Wondering what internships are all about or how to actually land one? From when to apply to what to expect, this is your no-fluff guide to getting your foot in the door.
🔍 Firstly, what is an internship?
An internship is a structured period of work experience, typically lasting anywhere from a week or two up to 12 months. It’s designed to help you gain practical skills, insight into a specific industry, and experience that bridges the gap between education and employment.
As early careers become increasingly competitive, potential employers have started to ‘backdate’ their candidates' work experiences. Getting an early internship is the best way to give yourself the edge.
However, internships are not just for university students. They’re also open to:
- School leavers - looking to explore different industries.
- Current university students - seeking experience during holidays or as part of a placement year.
- Graduates - aiming to boost employability and gain exposure.
- Postgraduates and career changers - wanting to break into a new field.
Some internships are advertised specifically for certain groups (e.g., undergraduates or school leavers), while others are open to anyone at the early stages of their career.
❓Internship vs. Off-Cycle Internship: What’s the Difference?
Most internships run during the summer, typically for 8–12 weeks. These are structured, competitive programmes that align with university holidays and often serve as pipelines into graduate schemes.
Off-cycle internships, however, are offered outside of this typical summer window, and they’re especially common in industries like finance, consulting, and tech. They may take place in autumn, winter, or spring and are often shorter or more flexible. Off-cycle internships are ideal if you're looking for opportunities year-round or need something that fits around your academic schedule.
💰 Are Internships Paid?
Internships in the UK can be either paid or unpaid, and it’s important to know the difference as you apply:
If you’re performing the duties of a worker—with regular hours, set tasks, and responsibilities—you’re generally entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage (or National Living Wage if you're over 21).
Some internships, especially in charities, creative industries, or virtual roles, may be unpaid or only reimburse expenses like travel or food. This is also true of smaller companies that may be able to offer an incredible experience, but not be able to take the financial risk sometimes associated with internship opportunities.
Paid or unpaid, the experience should offer real value, development, and insight into your chosen career path.
🗓️ When’s the Best Time to Apply?
For structured summer internships, especially those at larger companies, applications often open in autumn (September–November) and close in early spring (January–March). It’s best to start preparing early in the academic year and to apply well in advance—sometimes as much as six months before the internship begins. Like graduate schemes, internships at major UK companies are highly competitive.
For smaller firms or off-cycle opportunities, applications may be more flexible and open year-round, so it’s always worth checking company websites and job boards like Mereo Talent regularly.
📈 What Are the Benefits of an Internship?
An internship can be a game-changer for your future—here’s why:
- Gain real-world experience - You’ll get hands-on insight into how businesses operate, from team collaboration to real client work.
- Develop your skills - Internships help you build critical transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management.
- Gain career confidence - Not sure what you want to do? Internships help you explore different roles and industries before you commit.
- Start building your professional network - You’ll meet industry professionals and gain valuable contacts (and references) for the future. *Remember to create a LinkedIn profile and connect with industry professionals along the way!
- Boost your CV - Practical experience helps you stand out from other applicants and gives you real examples to draw on at interview.
- Unlock future opportunities - Many employers use internships as a fast track to hiring. Impress them, and you could be invited back for a graduate job or scheme. It is, after all, much easier to walk through an open door, invited, than it is to cold-call.
🔍 Where Can You Find Internships?
At Mereo Talent, we make it easy to explore and apply for early career opportunities across the UK. Use our platform to:
- Search by industry category (we offer over 20 to choose from).
- You can filter by role type, such as internship, apprenticeship, industrial placement, graduate job, or work experience.
- Narrow your search by location, including all major UK cities.
- Combine smart search terms like “NHS Internship”, “Engineering Graduate”, or “School Leaver Opportunity.”
Our Final Thoughts
Internships are more than just a line on your CV; they’re a launchpad into the working world. By understanding what internships involve, how to apply strategically, and where to look, you’re giving yourself a serious head start.
Start searching today with Mereo Talent, and take the first step toward a career that fits your future.