The ultimate guide to summer internships 2024

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If you’re keen to learn new skills, get a head start on your dream career or have a productive vacation, a summer internship is the perfect solution! Whether you’re in your first year or your final year, completing an internship is an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience.  

However, finding the perfect one isn’t always straightforward. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to help you find your dream summer internship for 2024. This ultimate guide will include: 

• What is an internship?
• How long are internships?
• Do I get paid for internships?
• The difference between an internship and a work placement 
• First-year student summer internships
• Summer internships for international students in the UK
• A step-by-step guide to finding a summer internship

What is an internship? 

An internship is a type of work experience usually undertaken by students or recent graduates to help them gain real-world experience, learn new skills, and discover if a job is the right fit for them. Employers also use them to assess final-year students or graduates, and you might end up with a full-time job if you impress them!  

How long are internships? 

An internship program can range from a few days to several months depending on the employer and industry. Summer internships are one of the most popular options. They tend to last for 1-3 months usually between June and August.  

Do I get paid for internships? 

In the UK, anyone who is defined as a ‘worker’ should earn at least the National Minimum Wage (£7.49 for 18-20-year-olds and £10.18 if you're 21 or over in 2023). If you’re performing the same duties as paid staff members and have set working hours, you should be classed as a ‘worker’ while you’re interning. However, you won’t be classed as a ‘worker’, if you’re only shadowing an employee.  

If it's an unpaid program, they’ll usually provide some compensation for food and travel expenses. When deciding if an unpaid placement is right for you, make sure you consider what you’re getting out of the experience. Ultimately, it should benefit you, not the employer.  

What's the difference between an internship and a work placement? 

Some people get internships and work placements mixed up, but it’s important to remember that they’re different experiences. A work placement, sometimes called a placement year or year-in-industry, is included in some degrees. Students will receive academic credits for completing their placement. An internship is separate from your degree, typically won’t have any form of accreditation, and is usually undertaken during a university holiday period.  

First-year student summer internships 

Although most internships are completed in the summer before your final year of university, there’s no reason you can’t undertake one as a first-year student.  

More and more companies now offer short-term placements for college students and first-year university students, sometimes called ‘insight days’. These programs usually last 1-5 days and might include work shadowing, team challenges and mentoring. They’re structured to give you an insight into working at a specific company, making them a great way to decide if an industry is the right fit for you! 

Summer internships in the UK for international students 

If you’re an international student already studying at a UK university, you’re allowed to undertake internships alongside your studies. Your student visa allows you to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during vacations. So, you’re free to undertake a student internship as long as you don’t work more than the allowed hours, whether it’s paid or unpaid work. 

For more information, check out our blog, ‘International students: UK working hours’. 

How to find a summer internship for 2024 in 5 simple steps 

Finding your first summer internship might feel like an impossible task especially when there are so many options available, but we’re here to break it down for you.  

1. Start as early as possible  

When it comes to summer internships, it’s best to start your search as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to research companies, perfect your CV and apply with plenty of time before any deadlines. Plus, it’ll help you feel less stressed out by the whole process.  

2. Have a look online for internship opportunities 

Most internships are advertised online, so this is the best place to start your search. You can look at company websites and social media pages if you already have an idea of where you want to apply. Alternatively, you can look at sites like Prospect, TargetJobs, or RateMyPlacement. 

3. Make the most of your existing connections 

If you can’t find an internship you like online, you can always ask any friends or family members if there are any opportunities where they work.  

If you’re a first-year student just looking to gain some work experience, you can always ask a family member if you can shadow them or a colleague for a few days. Even if it’s not in your preferred industry or field of study, it will still be something to add to your CV. 

4. Speak to your university  

Your university should have a career service where job and internship opportunities are advertised. They’ll also be able to offer some tips for internship applications and they might have online courses or resources to help perfect your CV. 

5. Be brave and contact companies directly  

If there’s a company you’ve always dreamed of working for, but they don’t have any internships advertised, there’s no harm in reaching out to them. Call or email their HR department to see if there are any opportunities available.  

How UniHomes can help 

With so many summer internships available in 2024, it can feel like a lot of pressure to find one that’s a perfect fit. Combine that with your stress about where you’re going to live next year and it can feel pretty overwhelming. 

Although we can’t help you with finding your dream internship, we can help you find the perfect place to live! UniHomes has an extensive landlord and letting agent network with all–inclusive properties in student cities across the UK. Whether you’re looking for accommodation for the next academic year or for after you’ve graduated, we can help. 

Our all-inclusive accommodation is designed for students, graduates and young professionals. Everything is included in your monthly payment, including rent, broadband and even a TV licence if you need it.  

There’s no need to worry about fluctuating energy prices, setting up several utility accounts or trying to split bills with your housemates - giving you more time to focus on finding that perfect summer internship! Plus, we offer uncapped water and energy packages, so there’s no need to stress about you or your housemates using too much. 

Get in touch with our team today to learn more about what’s included, or have a look at the properties for rent near you.