Pondering Over the Benefits and Drawbacks of Taking an Internship?
Revamped Guide to Internships: Everything You Need to Know
The competitive job market demands every edge you can get, and internships can be the key to unlocking your future success. But what are internships, how do they function, and should you take one? This guide will help you navigate the world of internships and make an informed decision.
What are Internships?
Employers offer internships to aspiring professionals, hoping to discover potential employees and gain access to affordable labor. Typically lasting between one and six months, internships allow students and recent graduates to acquire valuable skills and experience. Although most internships are paid, some can be unpaid as well.
Internships differ significantly from apprenticeships, which are vocational programs that provide participants with practical hands-on training towards a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). Apprenticeships often require a long-term commitment and usually take place four days a week, with the remaining day spent in a training center or classroom. Apprenticeships can be found in various fields, such as law, marketing, and accounting.
While apprenticeships last from 12 to 18 months, internships are generally more flexible and can offer different skills and benefits. If you're unsure whether an internship or an apprenticeship is right for you, consider boosting your knowledge with an A-Level Course [1] before embarking on your internship journey.
Are Internships Paid?
The question of internship pay is not straightforward. According to UK labor laws, employers are required to pay all workers [2], but some classify their interns as students, which allows them to avoid paying salaries. Clarity regarding your role and payment terms is essential before starting an internship.
In general, you must be paid at least the national minimum wage if:- You have a written or verbal contract.- You are required to work on days you'd rather be off.- You've been promised a future work contract.
However, you will not be paid if:- Your internship is part of a UK higher education course.- You receive a stipend from a charity to cover food or travel expenses.- You are only observing and not conducting any work on your own.
Some argue that unpaid internships are exploitative, as they enable employers to profit from interns' efforts without paying them. This practice may fall disproportionately on individuals from less privileged backgrounds, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. However, there might be rare cases where a short unpaid internship could be beneficial, provided it doesn't interfere with paid work or educational opportunities and doesn't exploit the intern's labor.
How to Get an Internship
A successful internship can boost your education, add to your CV, and grant you invaluable experience. To begin your search, consult your instructors to see if they have any suitable opportunities available [3]. They may have connections that can help you secure an internship. Reach out to your personal connections, as they may know of organizations looking for interns. They can introduce you and even speak highly of you.
Next, search online for internship sites and databases, such as Milkround, TARGET Jobs, e4s, Studentjob, and Prospects [3][4]. Each site offers a variety of internship opportunities tailored to different fields and locations.
If you're interested in an internship abroad, consider organizing an independent internship by contacting companies directly or incorporating the internship into a university course [4]. There may be associated costs for administrative fees and mandatory room and board, but the benefits—such as international experience, cross-cultural exchange, and travel experiences—are often worth it.
Visit these resources to help you find the perfect international internship:
- AIESEC UK
- Absolute Internship
- Asia Internship Programme
- City Internships
- CRCC Asia
- Frontier
- ImmerQi
- Maximo Nivel
- Placement Year International
- The Intern Group
Wishing you the best of luck, and may your internship adventure be filled with valuable learning experiences and new opportunities!
References
[1] Boast, S. (2015). "6 sites you need to know for internship opportunities". [online] The Independent. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/6-sites-you-need-to-know-for-internship-opportunities-10104521.html
[2] Giolando, E. (2018). "3 Ways to Intern Abroad for Free| Internships Abroad | Go Overseas". [online] www.gooverseas.com. Available at: https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/intern-abroad-for-free
[3] Professional Apprenticeships (2020). "Apprenticeship or Internship, what's the difference?". [online] Professional Apprenticeships.Available at: https://www.professionalapprenticeships.co.uk/apprenticeship-or-internship-whats-the-difference/
[4] Smith, J. (2019). "Internships | Prospects.ac.uk". [online] Prospects.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/work-experience-and-internships/internships
[5] Target Jobs (2012). "The law on unpaid internships: know your rights". [online] TARGETjobs.Available at: https://targetjobs.co.uk/internships/advice/275017-the-law-on-unpaid-internships-know-your-rights#:~:text=By%20law%2C%20employers%20do%20not
[6] WikiJobs (2011). "What Is an Internship - And Why Should You Do One?". [online] Wikijob.co.uk.Available at: https://www.wikijob.co.uk/content/internships/advice/what-internship
Sources
- https://www.independent.co.uk/student/career-planning/getting-job/6-sites-you-need-to-know-for-internship-opportunities-10104521.html
- https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/intern-abroad-for-free
- https://www.professionalapprenticeships.co.uk/apprenticeship-or-internship-whats-the-difference/
- https://targetjobs.co.uk/internships/advice/275017-the-law-on-unpaid-internships-know-your-rights#:~:text=By%20law%2C%20employers%20do%20not
- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/work-experience-and-internships/internships
- https://www.wikijob.co.uk/content/internships/advice/what-internship
- To enhance your career development and personal growth, consider seeking out internships that are relevant to your education-and-self-development goals as well as your desired lifestyle.
- Internships in accounting and other fields can provide you with valuable learning experiences, adding unique skills to your CV and offering benefits that extend beyond the workplace.
- Investing in your learning journey doesn't end with the completion of your formal education; pursuing an internship is an excellent opportunity for lifelong learning, professional development, and personal growth.
