When I left university, I was fortunate enough to land a full-time job straight away. However, many of my friends began their careers with internships.
These temporary positions often get a bad rap, with critics dismissing them as exploitative free labour. But based on my friends’ experiences, I believe internships can play a valuable role in launching careers. That said, I recognise that financial constraints may put internships out of reach for some.
In this article, I’ll explore the pros and cons of internships and share my perspective on whether they’re worthwhile.
What Exactly is an Internship?
An internship is essentially the grown-up version of work experience. It involves taking on a temporary position within a company or organisation to gain on-the-job training and skills. Internships can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
It’s more than just making the tea. While interns may occasionally be tasked with mundane duties, a good internship provides meaningful work experience and learning opportunities. Interns often assist with real projects, shadow experienced professionals, and get hands-on exposure to their chosen field.
Bridging the Experience Gap
For many graduates, internships fill a crucial gap between academic knowledge and practical workplace skills. They allow you to apply classroom learning in a professional setting and gain that all-important “real world” experience employers crave.
Some internships offer a salary or stipend, while others are unpaid or only cover basic expenses. The compensation structure often depends on the organisation, industry, and length of the internship. According to recent data from the Sutton Trust, around 70% of internships in the UK are unpaid.
The Benefits
Based on what I’ve observed with my friends, internships can provide numerous advantages for those just starting their careers.
Gaining Practical Experience
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. This practical knowledge can be invaluable when applying for full-time roles.
Building Your Professional Network
Internships allow you to meet people in your industry and start building a professional network. These connections can lead to mentorship opportunities, job referrals, and insider knowledge about your field.
Testing the Waters
An internship lets you “try on” a particular career or company before committing long-term. It’s a chance to see if the day-to-day reality matches your expectations.
Enhancing Your CV
Even a short internship gives you something concrete to put on your CV, helping you stand out from other recent graduates. You can highlight specific projects, skills gained, and accomplishments.
Potential for Full-Time Employment
Some internships lead to offers of permanent positions. According to a survey by High Fliers Research, over a third of graduate vacancies in 2021 were filled by candidates who had already worked for the organisation through internships, placements or vacation work.
Finding the Right Internship
If you’re considering pursuing an internship, your university’s career services office can be a goldmine of listings and advice. Many also have relationships with companies that regularly recruit interns.
Don’t be shy about reaching out to people you know either – family friends, alumni from your university, or connections on LinkedIn. Let them know you’re looking for internship opportunities.
If there’s a particular organisation you’re interested in, check their website for internship programmes. Even if nothing is advertised, consider sending a speculative application. The worst they can do is ignore you.
It’s also worth checking websites like Gradcracker, Milkround, and RateMyPlacement which specialise in student and graduate opportunities, including internships. Oh, and attend career fairs! Many universities host career fairs where you can meet employers face-to-face and learn about internship opportunities.
Making the Most of Your Internship
If you do secure an internship, set clear goals to make sure you maximise the experience. Before you start, think about what you want to achieve during your internship. Share these goals with your supervisor so they can help you meet them.
Once you get started, don’t wait to be assigned tasks. Ask for work, volunteer for projects, and show initiative.
Document your experiences, projects, and accomplishments along the way. This will be helpful when updating your CV and preparing for future job interviews.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or advice either. Most supervisors are happy to provide guidance and feedback and you only have limited time with them.
Finally, take advantage of opportunities to meet people in different departments. Networking is so important and you never know where these connections might lead.
The Potential Downsides
While internships can be incredibly valuable, it’s important to acknowledge some potential drawbacks.
For a start, unpaid or low-paid internships can be a significant financial burden, especially in expensive cities like London. This can limit opportunities for those from less privileged backgrounds.
It is also true that some unscrupulous employers may use internships as a source of free labour, assigning menial tasks with little educational value. If this is happening to you, leave. Don’t waste your time.
Then there is the opportunity cost. Time spent in an unpaid or low-paid internship is time you’re not earning a full salary or gaining experience in a permanent role, and there is no guarantee of employment at the end of it. While internships can lead to job offers, some interns find themselves back at square one after their placement ends.
Your Rights as an Intern
It’s crucial to understand your rights when undertaking an internship:
National Minimum Wage
If you’re performing the role of a worker (with set hours and responsibilities), you’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage, regardless of how the position is labelled.
Exceptions to Payment Requirements
You’re not entitled to payment if the internship is part of a UK-based higher education course, or if you’re shadowing an employee rather than doing actual work.
Working Hours and Rest Breaks
Paid interns are entitled to the same rights as regular employees regarding working hours, rest breaks, and holiday pay. They have to treat you fairly.
Balancing Internships with Other Commitments
Many of my friends had to juggle their internships with university studies or part-time jobs. Here are some strategies they found helpful:
- Communicate Clearly – Be upfront with your internship supervisor about your other commitments. Many are willing to be flexible with students.
- Time Management is Key – Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of deadlines, shifts, and other obligations.
- Don’t Overcommit – It’s better to excel in a few areas than to spread yourself too thin and underperform across the board.
- Prioritise Self-Care – Don’t neglect your physical and mental health. Make time for rest, exercise, and socialising.
My Personal Take
Having watched many of my friends navigate internships, I believe they can be incredibly worthwhile when done right. The hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and potential for job offers can give interns a significant advantage when entering the job market.
However, I also recognise the valid concerns about unpaid internships perpetuating inequality in the workforce. It’s crucial that internships are accessible to all, regardless of financial background. Sadly, that’s not the reality at the moment.
Ultimately, whether an internship is worth it depends on your individual circumstances, career goals, and the specific opportunity. If you can afford to take on an internship and find one that offers genuine learning experiences, it can be an invaluable stepping stone in your career journey.
But if financial constraints make internships unfeasible, don’t despair. There are many other ways to gain experience, develop skills, and make yourself attractive to employers. The most important thing is to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and grow in your chosen field.