Learn more with Internships

Category: Tips and Advice Publish date: 02/11/2016

An internship is an opportunity offered by an employer to potential employees, called ‘interns’, to work at an organisation for a fixed, limited period of time. Internships can last for any length of time, from one week to 12 months. Key employers are working with CTP to provide Internships to Service leavers, including Barclays, BNY Mellon, REED and GSK.

Although each internship is unique, they often involve the following common elements:

• Full-time work for a set amount of weeks
• A defined project, which creates real value for the host organisation and a valuable learning experience for the Intern
• Opportunity could be a stepping stone to a future career
• Interaction with an assigned supervisor or mentor within the host organisation often internship has senior level support
• Payment at the national minimal wage or better, if the internship is in the UK, and in the for-profit sector. Internships for those still in Service are unpaid and, usually, all costs are incurred as part of the individual’s Resettlement process.
• Some guarantee a job interview for an open role at its conclusion although this is not a guarantee of a role

How do Internships differ from Apprenticeships and Civilian Work Attachments?

Unlike Trial Attachments or Civilian Work Attachments, which are generally much shorter periods of work experience aimed at helping the individual gain insight into an organisation, you will go through an application process similar to that of applying for a job and the internship programme is more formalised than a CWA. Normally you will be given a project to work on as an intern, whereas a CWA is much more about insight.

Apprenticeships usually offer a qualification and training whilst on the job. In most cases, an apprenticeship will last over a year.

What are the benefits of completing an Internship?

An internship is an opportunity to develop within a supportive and dynamic environment. Most are designed to help you assess your options and translate your skills in order to land the right job.

• Opportunity to gain insight in to organisation, industry or job role
• Corporate acumen: Participants will broaden their knowledge of their chosen industry and develop an understanding of their skills in the corporate environment
• In-depth experience: Participants will have the opportunity to leverage their skills and gain sector experience by undertaking a role as part of a permanent team
• Networking: internships are an excellent opportunity for you to network yourself into a role
• Mentors: interns are generally assigned a mentor to support them throughout their placement, this is usually a senior level employee who can offer excellent insight into that role or company