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Even after completing university, students are likely to encounter an extremely competitive job market. A study by the Institute of Student Employers found that the average company receives 140 applications per vacancy for its graduate roles, with students increasingly aware that a degree is no guarantee they will have a successful career once their studies are concluded.
Given this ultra-competitive climate, internships have become increasingly important as a way for graduates to stand out from their peers. Internships, as well as providing useful on-the-job skills that are difficult to acquire in the classroom, foster face-to-face industry connections that even the most academically gifted student would find difficult to engender.
Put simply, taking part in an internship can greatly improve a graduate’s chances of securing the job of their choosing, with data from LinkedIn showing that interns are almost 25 per cent more likely to start a full-time position within six months of graduation than non-interns. If not essential, they can certainly provide a competitive advantage.
Graduates can demonstrate this advantage in several ways. For graduates, instead of simply being able to include their academic results on their CVs, internships enable them to demonstrate practical experience. It is easy for students to claim passion for a particular industry on an application form. Completing an internship in the field means they can prove this passion.
Given that the advantages of completing an internship are well-established, many universities have looked to offer students a faster route into these roles. For instance, platforms like myUCLCareers put students in touch with internship programmes that are looking to recruit from their institution. Similarly, many universities provide students with access to resources like alumni networking, which can make securing an internship easier.
Completing an internship also shows that students are willing to go above and beyond to succeed in their chosen careers. Although completing a degree may be noteworthy in itself, securing an internship demonstrates that a student can to show initiative and drive that goes beyond their academic discipline.
Internships also show that students can apply the skills they’ve acquired during their studies in a practical setting. If, for example, they have completed an engineering degree, taking an internship related to an infrastructure project tells a potential recruiter that they can apply the knowledge acquired during their degree to deliver real-world impact.
An internship is also a great way for students to demonstrate to recruiters that they possess an openness to trying new things. Internships allow individuals to enjoy new experiences, whether that’s embracing a different culture or getting to grips with formal employment for the first time.
While it may not be essential for students to complete an internship, the competitive advantages are clear. Completing an internship has been shown to increase the number of job offers received by students by 16 per cent. In a competitive job market, that could be the difference between starting the job of your dreams and being another applicant in a sea of graduates.
Language proficiency tests, such as the Duolingo English Test, can further enhance the value of internships for students and graduates by demonstrating their ability to communicate effectively in diverse workplace environments. For those undertaking internships abroad or in multilingual settings, proficiency in another language is often crucial for building relationships with colleagues, understanding industry-specific terminology and navigating cultural nuances. Additionally, language certifications provide a clear, recognised benchmark of skills that can strengthen internship applications and help candidates stand out in a crowded field.
By combining the practical experience gained through internships with verified language competencies, students can position themselves as adaptable, globally minded professionals ready to excel in their careers.
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