7+ Tips To Find Internships in the UK as International Students

Tips To Find Internships in the UK as International Students: An internship allows any student to obtain technical skills, develop fresh industry connections, and obtain essential field experience.

It is understood that several colleges, companies, and government agencies in the UK offer internship opportunities to students, including those who are not in the UK.

However, as an international student, you may find it difficult to locate the right internship opportunity if you do not know where to look.

Thus, this article will provide you with some tips for finding internships in the UK as an international student after shedding some light on the top reasons why you should enroll in an internship.

It will also discuss how you can make the most of an internship in the UK as an international student.

Top Reasons You Should Enroll In An Internship

Here are some of the benefits that you stand to enjoy by enrolling in a summer internship.

1. Boosts the student’s CV and resume

It is now an open secret that several companies always look to recruit applicants who have garnered relevant experience in the industry.

Taking part in a student internship helps you do just that by teaching you about your industry and giving you a chance to put the things you’ve learned in school into practice.

2. Source of income

Enrolling in a paid internship provides you with the opportunity to make money even as a student.

It also makes it easier to get a work permit after you finish your degree program.

3. Guides you to select a field

Enrolling in an internship exposes you to what your field is all about, which enables you to decide if you want to pursue a career in it or not.

4. Boosts your skill set

Enrolling in an internship will boost your professional and personal skills, which are essential for career advancement. Internships also make it easier for you to adjust to any job you get after school.

They also help you learn more about how the workplace works, how a company works and what problems it faces, and give you more confidence in general.

5. Networking

By doing an internship, you can meet and talk to professionals in your field and build strong personal relationships with them, which could be very useful to you in the future.

6. Opportunity to secure a job

Enrolling in an internship offers you the opportunity to secure a job even while you are still in school.

This is because, especially in the UK, most employers offer full-time jobs to students who do well in their internships.

How To Find Internships In The Uk As An International Student

It is not easy for any international student to land an internship spot in the UK.

However, as an international student, you will make things easier for yourself by looking at the following places:

1. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is widely regarded as a social media platform for professionals. Many pages and groups on this platform frequently post updates on vacant internship positions in companies across the UK.

So, if you are not already following some of these groups, you should do so immediately.

2. Internship Portals

You can also find internship opportunities in the UK via internship portals. Examples of such portals are Student Circus, Target Jobs, Rate My Placement, Mikround, E4S, and many others.

3. Government website

The official UK government website is another place to look for internship opportunities in the UK as an international student.

This website regularly uploads information on the latest internship, job, and apprenticeship opportunities.

You can also effortlessly apply for relevant internships on this platform.

4. Through colleges

All colleges in the UK have an internship cell where you can easily get information about the internships they offer.

5. Company websites

You can find an internship opportunity in the UK as an international student by checking the official websites of the companies that you would love to work for.

This is because most companies always offer internships directly on their website.

6. Social media

Many big firms currently have social media pages that are very active. Most of them alert the public about the internship opportunities they offer via their social media pages.

So, as an international student, you can use social media to apply for such internships.

7. Family relationship

If you have any loved ones that are settled in the UK, you can talk to them to assist you in securing an internship.

8. Abroad internship

You can also find an internship in the UK as an international student with the help of organizations that help foreign students get internships in the UK.

Some of these organizations are AIESEC UK, The Intern Group, BUNAC, City Internships, Beyond Academy, CRCC Asia, and many others.

Required Documents For An Internship Application In The Uk

Even if you are an international student, you need the following to apply for an internship in the UK:

  • Completed application form
  • CV or Resume
  • Documents connected to past school degrees and work experience

How To Make The Most Of An Internship

Here are some tips to make the most of your internship:

1. Set goals

Once you begin your internship, have a chat with your supervisors about their expectations for you. Make sure you understand what they expect you to achieve every day, week, or month.

Also, use that first chat as an opportunity to let them know what you would love to learn.

2. Be open to learning

An internship provides you with an opportunity to obtain practical experience with the things you have learned about in class.

So, keep learning in mind at all times so that you can learn more by the time your internship is over.

3. Be professional

Being an intern does not make you any different from other staff when it comes to obeying the rules and regulations of the workplace, so ensure that you abide by the rules at all times.

Go to work early, complete every task expected of you on time, and ensure that you respond to emails professionally.

It will create a good impression of you.

4. Don’t be lazy

Even if the company you work for does not engage you in many activities that will keep you busy, always ensure that you find things to engage yourself in.

Look for projects that you can work on throughout the duration of your internship that will add value to the company.

However, only embark on such projects after you have received approval from your supervisor.

5. Remain organized

Take notes whenever you attend any meetings, and use a to-do list to plan your day so you do not forget anything.

Also, make sure your desk isn’t a mess and put all the papers sent to your office in the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Finding Internships In the UK As International Students

Can I do an internship in the UK?

Many countries provide internship opportunities for international students, but the United Kingdom stands out as a top destination. An internship in the United Kingdom is highly regarded by future employers, and interns who spend time in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland gain invaluable cultural experience.

Can international students do internships in the UK?

According to the laws of the United Kingdom, foreign students are permitted to participate in both paid and unpaid internships. Student unemployment is high because unpaid internships are far more common than paid ones. Internships typically reward students with course credit or non-monetary benefits.

Is it harder for international students to get internships?

It is challenging for anyone to find a job or internship in the United States/UK without prior work experience, but it is especially challenging for international students. Many international students struggle to find work after graduation because of language and cultural barriers, as well as the fact that they lack professional connections.

Are skills required for an internship?

Time management skills are essential for planning, and the ability to prioritize tasks requires even more, including the ability to think creatively and critically, as well as to solve problems and make decisions. When you’re an intern, you might have to juggle a lot of tasks.

Conclusion

Internships are work experiences that boost students’ knowledge in a particular area of expertise and equip them with technical skills.

Enrolling in an internship as an international student will boost your CV and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

However, finding the right internship opportunity in the UK is easy if you know where to look.

This article does enough to provide some tips for finding internships in the UK as an international student.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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Abasiofon Fidelis
Abasiofon Fidelis

Abasiofon Fidelis is a professional writer who loves to write about college life and college applications. He has been writing articles for over 3 years. He is the Content Manager at School and Travel.

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