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All students on the BSc Global Humanitarian Studies degree are given support to successfully pursue an internship between their second and third year of study.
All students on the BSc Global Humanitarian Studies degree are supported throughout their degree course in finding an internship between their second and third year of study.
The internship can be full-time, part-time, remote or hybrid and will be taken outside your timetabled course requirement. Students will be expected to comply with visa requirements.
If you wish to intern outside the UK, you are welcome to do so and support and advice will be provided where necessary. You may also access funding to support your internship both in the UK or overseas.
The support available:
- The dedicated Work Placements Manager within the IRDR will be available to undergraduate students for drop ins and one-to-one appointments throughout the academic year.
- You will be offered a series of careers talks on sourcing internships in the humanitarian sector, how to prepare your CV and cover letter as well as general careers support. Where relevant you will be signposted to UCL Careers services.
- The Work Placements Manager will be approaching employers on behalf of the BSc Global Humanitarian Studies to source internships in line with your areas of interest with the aim of creating ring fenced internships exclusively for IRDR students.
- You can search the myUCLCareers portal, which is available to all UCL students to find internships and schemes exclusively for UCL students.
- The dedicated IRDR Careers Moodle page, as well as the IRDR Year 2/3 Internships toolkit moodle page has a wealth of information and resources to help you with the process of searching for, applying for and securing an internship.
- You will be sent regular Year 2 Internships Newsletters including advice, internships available and events for BSc Global Humanitarian Studies students. If you are not in Year 2 and would like to receive these please email irdr-placements@ucl.ac.uk
- You will receive regular announcements on the IRDR careers moodle page with internships and activities you can get involved in.
- You will be given support and guidance to ensure that any internship you undertaken is a useful and safe experience.
Meet our student interns
- Yasmin Abuzaid - Consulting Intern, PwC
How and why did you secure the internship that you did?
I secured the internship through the organisation's website where they posted summer internship vacancies for students. I had applied for a summer internship at similar companies (the 'big 4') on their websites. Companies such as PwC require to pass a certain number of interviews before receiving an offer. One aspect that truly helped me in securing my spot was practicing and a lot of reading. I practiced interview questions online and with friends as well as case studies. I also practiced a case study with a career coach from UCL careers which was of great help! Also, I was very confident during my interview with PwC which is important. Finally, I made sure to know what the employer was looking for (i.e. knowing the job description of the role you are applying for) as well as tailoring my CV to each role.
What did you do on your internship?
I worked as a consulting intern this summer at PwC. During my internship, I had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team within the Transformation Management Business Unit, dedicated to serving a prominent public sector client. The key deliverables of our team revolved around the establishment and operation of a Project Management Office (PMO) and the transfer of expertise to the client in executing successful projects. In this capacity, my internship role encompassed a diverse range of responsibilities, including extensive data analysis and collection, as well as content creation for client workshops. However, a significant and recurring aspect of my internship involved the pivotal responsibility of generating a weekly Status Update Report for all of the client's departments.
This multifaceted task entailed the collection of data from various departments, rigorous data analysis, and data input into a comprehensive Excel master sheet. Subsequently, I transformed this data into a visually compelling presentation format, ensuring its readiness for client presentation to the CEO and VP.
Did you internship meet your expectations?
My internship at first didn’t meet my expectations as I was being asked to do a significant amount of reading and learning on project management and on the specific client we were working on. However, I only noticed afterwards how crucial this first week was when using it more practically during my experience. I also had the chance to truly experience the consultants world as I worked at the client’s office and not the company's headquarters, which is a fact many people don’t know before entering this industry! Overall, my internship did meet my expectations and I had the chance to work with wonderful people and learn new things everyday!
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?
Transitioning from an academic environment to a professional one has been a transformative experience for me. While I have always cherished the process of theoretical learning, I have come to appreciate the vital importance of practical application through my internship. During my tenure, I had the privilege to acquire and refine a spectrum of skills, among which resilience stands out as particularly critical in the consulting industry. The fast-paced and often high-pressure nature of this field demands a steadfast ability to adapt and persevere. My internship provided the perfect environment to cultivate and demonstrate this essential trait. Furthermore, this invaluable internship has not only expanded my professional horizons but has also been a catalyst for personal growth. One noteworthy aspect has been the significant boost in my self-confidence. I began my internship with a certain reserve, often hesitant to share my ideas, especially in larger group settings. However, I was always eager to take on tasks and extend assistance whenever possible.
