Turbo charging your career with the right work placement or internship

Many students at UK universities undertake internships (usually lasting between four weeks and four months, often over the summer vacation) or work placements (usually one year as part of a university degree). So what benefits do they bring international students, and what steps should you take to secure the right position for your career aspirations?

Why do a work placement or internship?

Internships and placements are usually optional, but are highly prized for the following key reasons:

They give you practical experience

While academic knowledge is essential, companies are keen to see that you can apply this in a career setting and pick up real-world skills. Plus, you’ll learn more about UK workplace culture and potential careers.

They help you learn soft skills

Employers want you to demonstrate and acquire skills such as resilience, problem-solving and teamwork.

Phuong from the Czech Republic studied Business at UWE Bristol, and now works in e-commerce. She says: “I did my placement with UWE Careers and not only did it give me solid technical skills but most importantly it gave me soft skills: how to communicate in a work place environment, how to manage my time, how to estimate my own abilities when it came to certain tasks, how to put myself out there, how to stay resilient and how to ask for help and support.”

They enable you to build a network

The more industry professionals you get to know, the better. They can give you tips to get you started and to further your career.

They’re a stepping stone to jobs

Having work experience under your belt boosts your confidence in job applications and interviews. And if you showcase your skills during your placement, you may even be taken on directly.

Ziqin from China, who studied IT at Bath University, says: “I had an internship at FAW Volkswagen because of my knowledge and skills learned from university. During the four-month internship, I joined the training programme for new staff and my performance was above average. Thus I was promoted to work in the technological team.”

11 steps to snap up the right work placement or internship for you

1. Check your international student status

You are allowed to undertake work placements and internships in the UK as long as they meet certain criteria. You may need to get permission to extend your stay in the UK for an extra year. Ask your university for advice, or read UWE’s here: work placements for international students and internships for international students.

2. Use your university placement and internship service

They’re the experts – and are especially helpful for international students who may be less familiar with UK companies. They have a huge database of employer contacts, as well as a board or bulletin for placements.

Sofia from Greece, a UWE Bristol graduate who now works for a private equity firm, advises: “Take advantage of any opportunities to gain work experience through internships or part-time jobs. UWE’s weekly newsletter is a must if you want to find great and trustworthy opportunities.”

3. Boost your employability

Draw up a CV that meets UK standards – your university careers service can advise. Consider voluntary work or get involved in student associations to demonstrate your commitment.

4. Check your course requirements

Your placement or internship should be relevant to your studies, so check your programme specifications and speak to your tutors.

5. Consider your career aspirations

Perhaps you’ve always known what career you want – or maybe you’re still unsure. Don’t panic! Online aptitude tests and careers fairs are a great way to explore possibilities. And, of course, your university careers service is here to help too.

6. Start looking for placements early

If you’re hoping to spend a sandwich year in industry, you should begin your search the previous September. Positions will be advertised through your university placement service, as well as on sites such Gradcracker, RateMyPlacement, Indeed and LinkedIn.

7. Contact employers speculatively

Got a clear idea of who you’d like to work for? Email them directly. You might well make contacts at careers fairs or through LinkedIn.

8. Consider a self-employed placement

If you’ve got an entrepreneurial spirit and a great business idea, you might be able to spend a year setting up your own company. Talk it through with your university.

9. Don’t rule out smaller employers

You may dream of a career with an international brand – but smaller companies may be able to sponsor you too. In fact, you’re perhaps more likely to make a real difference and get noticed!

10. Get application and interview advice

Finding the right placement or internship is just like getting a job, so take a professional approach. Your university careers service offers practice interview sessions so you can present your best self to your potential employer.

11. Check your next steps

Once you’ve found your placement, complete all necessary approval steps with your university, usually by spring or summer.

But there’s no time to sit back and relax! Not only do you have the remainder of your academic year to complete, but you’ve got to start preparing for the world of work. That means brushing up on the knowledge and skills you’ll need to make your placement a success.

We’ll leave the last word to Jia, a UK university graduate from Malaysia, who says simply: “Always treat every job/internship as an opportunity to do your best. Everything else is secondary.”