Internships for students and recent graduates

Internships: how to choose well and turn one into a job

This page lists internships taken from company careers pages and official internship programmes. A good internship gives you real work to talk about in interviews, a reference from someone who has seen you work, and sometimes a full-time offer at the end. A poor one gives you a certificate and little else. The difference is usually visible before you accept, if you know what to check.

Paid, unpaid and pay-to-intern

Stipends vary a lot by company, city and role. Large companies and funded startups usually pay a monthly stipend, while small organisations and non-profits sometimes offer unpaid internships. An unpaid internship can still be worth it if the work and mentorship are real, but decide that with your eyes open.

What you should never do is pay to intern. "Internship programmes" that charge a fee for training and a certificate are courses sold under another name, and some are outright scams. A genuine employer pays you, or at least does not charge you, for your work.

What to check before you accept

• Dates and duration. Make sure they fit around your exams and that the end date is written down. Summer internships often run six to eight weeks, while others last three to six months.
• Stipend and payment schedule. Get the amount and the payment date in writing.
• The actual work. Ask what a typical week looks like and who your mentor will be. "You will learn everything" without specifics is a warning sign.
• Letters and certificates. Ask whether you will receive an internship certificate or letter describing your work. It helps with background checks later.
• College requirements. Some colleges need an offer letter before they issue a no-objection certificate, and some count internships towards credits.
• Conversion. Ask whether interns are considered for pre-placement offers, and how many were converted last year.

How to turn an internship into a full-time offer

1. Agree on expectations in the first week. Ask your mentor what a successful internship looks like and write the answer down.
2. Share short weekly updates. Three lines covering what you finished, what is next and where you are stuck make your work visible.
3. Finish something real. One feature, report or test suite that is actually used counts for more than many half-done tasks.
4. Ask for feedback before the final week, while there is still time to act on it.
5. Raise the question of a full-time role with your manager in the last few weeks, politely and directly.

For more on finding the right internship and making it count, read how to find an internship and turn it into a full-time offer. Your projects matter as much as the company name, so see how to describe projects on your resume too.

Frequently asked questions

Can graduates apply for internships?

Many internships are open to recent graduates as well as students. The listing usually states the eligible degrees and graduation years.

Does an internship count as work experience?

Most employers treat internships as relevant experience but not as full-time years. List them under a separate heading on your resume with what you built or achieved.

Is a stipend taxable?

Stipends can be taxable depending on the amount and your total income for the year. If the payer deducts tax, you can usually claim it back by filing a return. Check the current rules or ask a tax professional.

Do I have to pay to apply?

No. JOBSPOT 360 never charges candidates, and you apply directly on the company's site. Treat any request for money as a red flag.