Work experience/ internship

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

My DD is currently in her first year studying Politics and Economics. Should she be applying for work experience or an internship for the summer?

[BubblesBuddy]

Well it depends what she wants to do after her degree. A number of posters thought, in a recent conversation, that first year was generally too early. However work of any kind in the holidays, or volunteering, is worthwhile. She needs to apply for anything for first years and read the rules carefully. If she’s not eligible, don’t apply.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thanks for the reply Bubbles. She doesn't know what she wants to do yet.

[BubblesBuddy]

In that case, anything is better than nothing. Volunteering for a political party might be interesting! My DD volunteered for the National Trust. Look for any local summer jobs.

[ShanghaiDiva]

Ds is studying Accounting and Finance and internships are generally for students who have completed the second year.
Agree with Bubbles that any kind of work is worthwhile. Ds is looking at one finance opportunity, but if that doesn't work out then he will be clearing tables at the motorway services.

[ShalomJackie]

If she is interested in Consultancy there are definitely insight weeks for 1st year undergrads with internships usually being availble for 2 nd years

[BubblesBuddy]

I forgot to mention that local councils might offer summer jobs. I would contact the HR departments and see what they might have. Also agree that there might be "taster" weeks at some large employers but doing something that is work or volunteer based for the cv is important.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thanks for the replies. She does have a supermarket job that she can go back to in the holidays so she would definitely be working. Last summer she spent a week at RBS which she really enjoyed. I had a quick Google and it looks like some of the big banks in London (we are in the South East) have internships for first years. She'd need to get a move on though as you need to apply by the end of January. Love the idea of her volunteering for a political party!

[CowJumping]

Should she be applying for work experience or an internship for the summer?

Our careers service says that it's increasingly important for all students to have paid work of some kind on their CVs. It shows employers that a job applicant is used to the disciplines of turning up for work etc, can work in a team, all that sort of thing.

If the work is related to the field of study, that's even better. That's where internships or work-related placements can be useful.

[BubblesBuddy]

Student cannot all get paid work though. When DD volunteered for the National Trust she turned up on time when required, learnt all about the rooms in the house, was a guide to a special exhibition at the house, helped visitors in reception, helped produce a new catalogue, rewrote notes about the house in her MFL languages and helped develop a new young visitor quiz and play area. This appeared, when applying for jobs/training, to be of value in demonstrating all the things a paid job does in terms of reliability, working with others etc. In fact you could argue people were more interested in what she had done over and above working at a till as it was always a topic of conversation. So don’t discount doing something different.

[Madeline88]

Volunteering a good idea. Love that she has a summer job, would be better if a shift all year round, I despair when graduates apply with no work experience, volunteering and internships a ++ on top of that.

[Yourownpersonaljesus]

Thank you everyone. She has a campus job during term time and goes back to her old job she had in 6th form when she's back at home. She definitely isn't work shy! I just wondered if anyone personally had any experience of internships. I'll suggest volunteering to her as well as looking for internships. I would imagine competition for places is very fierce though. Although if she doesn't apply she has no chance at all!

[CowJumping]

Yes, @BubblesBuddy I should have emphasised that relevant work-related placements or internships - such as the placement you describe your DD doing - are also attractive on a CV. You outline exactly why.

But not all young people & their families can afford a student not to earn money in vacation time - that's why some universities run (competitive) internship bursaries - have a look at the UofBirmingham "Honeypot" scheme, as an example.

[BubblesBuddy]

I completely agree that not everyone can afford to volunteer but some cannot afford unpaid internships either. Hopefully this might change. Something is better than nothing.

OP: I think first year is a bit early for getting an internship but she should think about what career she might like and go to any relevant careers events at university. Gather the information now about internship deadlines so she is aware of what’s required next year. If she thinks she has gaps in her cv, try and fill them in the next 9 months or so. She should give herself the best chance but they are competitive!