If you’re a student or recent graduate wondering how to make the most of your summer, securing an internship could be one of the best decisions you make. Whether you’re looking to gain hands-on experience, explore career options, or start building a professional network, an internship is a stepping stone to future success.
Internships are always paid – don’t work for free!
There’s a common misconception that internships are just about getting experience, even if it means working for free. But the reality is that unpaid internships are now illegal—any legitimate employer must compensate you for your work. If you come across an unpaid opportunity, think twice before accepting. Your time and skills have value, and the right internship will not only teach you but also pay you for your contributions.
Why are internships so important?
Many students underestimate just how much an internship can help them in their career. Even if you’re not yet sure about your long-term goals, an internship can provide clarity and a crucial advantage when entering the job market. Here’s why they matter:
- Boost your employability – A degree alone is rarely enough. Employers want candidates with real-world experience, and an internship can demonstrate that you have the skills and work ethic they’re looking for. You’ll be ahead of other candidates if you start gaining experience now while you’re in school!
- Build your professional network – The people you meet during an internship—mentors, colleagues, and other interns—could help you land a job in the future. Networking is one of the most effective ways to secure employment.
- Test out different career paths – If you’re unsure about what you want to do, internships allow you to explore different industries without a long-term commitment. Through internships you may also find cool and interesting jobs you never knew existed!
- Develop key skills – Beyond industry-specific knowledge, internships help you improve soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, all of which are essential in any career.
- Gain insight into the workplace – Understanding workplace culture and expectations is something you can’t learn in a classroom. An internship helps you transition from student life to professional life more smoothly. Students also have the added benefit of being recognised as still learning, so ask as many questions as possible and you will find an unprecedented amount of support from others which is difficult to receive later.
Creative Business Internships – a unique opportunity
If you’re interested in a structured, hands-on experience, consider applying for Creative Business Internships. This programme is specifically designed for graduating and recently graduated students, placing them in short-term, paid internships with small creative businesses.
What makes this program special? Unlike traditional internships at large corporations, these opportunities allow you to work closely with business founders—all of whom are UAL graduates—offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and sustain a creative enterprise. If you’ve ever considered starting your own business, this is a unique opportunity to gain real-world insights into entrepreneurship while contributing to an innovative company.
Beyond that, these internships are great for students with little to no experience. If you’re struggling to get your foot in the door, this is the perfect place to start. You’ll gain valuable, CV-boosting experience while getting paid for your work.
Take the next step toward your career
If you’re looking for more ways to gain experience and jumpstart your career, don’t stop at internships.why not check out UAL’s jobs board, Creative Opportunities? Run by Careers and Employability, it is the go-to hub for creative students and graduates. You can find jobs, paid internships, competitions, and volunteering roles. If you are studying an art, design, communications, or a performance course or have recently graduated, then this is the place for you! Our goal is to help you achieve your ambitions and make a living doing what you love.
Don’t let this summer go to waste—invest in your future, gain experience, and get paid while doing it!