Internships: A Path to Success
Internships, once seen as an opportunity exclusively for well-connected university students, are now becoming more accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds. These work experiences, which typically last from a few weeks to a year, have been proven to increase job prospects, with around 60% of interns securing employment in their chosen field. Furthermore, many internships are now paid, allowing working-class students to participate and gain valuable skills.
Real-Life Success Story
Chris Millar, now the director of European merchant servicing at American Express, started his journey to success with an internship at the company back in 2013. This valuable experience led to him being offered a place on the firm’s graduate scheme, setting him on the path towards his current senior role. According to Millar, internships offer a "unique experience you simply can't get during time in education," providing individuals with the opportunity to better understand their own strengths and interests.
Kick-Start Your Career
Andrew Hunter, co-founder of the job search engine Adzuna, emphasizes the benefits of taking an internship as a means to jumpstart one's career. Not only does it help jobseekers build impressive resumes, but it also allows them to earn a decent starting wage. With over 2,600 internship placements available this October, now is the perfect time to apply for these valuable opportunities.
How to Land an Internship
Naomi Ambrose, from the social mobility charity The Talent Tap, shares some tips on how to secure an internship:
- Start looking early: Apply ahead of the competition by researching and applying to internship opportunities as soon as they are published.
- Diversify your applications: Internships are highly competitive, so it's wise to apply to multiple programs. Even if there isn't an exact match in your desired field, there are transferable skills to gain.
- Seek support: Work with a friend to research opportunities, proof-read each other's applications, and practice standard interview questions. Additionally, seek guidance from your school or university's career department.
- Consider logistics: When applying for internships in different locations, plan ahead for accommodations. Reach out to friends or consider alternative housing options.
- Utilize resources: Charities like The Talent Tap can offer support, mentoring, and training on employability skills, interviews, assessment centers, and CV writing.
Opportunities in the Tech and Logistics Sectors
Looking to enter the automotive or logistics industries? Check out these internship programs:
Tech It Up a Gear at Autotech Academy
Autotech Academy, part of the Autotech Group, offers over 200 internship opportunities across the country. These programs span six to twelve months and cover various roles within garages, workshops, and dealerships. Whether you're interested in vehicle repair and maintenance, parts advising, service advising, or body and paint specialization, Autotech Academy has a placement for you. Apply at autotechrecruit.co.uk/academy or call 01234 603 013.
Haul to Play For in the Logistics Industry
Generation Logistics, an industry group promoting the growing logistics job sector, highlights the benefits of internships for young people exploring career options. UK haulage giant Wincanton is offering fifteen twelve-month operations internships, with applications opening on October 23 at wincanton.co.uk/careers/early-career-opportunities. Jo Pick, people director for operations at Wincanton, states that a quarter of internship participants join the company's graduate scheme, which has resulted in all graduates remaining with the company.
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