Towards the conclusion of my internship, these personal attributes were addressed by my colleagues, who expressed their appreciation for my proactive approach. They also noted the importance of further developing my self-assuredness, which I have since been actively working on. This feedback has been instrumental in my ongoing journey towards becoming a more confident and effective professional. I am sincerely grateful for the doors this internship has opened for me, both professionally and personally. It has been a transformative experience that has equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to excel in the dynamic and demanding world of consulting.How has this experience affected your career goals?
My experience as a consulting intern at PwC has had a profound impact on my career goals. Working within the Transformation Management Business Unit and collaborating on projects for our client exposed me to the dynamic and challenging world of consulting in the public sector. One notable effect on my career goals is the clarity it provided regarding my interest in consulting as a long-term career path. Through my involvement in establishing a Project Management Office (PMO) and the transfer of expertise to our client, I gained valuable insights into the consulting industry's intricacies and its potential for driving positive change in the public sector. This experience solidified my desire to pursue a career in consulting, particularly in the context of public sector transformation. Moreover, my internship allowed me to refine and expand my skill set significantly. The responsibilities I undertook, such as extensive data analysis, content creation, and the preparation of weekly Status Update Reports, honed my analytical, communication, and project management skills. These skills are not only vital in consulting but also transferrable to various professional contexts. As a result, my career goals now include leveraging these skills not only in consulting but also in broader leadership and problem-solving roles.
Do you have any advice for a student who is looking to do a summer internship?
Apply, apply, apply!! I am aware that applying takes up a large amount of time and can be so overwhelming especially during university however it is always worth it. Every application teaches you something. Make sure also you have a neat and organized CV as to even get an employers attention you must pass the CV screening stage which isn’t always an easy stage to pass for larger companies. Another recommendation would be to capitalize on the available resources for you at UCL such as UCL careers.
- Izzy Valder - Youth Action Volunteer Researcher, British Red Cross
How and why did you secure the internship that you did?
My internship was as a Youth Action Volunteer Researcher with the British Red Cross. I secured my internship through my department's Work Placements Manager. The internship was advertised via email and I completed an application form including why I wanted the opportunity and what I was interested in. I was then contacted by the Head of the British Red Cross Youth Action Team who interviewed me, it was semi-formal and they focused on getting to know me and my experiences. I did not receive the position I applied for but, because I mentioned my studies alongside my experiences and spoke about some of my modules I enjoyed or learnt the most from, I was invited back for another interview. In my second interview they offended me an alternative position because I showed myself to be enthusiastic and eager to learn new skills.
What did you do on the internship?
My primary role was to work with the Youth Action Team to develop a university mapping model to help connect the BRC offices to places of higher education more effectively. I collected career and placement data from every university or college in the UK and mapped them to the nearest offices, so that when future placements are available they can contact the most relevant schools. I also took part on workshops, including a review of youth outreach and a large mapathon, where we helped map out parts of rural Africa.
Did you internship meet your expectations?
Very much so. It really helped me understand what I did know and what I wasn’t sure on, especially in terms of my practical skills. It helped me develop my existing knowledge of NGO’s and how their internal organs function together to reach their organisational goals.
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?
My internship helped me realise my practical office skills, need to be improved and refined. It helped me realise I would like to continue my studies with a masters so I can fill in gaps in my abilities. It also helped me improve my confidence in my knowledge and presentation skills and put me in a better place when I do start looking for employment.
How has your experience affected your career goals?
It has made me realise that working in an NGO is something I would love to do in my future, but I still have a little work to do before I get there.
Do you have any advice for a student who is looking to do a summer internship?
Do it! It really helps you understand the extent of what you know but also shows you what you need to work on. Also the work you do genuinely matters to these organisations, and that is a really rewarding thing for students to feel.
- Denisa Tami - Catastrophe Risk Intern - JBA Risk Management
How and why did you secure the internship that you did?
I secured the internship by actively reading and following up emails advertising potential summer internships. I applied for the position using the JBA Risk Management Application form and sent it to the JBA careers team. I was then interviewed about my interests, past experience, and what I hoped to gain from the internship. As someone interested in disaster risk reduction, having a remote internship with a company that offered insight and hands-on experience sounded like an excellent opportunity to spend the summer productively.
What did you do on your internship?
