enthusiastic, volunteer yourself for tasks, work hard and deliver to deadline.
Focus on defining your own objectives, creating a good impression and carrying out your responsibilities well. Don’t panic if you make a mistake, and never be afraid to ask questions – that’s what you are there for.
Work on making lasting relationships with the people around you; if they are impressed, they might offer to act as a referee for a future job application or keep you in mind for future positions.
This article was originally written by Sophie Phillipson from HelloGrads in 2019. It was updated by THE Student content writer Grace McCabe in January 2024.
