Six top schemes to help you pick a career path and fashion an opportunity

TAKING an internship is one of the best ways to boost chances of landing a job after college or uni.

The programmes offer work experience for periods varying from two weeks to a year.

November is the best time to apply, with schemes available in the spring and summer college holidays.

Studies show 60 per cent of interns go on to gain a job at their employer or another employer in a similar sector but, despite it being a springboard to career success, just 8.7 per cent of UK students take one, compared to 21.5 per cent of US students.

While more and more companies here are offering internships, this year the total number available is down by 30 per cent, as employers tighten their belts.

Currently there are only 3,817 internships being advertised, compared to almost 5,500 12 months ago — but the good news is many firms are seeking candidates from working-class backgrounds to boost diversity.

James Neave, of job search site Adzuna, said: “Internships are always competitive, but this year, with fewer spots available, it’s more intense than ever.”

WHERE TO LOOK FOR PLACES

1. Sustainability giant Veolia has 20 places available across engineering, driving and electrical maintenance, including schemes for school leavers.

Veolia’s Northern Europe HR Chief Beth Whittaker said: “We offer exciting opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and you get to see how our work makes a real contribution to ecological transformation.” Apply at careers.veolia.co.uk.

2. Professional services company Deloitte has 500 places on its Summer Vacation Scheme for students. See bit.ly/4f7BzLA.

3. Engineering firm Renishaw has 66 placements in manufacturing, communications, business and marketing, HR, IT and electronics. Apply by November 17 via instagram.com/renishawearlycareers.

4. Software expert SAP has 40 placements across business, marketing, communications, digital, and legal. See ratemyplacement.co.uk/company-profile/1172/sap.

5. PR agency WPR offers three types of internship on its NextGen scheme, with shorter training programmes on offer every two weeks. To find out more details see wpragency.co.uk/next-gen.

6. British Airways has ten places on its summer internship scheme. Applicants must be returning to university after the placement. Apply from November 4 at careers.ba.com.

ASPIRING fashion PR and social media content creator Teagan Griffiths left Manchester University this summer and has been undertaking internships at fashion PR agencies.

The 22-year-old from Whitton, West London said: “I would recommend doing one or more internships to expand your experience and help you discover what might truly be right for you.

“You are given the opportunity to network with industry professionals and colleagues, which can open the door to future job opportunities.

“Finding an internship is the most challenging part. It would help to have a higher level of awareness around internships, especially through partnerships with schools and universities, as many people don’t even know these opportunities exist.”

WAYS TO GET CV NOTICED

WITH fewer internships on offer this year, you need to make your application stand out from the crowd. 

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LinkedIn career expert Charlotte Davies said: “Most internships will give you an insight into different parts of the business and exposure to different teams, allowing you to find the best fit for your skill set.”

1. Maximise learning opportunities: Look for internships that offer mentorship and opportunities to work on real projects to gain hands-on experience.

2. Think long-term: Choose an internship that fits with your career objectives or provides exposure to a field you’re interested in.

3. Find the right fit: Check out the company’s mission statement and social media profiles, and ask about company culture if there’s an interview stage.

Understanding the company culture will help you determine if it’s right for your working style and personal growth.

4. Be proactive: Not all companies openly advertise internship opportunities. 

Consider reaching out directly to the company to express your interest and enthusiasm so that you are on their radar if any opportunities come up.

5. Highlight your transferable skills: Nine in ten business leaders say soft skills are more important than ever, with communication at the top of the list. 

You most likely possess a range of transferable skills, so showcase them on your CV, job applications and your LinkedIn profile.

DESIGN A FUTURE

CLICK with a digital internship to get into the creative sector.

Advertising firm Neverland has eight internships in advertising and brand strategy that pay the London Living Wage.

A spokesman said: “The creative industry is difficult to break into and the capabilities within can appear complicated.

“The academy is open to anyone aged over 18, regardless of education, qualifications or prior work experience.”

Applications open on December 1. Email FlyingAcademy@imaginenever land.com.

Design agency Nexer Digital has two summer internships plus shorter work experience slots throughout the year. All roles are paid. Submit your CV at bit.ly/4eelQsx.

STORE UP SKILLS

TESCO is launching free career clinics in 14 stores to help people gain employment skills.

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Participants at the advice sessions are guaranteed an interview for one of the supermarket’s festive jobs.

The chain launched the initiative after research from the Social Market Foundation found a “lost workforce” of more than six million people are facing significant obstacles to work.

The training will include support on application writing and preparing for interviews.

CEO Ken Murphy said: “We hope the career clinics help those participating to gain the confidence and skills needed to move forward in their careers.”

To find out more, scan the QR code on the advert on the facing page.

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