As a Catastrophe Risk Intern, I was involved in running JBA’s catastrophe models and tools, using statistics and GIS to analyse results, and contributing to reports that help clients interpret results for their decision-making. I also worked on a specific project during your time at JBA that allowed me to demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained during the internship. This final project focused on using JBA’s flood models to compare the effects of flood risk on women and men in Pakistan and analyse any patterns found in the results. I was also tasked to write a blog post about my overall internship experience, which is ongoing due to the time needed for the models to finish running and provide results. More specifically, I learned new computer operating systems like Linux and Python programming while using JBA’s catastrophe and crop models in their specific projects for different clients. I also used GIS to generate maps, such as maps showing rainfall and conducted desk-based research to support report writing to particular clients.
Did your internship meet your expectations? Explain why.
The internship exceeded my expectations. As a student with little to no prior experience in an office environment, everyone in the Analytics team was super friendly and approachable. When I was confused or made a mistake, everyone was reassuring and encouraging. As a full-time internship, it almost did not feel remote as I was ostensibly expected to be responsive and available on Microsoft Teams throughout the workday. The opportunity to travel to the Skipton office was also amazing!
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?During my time at JBA Risk Management, I had the opportunity to work on different projects, which allowed me to apply knowledge from my course. I learned to use new computer operating systems like Linux and Python programming, acquiring practical skills and enhancing my technical proficiency. The team I worked with was experienced in an extensive range of areas related to understanding and mitigating flood risk, including parametric insurance, climate change, and event response. This hopefully opens doors for future opportunities. The internship gave me a practical understanding of how private companies operate, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge from my academic studies and real-world application.
Completing assigned tasks and contributing to team projects has significantly boosted my confidence. I feel more confident in my abilities and am ready to take on new challenges. The remote nature of the internship taught me to manage my time effectively, ensuring that I met all deadlines while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The internship also helped hone my communication skills, as I regularly interacted with and presented my work to the team.
How has your experience affected your career goals?
It has solidified my ambitions of working in the humanitarian sector and wanting to help communities in need. Furthermore, I have gained an interest in catastrophe and risk modelling, a topic I have taken up as my final year Independent Research Project. I am also considering pursuing a career in modelling within the humanitarian sector.
Do you have any advice for a student looking to do a summer internship?
The application process is a tough one – try your best not to leave it to the last minute. However, do not be disheartened by rejections or no replies; be kind to yourself! When one door closes, another will surely open! There is always help, so make sure to reach out to her, read her emails and newsletters, and attend the beneficial career events held by the IRDR.
During the internship, take things in stride and trust yourself and your abilities. You are here to learn new things and pick up fantastic skills, so do not be afraid to make mistakes and ask for help when needed. How much effort you put into the internship relates to how much you learn and get out of it, so do your best and have fun!
- Sophia Partoazam - Intern at KIDS
Where did you intern? Please include name, website, any other details if possible.
During the summer of 2023 and now on a part-time basis, I’ve had the opportunity to gain work experience at the Hayward Adventure Playground Islington, affiliated with the KIDS national charity. Since its establishment in 1970, KIDS has dedicated itself to the welfare of disabled children, young people, and their families through a number of approaches and programmes. The organization envisions a world where every disabled child and young person can fulfill their potential. At the heart of their mission are core values such as passion, care, trustworthiness, responsiveness, collaboration, and a commitment to quality. KIDS champions the rights of disabled children and young people,advocating for their ability to enjoy life and seize the same opportunities as others. Their mission encompasses assisting and empowering families with disabled children, encouraging these children to play, have fun, and grow, as well as guiding disabled young people as they transition into adulthood.
How and why did you secure the internship that you did?
In pursuit of expanding my professional experience, I sought an internship that would allow me to delve deeper into sectors aligned with my area of study, particularly in gaining hands-on experience in humanitarian work. My extensive search led me to this role, which was a new territory for me but promised significant opportunities for learning and growth.
What did you do on your internship?
As a playworker I helped support children with a wide spectrum of special needs, including severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, as well as autism. I aimed to encourage these children on a 1 to 1 basis and in groups to engage in adventurous, creative, and imaginative play, helping them fully benefit from the playground facilities.
Did your internship meet your expectations? Explain why.
My internship as a playworker not only met but surpassed my expectations. While the role demanded significant hands-on involvement and mental readiness, especially in safeguarding and enhancing the well-being of children and young people, the staff played a pivotal role in guiding me through the process. Their support fostered a sense of community, making the workplace feel like a big family. Throughout my time there, I developed cherished relationships with both the young people and the staff which I will forever value. This experience deepened my appreciation for the commitment required in humanitarian work and gave me a profound sense of achievement, further solidifying my dedication to this field.
