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Posted May 6, 2025

How do you find internships as a postgraduate student?

Finding an internship as a postgraduate student

If you are undertaking a postgraduate program to change careers or to further in your current field – a relevant internship could be key to helping you find a fulfilling role on completion of the course. Internships are a great way to gain practical, hands-on experience and potentially increase your chances of landing that dream career.

In this blog article we are going to look at ways to find a relevant postgraduate internship.

University careers team

Most universities will have a dedicated careers team to help students explore their career options and find their perfect job upon completion of their course – whether it’s an undergraduate degree or a postgraduate program. The careers team should offer one-to-one meetings, CV-writing assistance and even mock interviews. They may also have information of possible internships on file – especially if your university has established links with local or even national businesses and companies.

Faculty members

Speak to your university lecturers and personal tutors – they may be aware of opportunities within your field and be able to point you in the right direction. They will also be ideal people to use as academic referees if need to secure the internship.

Online research

Explore online job platforms and specialist graduate platforms online to see if they are advertising any relevant internships. If you are seeking your internship in the UK – websites including Milkround and TargetJobs are good places to start. It is also a good idea to reach out to your professional network on LinkedIn.

Approach companies directly

As a postgraduate student you probably know what field you want to go into. Identify companies that you are interested in working in within your area of interest and check their website’s online recruitment section to see what internship schemes they have available.

Networking events

Your university will put on regular networking events such as careers fairs and guest lectures – and these are great ways to meet professionals in your field and make potential contacts in your chosen industry. Make sure you attend as many networking events as you can – and whilst there, speak up! Talk to academics, guest lecturers and graduate recruiters as well as fellow students – you never know where a conversation could lead you.

Connect with alumni

Successful students usually have a great affection for their alma mater and will often be key members of alumni associations, keen to help new students along their path to success and happiness. Reach out to alumni from your subject area – through alumni events, LinkedIn or Facebook – and see if they have any good internship advice or leads.

Professional associations

If you are studying a vocational course, like a Master of Laws program or a postgraduate accounting course – you are likely to find there are professional associations that you can join. Although these will usually require a small subscription charge, they are worth the costs in terms of providing leads for internships and also potential graduate jobs once you have achieved your masters qualification.

Tailor each application individually

When you do find internships that you want to apply for, make sure you tailor your application to that specific internship rather than sending out a blanket cover letter and CV.

Example internship application cover letter

Re: Internship enquiry from [SUBJECT] masters degree student

Dear [XXX]

I hope you are keeping well.

I am writing to you regarding a potential internship opportunity at your company. My name is [XXX] and I am currently studying [XXXXX] at the University of [XXXXX], and I would welcome the opportunity to undertake an internship within your organisation. I have previous experience in [detail any relevant work experience/career] and whilst studying my postgraduate course I am specialising in [detail any relevant subjects studied] which has furthered my interest in this field.

I think my academic learning [together with any relevant work experience] makes me an ideal fit for your company, and I would welcome the chance to discuss internship opportunities and/or work experience with you. I am particularly interested in your company’s work in [a field relevant to your masters that the company works in] and am really keen to gain hands-on experience in this field.

I have attached my CV for your review and would welcome the opportunity to meet you and discuss this further. Please contact me if you require any further information or references.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,


[Name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]


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1 comment

AIMS Education May 19, 2025, 5:07 a.m.

This is such a helpful and comprehensive guide! 🙌 Internships really can be the bridge between academic learning and landing that dream job. I especially agree with reaching out to alumni—those connections can be gold! 💼✨

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