How to get an internship in London as an international student
Internships are a great way to network, gain experience and often secure potential employment once you graduate. But finding the right placement can be a minefield, especially if you’re not sure exactly what job role you’d like to do, or where and how to apply.
We’ve created this step-by-step guide to securing yourself an internship you’ll love and learn from.
Perfect your CV
First and foremost, you’ll need to put together a CV that really gets across who you are, your experience and what you’re looking for in the future. After all, it’s usually the first impression an employer will get before meeting you.
If you don’t know where to begin, there are some great templates on Microsoft Word and online: simply fill out the fields for yourself. It’s also worth having your tutor or your university’s career’s service take a look at it too, as they might be able to help you with a sense-check and spelling.
Use your university’s careers service
On that note, every university has a careers guidance service and this can be a great place to get some advice on your summer internship. It’s not just somewhere to discuss your future career, but also a place where you can network with businesses and professionals. Speak to them about any careers fairs or opportunities they might know of, as well as upcoming internships over the summer.
Send speculative applications
Create a list of companies you’d most like to intern with and send them speculative emails – this is an email where you introduce yourself and lay out your skills, rather than responding to an advertised vacancy. This is a real opportunity for you to show your true self, and what you can offer to a company.
Keep it professional but inject a little of your own tone in the cover letter to stand out from the crowd. Think about what you’d like to get out of your summer position: most internships are unpaid so make sure you’re getting the most out of it professionally. Don’t forget to attach a short, personalised cover letter that explains why you’d like to work with them and enquire about any upcoming vacancies.
Check out job listing websites
Often, companies advertise their internships on online job boards such as LinkedIn or Indeed. It’s a great way to get an idea of what’s out there and directly apply for the position. There’s usually a detailed job description, so you know if you qualify for the role and equally it gives you a clearer understanding of whether it would be the right fit.
That being said, many internships are found through word-of-mouth, so why not ask friends or family if they know anyone in your field who may need an intern for the summer?
Try volunteering
Yes, some internships are paid, however most aren’t, so volunteering your time in exchange for learning on the job and getting in-house training is a valuable option. Sometimes a great company might be overlooked just because it’s an unpaid internship, but the experience you get could be useful for landing future paid roles when you graduate.
You could also look at volunteer opportunities outside of your chosen field, perhaps for a charity or a local political party. That way, you’re strengthening the skills and experience needed in order to bag your dream summer internship.
Keep going
Hundreds of university students apply to single internships, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t hear back. For every 50 applications you send out, only around 5 may respond – but it’s a numbers game and the more you do, the better your applications will become.
For more student tips and information, take a look through our Student Advice articles. Or, if you’re looking for your next accommodation in London, browse the quality flats available with Beaumont House.