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?
I believe that this experience nurtured a sense of empathy and compassion in me, while also deepening my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with special needs. Encouraging these young people to engage in adventurous, creative, and imaginative play not only aided their development but also enriched my own perspective on the world. It taught me the value of patience, resilience, and the impact of positive encouragement. The relationships I formed and the progress I witnessed in these children were incredibly rewarding, contributing to a greater sense of fulfillment and personal growth. It also greatened my appreciation for the diversity of human experience and a more profound commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
How has your experience affected your career goals?
Ever since I was young, I've had a keen interest in event planning and creating moments that bring people together. Alongside this, I've always had a deep-seated desire to help others and contribute positively to the broader community. This drove me to pursue a BSc in Global Humanitarian Studies at UCL, where I hoped to deepen my understanding of global challenges and how to address them effectively. Initially, I believed that my interests in event planning and humanitarian work were separate paths. However, my experience at Hayward changed this view, showing me how these interests could be intertwined. In humanitarian efforts, event planning skills are vital for organizing large-scale volunteer operations and managing logistics in emergency responses, including the distribution of aid. Furthermore, organizing advocacy events like rallies, fundraisers, and marches is pivotal in driving policy change and advancing humanitarian objectives, proving that my dual passions can indeed harmoniously coexist and amplify their impact.
Do you have any advice for a student who is looking to do a summer internship?
I believe that summer internships are great way for students to identify their career interests and paths. They provide a real-world platform for applying what we learn in the classroom, making it easier to understand how theoretical concepts are implemented in practice. Beyond this, internships are invaluable for building a professional network, creating connections that can offer mentorship, industry insights, and future job opportunities. I've found that these experiences not only enhance academic understanding but also equip students with practical skills that are highly sought after in thejob market. In essence, for me, summer internships are much more than just work experiences; they are critical steps in a student's journey towards career development, combining learning, networking,and skill-building in a unique way.
- Loisa Wiegand - Intern at Standard Chartered
How and why did you secure the internship you did?
I applied for this internship, among many others, last November and had to go through multiple rounds of interviews and assessments before securing my spot. I chose to pursue the internship because I wanted to gain experience in a new field and develop new skills.
What did you do on your internship?
I was an intern in the Corporates team within the Client Coverage department in Germany. These are they key things I did during my internship:
- Actively involved in analysing market trends, conducting research, and preparing comprehensive presentations to assist Relationship Managers in delivering tailored financial solutions to clients.
- Produced monthly financial analyses to assess performance trends, including identifying top client winners and losers within the Corporates portfolio, and analysing product areas to determine drivers of financial success and losses.
- Rotated through Financial Markets and Corporate Banking Sales departments, acquiring knowledge of diverse financial instruments and their applications in client solutions.
- Conducted autonomous research on sustainable finance initiatives, leading to a project formulation on the role of the Bank in assisting clients to attain ESG objectives, including the development of tailored sustainable finance solutions for an individual client.
Did your internship meet your expectations? Why?
Yes, it really made me step out of my comfort zone.
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?
I learned a lot throughout my internship and had the opportunity to network with top personnel in the bank which was very insightful. It also forced me to step out of my comfort zone and overcome challenges which significantly contributed to my personal growth.
Do you have any advice for a student who is looking to do a summer internship?
Try to apply to as many internships as you can and make sure you are on top of deadlines. Securing an internship is very difficult so its better to have as many options as possible. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date. It's a good place to look for internships. I also signed up to Indeed, Targetjobs and Bright Network.
- Leila El Amrani - Internship in Italy supporting refugees
How and why did you secure the internship that you did?
I secured my internship by emailing the director of the organisation expressing my interest almost a year before the internship. I displayed my true interest and passion on the topic of refugees and migrants.
What did you do on your internship?
I shadowed the leader of a host centre for unaccompanied refugee minors. I accompanied the leader to the migration centre to organise the documents of the minors and participated in daily activities at the centre which included cooking. I also had time to discuss with the minors their stories of arriving to Italy from Africa. I also worked as a translator for a second organisation who works in coordination with the first one. This was a more creative internship working with transitional arts like theatre to advocate the realities of immigration and refugees. I translated two plays in to English and into French.
Did your internship meet your expectations? Explain why.
