Looking for an Intern?

About the University

Richmond, the American International University in London, is accredited by both the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the US and in the UK by the Open University Validation Services and holds related degree validation in both countries.

It is a multicultural, international University with an American Liberal Arts curriculum that offers students an integrated University experience in which classroom, community life and related educational opportunities blend together to address the interests and needs of individuals. As part of that programme, the Internship Office was established in 1989 to provide for both Richmond students and visiting students from other American universities, wishing to gain work experience abroad and the opportunity to prepare for a career and gain academic credit.

What is a Richmond internship?

Internships are work-learning arrangements. These arrangements are supervised, career-related work experiences combined with reflective, academic study that help students apply theoretical knowledge in the workplace.

They are available to Juniors or Seniors (3rd or 4th years) in the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. During the internship, usually 10 or 11 weeks duration, the staff of the Internship Office and a faculty advisor work closely with each student to ensure that the placement is a successful one.

This extended duration enables both the organisation and the student to develop valuable and constructive projects. Students are assessed and graded on several factors including preliminary workshops, written assignments and an assessment from their workplace supervisor.

Benefits for your organisation

How do organisations benefit by taking on a Richmond intern?

Richmond interns bring intellectual engagement and commitment to their placements.
With the extended duration of the programme, Richmond interns are able to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation, able to undertake research projects and help with ongoing tasks.
Richmond interns receive continuing support from the University in both establishing and maintaining the placement to best effect for all parties.
Year round source of highly motivated pre-professionals
Quality candidates for temporary or seasonal positions and projects; interns are a cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees.
Freedom for professional staff to pursue more creative projects; interns are a flexible, cost-effective work force that does not demand a long-term commitment from the employer.

The Students

Prior to the internship, students are prepared for the demands and expectations of the workplace through a series of workshops in skills analysis, interview preparation and communication. The students are bright, energetic and eager to learn. They are familiar with the mainstream computer programs and many of them are multi-lingual. As the students are close to completing their degrees, they are academically advanced and more focussed on their career options.

Your Responsibilities

Organisations taking on Richmond Interns are expected :

To find for the student a workplace supervisor who will guide the intern in a variety of engaged and realistic jobs in the workplace for the overall period. Ideally, the workplace supervisor will act as a role model for the intern, providing regular feedback on the intern’s performance.
To provide adequate facilities for the intern to work. A clear workspace and computer are often essential.
To work with the intern’s academic advisor in maintaining a productive experience for both the intern and the organisation. To facilitate this, the academic advisor will arrange for a meeting mid-way through the internship to monitor the intern’s progress and suggest changes where necessary. In addition, programme support staff are available to assist at any time throughout the placement.
To inform the Internship Office of any difficulties in or changes to the intern’s placement.
To provide the 4 or 5 full-time days per week of work necessary for the student’s work placement and to verify this by signing a weekly timesheet.
To participate in overall grading of the student’s performance by completing an assessment form and where necessary discussing this assessment with the student’s advisor.

Should an intern be paid?

If your organisation is able, we certainly encourage you to consider offering some compensation as this may help you attract the best candidates. Many students have a part-time job to finance their studies and will often have to give this up in order to do an internship, therefore any form of remuneration is appreciated. Many organisations consider helping the student with related expenses such as travel, lunches, etc.

Visas

Since the internship is a credit-bearing academic course, our students do not require a full work visa – even if they are non-EU nationals – as long as they are in possession of the necessary student visas. A copy of the student’s passport and visa can be provided for your records upon request.

What happens next?

If your organisation is interested in a Richmond student for internship, contact Debbie Kan or Sarah Douglas to arrange a meeting to discuss in detail the placement process and student skills which will be beneficial to your organisation.