Internship myths debunked

With so many internships on offer and so much information available, it can be easy to get confused. To help you we've broken down some common misconceptions

Internships offer professional development, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore career paths. Lasting anywhere from one week to 12 months the hands-on experience you'll gain is invaluable, but you need to choose wisely to ensure you get the most out of the opportunity.

Myth 1: Interns only do menial tasks

Great internships are all about getting stuck in on real projects. You could be attending meetings, preparing reports, writing marketing materials, and generally gaining skills you can use in your field. Interns bring fresh ideas to the table, can make a real difference and leave a lasting impression. Reputable organisations will give interns valuable work that contributes to their professional development.

For example, on the Rocket Lawyer - Software Engineering internship, you will be participating in technical design discussions, doing code reviews and building software updates.

On the TikTok Employee Relations (ER) Summer Internship you'll:

• identify and address potential violations of labour laws and regulations
• ensure all ER case documentation meets compliance requirements
• create clear and effective guidelines for handling ER matters
• deliver ER training to partners and business leaders.

Myth 2: You won't be paid

In general, interns performing worker duties are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW), depending on their age. As of April 2024, the NMW is £8.60 for 18-20-year-olds, and the NLW is £11.44 for those aged 21 and over.

Most employers pay more than this, some examples of salaries are:

• Army Officer internship - £27,818
• National Services Summer internship - £22,940
• NatWest Commercial Banking internship - £22,600
• Network Rail summer placement - £19,838
• The Co-Operative Bank summer internship - £22,000

There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, interns who are on a sandwich placement as part of a higher education course, or who are work shadowing, may not be entitled to pay. Similarly, interns who are working for a registered charity or who are undertaking work experience as part of a government scheme may not be entitled to payment.

Myth 3: Summer is the only season for interns

While summer internships are common, opportunities exist year-round. Some examples of internship application dates are:

• UNICEF's internships are available all year round.
• EY's Transaction Diligence Internship takes applications early in the year for summer enrolment.
• The Army's Officer internship is open for applications all year round.

Explore opportunities throughout the academic year, during breaks, or even virtually to maximise your chances of finding the right placement. Many internships will close their applications once they fill their places so the best advice is to apply as early as possible.

Myth 4: Internships are exclusive

Diversity and inclusion are increasingly important for companies. Read all about diversity in the workplace. Many organisations have programmes specifically aimed at attracting interns from disadvantaged backgrounds, underrepresented groups, and those with disabilities.                                                                                                    

For example:

• The Environment Agency run a Summer Diversity Internship for those from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background.
• The Centre for Women's Justice have The Azra Kemal Legal Internship Programme for women from minority backgrounds.
• MI5 offer the Summer Internship Programme for those from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority or socially or economically disadvantaged background.

There are also numerous scholarships and grants available to support interns from disadvantaged backgrounds. For instance, the Government's Turning Scheme offers financial support for international placements - don't hesitate to seek out these opportunities.

Myth 5: Internships are only valuable at big organisations

While large companies often have structured internship programmes, opportunities exist in organisations of all sizes, including startups, nonprofits, and government agencies. Smaller companies may offer interns more hands-on experience and opportunities for mentorship, making them valuable alternatives to their larger counterparts.

Many universities offer programmes to connect students and recent graduates with internship opportunities at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This not only benefits students by providing valuable work experience but also injects fresh perspectives and skills into a growing business.

To see what’s available, search for internships.

Myth 6: Virtual internships are worthless

Virtual internships are here to stay. They offer advantages, such as flexibility, accessibility, and the opportunity to develop digital communication and collaboration skills.

Discover more about virtual internships.

Myth 7: An internship leads toa guaranteed job

While some internships lead to job offers, that's not always the primary goal. Internships serve as a stepping stone to employment by providing valuable experience, networking opportunities, and references.

Securing a job ultimately depends on various factors, including performance, company hiring needs, and market conditions, but a positive internship experience can still be a huge boost to your career.

Myth 8: You should only apply for internships in your chosen field

Internships are a great way to explore different fields. Many employers value diverse experiences and skills, so don't limit yourself to internships directly related to your career goals. To find out more about areas you might like to work in, see job sectors. 

One way to gain exposure to multiple areas of a business is through a rotational internship. These programmes allow interns to 'rotate' through different departments like marketing, finance, and sales for set periods. In each department, you'd gain exposure to their specific tasks, like creating social media content in marketing, analysing commercial data in finance, and understanding production processes in operations. This well-rounded experience equips you with a comprehensive understanding of how the company functions as a whole.

For example, on the BP Finance Summer Internship you'll rotate across:

• Accounting, reporting and control - ensuring accurate financial reporting and working with business partners for smooth operation.
• Planning and performance management - supporting business planning, investment decisions, and commercial activities.
• Treasury - managing financing and risks to support the company's strategy.
• Business finance - partnering with businesses to drive performance, provide insights, and enable growth while maintaining strong financial processes.

Myth 9: One internship and you're done

Internships are not a one-time opportunity - you can complete multiple internships in different fields or with various companies throughout your academic and professional journey. Each internship offers unique experiences and insights, helping you refine your career goals, build your network, and develop crucial skills.

It's still important to prioritise quality over quantity. Be sure to seek internships that offer valuable experience, not just another line on your CV.

Find out more

• Read all about internships.
• Take a look at our example internship cover letter.