The mystical internship: Applications, finding work and UCL’s career resources

This time last year, I was sending applications off and hearing very little back. However, UCL’s resources helped me secure my first internship on a communications placement at the National Army Museum. Through tips, tricks and my own experience, learn how UCL can help you find work, build your CV and make getting that first internship a little bit easier.

The best way to find opportunities is through the UCL Careers portal - 'myUCLCareers'. Using the vacancies search, you can explore a range of jobs and internships in which the description, salary, location and hours are listed. Here, you can also easily apply for your chosen opportunities with a CV (which you might have polished off at a UCL Careers CV session). For internships, the application process can vary but here is my experience to help take some of the mystery away. 

First, I was notified about the opportunity through my department’s careers newsletter, before heading to the myUCLCareers portal to apply. The application process was simple - a questionnaire, personal statement, CV and an interview. A module tutor acted as one of my references, a great option for subject specific applications. On my first day, I was terrified but immediately put at ease on meeting a fellow intern from UCL. As my supervisor implored, summer placements are designed to help you learn the job, so ignore the imposter syndrome and ask for a hand if you need it.

Even if you're unsure about your future career direction, internships are a great way to try things out. Whilst I didn’t know much about marketing at the start, my colleagues tutored me supportively and even recommended me for photography tasks knowing I had a passion for it. The main takeaway: just apply! There’s no harm in trying.

The careers portal isn’t just helpful for internships, though. If you're looking for some extra work to help your budget out, there’s plenty of part-time positions in retail, hospitality and tutoring. Especially if you're new to London, the platform is a great way to navigate the multitude of online applications.  

Volunteer positions are also a great pastime - either for fun, CV-building or to give back to your community. The myUCLCareers' portal and the Students' Union UCL volunteering directory provide a range of opportunities to try. From research projects to community art classes, one-time events to regular commitments, you can find volunteering to fit around your schedule and interests. Especially in London, work experience applications can be very competitive, and volunteering is a great way to help your CV stand out.

Whilst the world of work is incredibly competitive, UCL has some of the best opportunities to equip you for success. Now you know how to use these resources, there’s nothing stopping you from taking the first step.