FAQ
Will my internship be paid?
In recent years, there has been quite a bit of controversy about whether internships should be paid. Paid internships are highly competitive, even though many pay the minimum wage, and as an intern you should be paid if you are performing the same duties as other members of staff, work unsupervised and meet your deadlines. This is because you’re classed as a worker and should be paid minimum wage.
Some internships which are only work shadowing are unpaid, as you’re not classed as a worker. However, many employers now recognise the importance of providing funding to their interns, not wanting the best recruits to be held back by financial means. That means that though some internship opportunities are not fully financially compensated, many organisations may be willing to pay for your expenses, such as lunch and travel costs.
Will I get a job after an internship?
A Graduate Management Admission Council study found that many Fortune Global 100 Companies recognise the appeal of internships. According to the study, employers are likely to seek ex-interns for full time employment after an internship as they already have the necessary skills for their position.
Hiring previous interns can help reduce recruitment and training costs, thus giving employers an incentive to hire well-performing interns later on down the line. It’s important to consider this when looking at potential internship as the employer may be the one you return to in the future.
How do I make the most of my internship?
You may be given some easier jobs at first, such as basic administration duties, but by showing enthusiasm and a dedication to these small things may see your responsibilities expand. If you have a longer internship, you’ll also notice your responsibilities will increase as you’ll have more time to understand the business and own certain tasks and projects!
An internship gives you a chance to talk to your colleagues about the job they do, which can give you some insight into what sort of role you too might have in the future. Try and discuss what you hope to gain from the internship with your employer, they’ll then give you some tasks more suited to your desired career path.
How does an internship differ to a graduate job or scheme?
An internship is different to a graduate job. Internship can be useful for both undergraduate students (normally those in their penultimate year) and graduates, whereas a graduate job is purely targeted at those who have already left uni.
The work experienced gained in an internship may be necessary in gaining a graduate role - so if you want to secure a more permanent graduate job in the future, it may be useful to consider an internship first.
Why should I do an internship?
One of the main benefits of an internship is the experience you gain while potentially earning some money. Whether this is genuine commercial experience, picking up some soft skills or industry specific roles, it’ll make your CV more attractive to future employers who value these attributes in potential employees. Internships are great at improving your prospects at the company you have your experience in, and so benefit you immensely in getting your foot in the door!
What is the application process like?
You should approach the application process to an internship in the same way as applying for a job. This means you should ensure your CV is up to scratch and your interview skills are flawless to demonstrate your competence as a potential employee. Starting out on a good foot will let employers know you take their business seriously and may make them more likely to offer you future employment after your internship is over.