How to Get Paid Internships in UK as an International Student?

Securing paid internships in the UK is an essential step for international students looking to enhance their career prospects. You need to get internship to get a good exposure in UK.

The Need for Paid Internships

Paid internships are crucial for several reasons:

1. Financial Support: They provide financial assistance, which can help cover living expenses while studying abroad.
2. Professional Experience: Internships offer hands-on experience in a professional setting, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
3. Skill Development: They help international students develop essential skills that are highly valued by employers.
4. Networking Opportunities: Internships allow students to build professional networks that can be beneficial for future job searches.
5. Enhanced Employability: Having internship experience on your CV makes you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

How to Tailor Your CV for Internships

A well-crafted CV is vital when applying for internships. Here are some tips on how to tailor your CV effectively:

1. Contact Information: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
2. Objective Statement: Write a brief statement outlining your career goals and what you hope to achieve through the internship.
3. Education: List your educational background, including your degree, university name, and expected graduation date.
4. Relevant Experience: Highlight any previous work experience or volunteer positions that relate to the internship role.
5. Skills Section: Include both hard and soft skills relevant to the position you are applying for, such as communication, teamwork, or technical skills.
6. Format and Length: Keep your CV concise, ideally one page long, and ensure it is well-organized with clear headings.

Universities Offering Paid Internships in the UK for International Students

Several universities in the UK offer programs that include paid internships or placement opportunities. Here are some notable ones:

Here is a table summarizing notable universities in the UK that offer paid internships for international students, along with additional details:

University	Location	Internship Programs Offered	Duration of Internships	Notes
University of Birmingham	Birmingham	B-Experienced Internship Programme	10-20 days	Offers various short-term internships throughout the year.
University of Manchester	Manchester	Graduate Internships via Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT)	Varies	Opportunities for first-year and second-year students, including summer internships.
Imperial College London	London	Engineering Internship Program	Varies (often summer)	Focuses on engineering disciplines; duration varies by project.
University of Oxford	Oxford	Summer Internship Programme	2-12 weeks	Offers a variety of summer internships across different fields.
London School of Economics (LSE)	London	Various programs in economics and social sciences	Varies	Provides internships related to economics and finance.
University College London (UCL)	London	Various industry-related internships	Varies	Strong emphasis on research and professional experience.
King’s College London	London	Internships in health, law, and humanities	Varies	Offers support through career services for finding internships.
University of Edinburgh	Edinburgh	Various programs across multiple disciplines	Varies	Offers placement opportunities in various sectors.
University of Leeds	Leeds	Internships in business, engineering, and humanities	Varies	Provides access to a wide range of internship opportunities through its career center.
University of Glasgow	Glasgow	Various industry placements	Varies	Engages with local businesses to provide internship opportunities for students.

Additional Notes

• Internship Types: The universities listed offer a mix of summer internships, year-long placements, and short-term projects.
• Eligibility: Most programs are open to international students enrolled in relevant degree programs.
• Support Services: Universities typically have dedicated career services or placement cells to assist students in finding suitable internships.

These institutions often have dedicated placement cells that assist international students in finding suitable internships.

Job Portals for Finding Internships in the UK

Here’s a list of 20 job portals where international students can search for internships in the UK:

1. Milkround
2. TARGETjobs
3. Student Circus
4. Rate My Placement
5. Indeed
6. Glassdoor
7. LinkedIn
8. Reed.co.uk
9. Totaljobs
10. SimplyHired
11. Gradcracker
12. Jobsite
13. E4S (Employment 4 Students)
14. Prospects.ac.uk
15. The Student Room
16. MyInternship
17. Internwise
18. WorkinStartups
19. GraduateJobs.com
20. BUNAC

With such a comprehensive list, you can start by signing up and look for various options accordingly.

Why Should International Students opt for Internships?

International students should consider internships for several reasons:

• Cultural Exposure: Interning in the UK provides exposure to a different work culture, enhancing adaptability and global awareness.
• Language Proficiency: Working in an English-speaking environment improves language skills, which is beneficial in today’s global job market.
• Career Advancement: Internships can lead to job offers post-graduation, as many companies prefer hiring interns who have already proven themselves.

Steps to Secure an Internship

1. Research Early: Start researching internships at least six months before your intended start date.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Update your CV and write tailored cover letters for each application.
3. Apply Broadly: Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances of securing an internship.
4. Network Actively: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals and alumni who can provide insights or referrals.
5. Follow Up: After submitting applications, follow up with potential employers to express continued interest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I intern in the UK while studying?
   Yes, international students on a Tier 4 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
2. What visa do I need for an internship?
   You will typically need a Government Authorised Exchange visa or a Tier 4 student visa.
3. Are all internships paid?
   No, not all internships are paid; however, many reputable companies offer paid opportunities.
4. How do I find internships related to my field?
   Use specialized job portals and university placement services to find relevant internships.
5. What if I don’t have prior work experience?
   Focus on transferable skills from academic projects or volunteer work when applying.

Conclusion

Securing paid internships in the UK is a strategic move for international students looking to enhance their career prospects while studying abroad. By understanding the importance of internships, tailoring your CV effectively, utilizing job portals, and actively networking, you can increase your chances of landing a valuable internship opportunity in the UK.

By following this guide, international students from India can get internships in the UK with confidence and clarity, setting themselves up for future success in their careers.

Thanks