Develop your work experience, earn money, and build your confidence on a paid summer internship.
What’s on offer
If you are a second or penultimate year undergraduate student, this is your exclusive opportunity to undertake a six-or eight-week internship with a UK employer during the summer vacation. All roles will start in June or July and are a great chance to:
- gain valuable paid work experience
- develop key transferable skills that employers look for
- explore different career options.
There are over 150 internship vacancies exclusive to second or penultimate year students at Sussex.
100% of interns agreed they enjoyed their internship and would recommend the experience to other students (Student intern survey data, 2022).
Read about Isaac’s internship experience in business development at The Midlife Hub.
Key information
- This year’s internships come from organisations in a range of sectors, including charities and social enterprises, media production, PR and marketing, technology, software development, political parties and consultancy.
- Most are full-time, but part-time internships over a longer duration may be considered.
- There is a mixture of office-based, remote-working and hybrid roles.
- You are encouraged to apply early as vacancies may close at short notice.
Almost 1 in 5 interns have successfully taken up further/permanent employment with their employer after the internship (Internship hosts survey data, 2022).
Working hours and pay
Most internships will be in Sussex or the southeast. They will be 37.5 hours per week, although part-time hours over a longer time period may be considered. For example, if you undertake a six-week internship, you can work 22.5 hours per week for 10 weeks instead of full-time. However, this will need to be agreed between you and your employer.
All internships are paid at least the real Living Wage (£10.90 per hour UK rate and £11.95 per hour London rate) and you will be working on real projects. You will earn between £2,500 and £3,600, depending on whether you opt for a six or eight-week internship, and within or outside of London.
Eligibility
Internships are a great way to discover different career options, including those not directly related to your current studies. Many of our roles are suitable for students from any degree course, with little to no work experience. Those which require knowledge, or a specific degree background, will say so in the advert.
These opportunities are exclusive to Sussex second or penultimate year undergraduate students.
If you can’t find an internship you are interested in, it is possible to arrange your own, but the employer must be approved by Careers and Entrepreneurship.
Holidays and paying tax
You will be entitled to holiday. The number of days will depend on the duration of the internship. If you undertake a full-time eight-week internship you would be eligible for four days’ holiday.
Income tax and National Insurance will be deducted from your pay. There is no exemption for students working over the summer. If you will not be working again until next April, you can usually reclaim overpaid tax from HMRC.
Making good quality applications
To have the highest chance of securing an internship, before submitting your application, we would recommend that you:
- explore activities in the Work Experience Preparation Programme, which has been designed to boost your confidence and tackle imposter syndrome
- book into any relevant events run by Careers and Entrepreneurship
- look at our resources on applying for jobs (including CVs and cover letters).
How to apply
This is a competitive process. Take a look at the internships advertised and apply for any that interest you. More will be added, so keep checking.
The application process involves uploading your CV and cover letter (or application form). Employers will then shortlist applications and successful applicants will be given an interview. Places are often confirmed within a few weeks of an interview.
You can apply to take part in all Career Lab Summer opportunities, but can only accept either a UK internship or online global Internship or the Junior Research Associate scheme.
The deadline for applications varies up until 16 June 2023. Early applications are advised, as vacancies may close at short notice.
Equality in employment
You are protected from discrimination in the workplace and through the recruitment process, and we can advise on disclosure issues and your rights in work. We have tailored resources available for our diverse student body. Find out more about your rights at work.
We offer extended appointments for students with a disability and/or long-term health condition, and care leavers. Email internships@sussex.ac.uk with any questions on equality in the workplace.
Accommodation and transport
Important: We are unable to help with accommodation and paying accomodation or transport costs. Any costs should be paid out of your wages. Find out how to budget while at university.