My internship exceed my expectations. I was well looked after by the organisers who guided me and took their time to explain the backgrounds of many of the children and why the work was so important.
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?
My internship has inspired me to choose a masters regarding refugees or internationals development. It strengthened my interest in refugee law and has raised many questions I want to discuss in my current and future studies as well as professional life.
How has your experience affected your career goals?
I have been inspired to work towards a role that supports refugees, migrants, unaccompanied children and in hand with this human rights, legal protection and universality.
- Denisa Tami - Global Diaspora Confederation Intern
How and why did you secure the internship that you did?
After sending an email, my CV, and a cover letter to GDC, I was interviewed and arranged the start and end dates of the internship. The organisation intrigued me as a diaspora member myself, and having a remote internship sounded like an excellent opportunity to spend the summer productively while still being able to enjoy my time.
What did you do on your internship?
As the Global Diaspora Humanitarian Hub Intern, I primarily supported the development of the Humanitarian Hub, Communications and Event Planning, and other administrative activities. I assisted in finding potential diaspora organisations GDC could partner with, creating the Humanitarian Hub website, writing content for the website, updating information on GDC's Hub page, and performing ongoing desk-based research and writing report findings for the Humanitarian Hub.
I also served on and supported the work of relevant event planning committees and assisted in developing promotional materials, direct marketing, press releases and media advisories the GDC released. This also involved gathering information for updating websites and social media, contributing to writing articles for the GDC newsletter, website and social media pages, and assisting in developing awareness materials regarding humanitarian assistance and development.
I attended and assisted in invited meetings, such as several International Organisation for Migration (IOM) workshops on diaspora-related issues. I participated in GDC events and activities as assigned, including monthly staff meetings.Did you internship meet your expectations? Explain why.
The internship did meet my expectations. As a remote internship, I knew the onus on me to be responsive and accountable to my work was significantly amplified, as there was no office or anyone to ensure I was performing tasks. The work I was assigned was also enjoyable and enriching, especially in teaching me about important project and programme management skills.
How has your internship impacted your professional and personal development?
During my time at GDC, I had the opportunity to work on different projects, which allowed me to apply knowledge from my course. I learned to use tools like Wix Website Builder and project planning techniques like Gantt charts, acquiring practical skills and enhancing my technical proficiency. The team I worked with was experienced in varying areas related to diaspora, from project management to marketing, providing me with insights into charity, international development or the humanitarian sector and hopefully opening doors for future opportunities. The internship gave me a practical understanding of how civil society organisations operate, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge from my academic studies and real-world application.
Completing assigned tasks and contributing to team projects has significantly boosted my confidence. I feel more confident in my abilities and am ready to take on new challenges. The remote nature of the internship taught me to manage my time effectively, ensuring that I met all deadlines while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The internship also helped hone my communication skills, as I regularly interacted with and presented my work to the team.
Internship Opportunities with International Partners
Tohoku University Internship Project
Four students from the BSc Global Humanitarian Studies – Sophia Barry, Harry Hudson, Libby Kay, Pippi Nilsson were successful in obtaining an internship with the International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Japan.
“Best summer internship ever!”
“Travelling the Sanriku coastline has been incredible. I have enjoyed every minute of it. I believe it is imperative for local communities to be listened to and understood during reconstruction and hazard mitigation, ensuring their specific needs are met and that their cultural practices remain intact”.
Students were introduced to the Shishi Dance Troop who played a huge role in the evacuation and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. They gained profound insights into disaster recovery and resilience by exploring the role of the Sanriku Railway line and company in the aftermath of the 3/11 disaster. They visited Fukishima Prefecture which was affected not only by the tsumani and earthquake but also experienced a meltdown of the Daiichi powerplant’s nuclear reactors. Students visited the Daiichi power plant. Okuma Incubation Centre, and Okuma Town Learning Centre Yume no Mori: Nango City School.
"Overall, our time in Fukushima was extremely rewarding and educational and gave us an insight into the different ways that tsunamis can harm populations, from both their initial and secondary effects."
The participants also had the opportunity to present research on what they had learnt on their internship at a Symposium at Tohoku University at the end of their time in Japan focusing on interpersonal relationships on post-disaster recovery, sea walls in the Tohoku region, disaster memorials after the Great Japan Earthquake, and finally, community belonging and its role in the revitalisation of the Tohoku region.
“I am excited about the opportunities ahead and will work diligently to make a positive impact." Asst. Prof Miwako Kitamura, Tohoku University.
