Internships in the United Kingdom
Internships in the United Kingdom offer an excellent opportunity for students and young professionals to gain valuable experience in an international environment, enhance their professional skills, and enrich their resumes.
As one of the world's leading economies, the UK offers various internship programs in diverse fields such as finance, technology, marketing, engineering, science, and many others. Internships are often a mandatory step before official employment, allowing candidates to better prepare for permanent work and increase their chances of obtaining official employee status.
How to Get an Internship in the United Kingdom
There are many resources for finding internships, such as specialized websites (e.g., Internships.com, Indeed), university career centers, and professional networks like LinkedIn.
Once an individual has found a suitable listing, the next step is to prepare a resume and cover letter. To apply, you need to prepare a resume that reflects your education, experience, and skills. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in the internship and how you can benefit the company.
Specialists from the "Consultant" marketplace can help create a resume and cover letter, increasing your chances of securing the desired internship.
After preparing your resume and cover letter, you need to complete the application. Most companies offer online platforms for submitting applications. You need to fill out a form, upload your resume and cover letter, and sometimes provide recommendation letters. If your application is selected, the next steps may include interviews (telephone, video, or in-person) and sometimes additional tests (e.g., logic or technical knowledge tests).
Requirements for Internship Candidates
Most internship programs require candidates to have a certain level of education. Usually, these are students or graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Some employers may require previous work experience or volunteer work in the relevant field.
A high level of English proficiency is also a mandatory requirement. Many companies require language test results, such as IELTS.
Other important qualities include communication skills, adaptability, teamwork ability, analytical thinking, and motivation.
Documents Required for Internships in the United Kingdom:
- Internship visa. The Tier 5 (Temporary Worker — Government Authorised Exchange) visa is one of the most common for interns. To obtain it, you need a sponsor (a company or organization accredited by the UK government);
- Invitation from the company; proof of financial capability;
- English language test results.
Other documents may be required, depending on the specific case and company.
Interns' Rights and Pay
Interns' rights depend on their employment status:
- Worker — someone who already has an employment contract;
- Volunteer — representatives of specific volunteer organizations in the UK;
- Employee — someone who already has a labor contract.
If an intern performs regular paid work for an employer, they may qualify as a worker and be entitled to labor rights (sick pay, holiday pay, wages, leave, etc.). In this case, during the internship, they are entitled to the National Minimum Wage. An intern is considered a worker and must receive the minimum wage if they are promised a future work contract.
Interns are not entitled to wages in the following cases:
- Student internships. Students required to do an internship for less than one year as part of their education in the UK are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
- School work experience. School-aged individuals doing work experience are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage.
- Volunteers. A person is not entitled to the minimum wage if they work for a charitable organization and receive payment only for expenses such as travel or lunch.
- Observation. An employer is not required to pay the minimum wage if the internship involves only observing work, meaning the intern does not perform any work but merely observes it.
On the "Consultant" legal marketplace, you can get advice on internship pay.
Why Consult a Lawyer When Applying for an Internship in the United Kingdom?
Consulting a specialist when applying for an internship in the UK can be very beneficial for several reasons.
A specialist will help with legal aspects, such as obtaining the appropriate visa (e.g., Tier 5), ensuring the correct preparation of documents and application submission, reducing the risk of rejection.
A lawyer can review and explain the contract terms to ensure you understand your rights and obligations. Additionally, professional assistance with employment and labor law issues will allow you to confidently address any challenges that may arise during your internship, ensuring legal protection in a new country. Specialists from the "Consultant" marketplace will always help with the necessary questions regarding document collection and processing.
