The Undergraduate Internship Programme
Although optional, the Internship Programme is an important element of our undergraduate degree, because it integrates theory with practice. Undergraduate students will be challenged to relate theoretical learning to real workplace situations, develop contacts which may prove valuable in creating future employment opportunities, and to gain confidence in their capabilities and their employability. Internships are designed to be both demanding and rewarding; providing students with an opportunity to learn from professionals in the workplace and to be guided by faculty as they produce assessed records of their experiences that will count towards their undergraduate degree. In an increasingly competitive career market, internships are an invaluable means to supplementing classroom learning with hands-on experience, thus creating a direct link to careers and further opportunities.
Benefits of doing an internship
An internship provides students with exposure to the demands of specific jobs in specific sectors and allows students to learn from professionals in their chosen field. The practical skills and experience that students gain by carrying out an internship not only provide a taste of what it would be like to work in a given sector, but it also greatly increases a student’s employability in an ever-competitive job market. As a student on Richmond’s Internship Programme, you will have the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in the workplace, make contacts which may prove valuable to your future employment prospects, and gain confidence in your capabilities, creativity and communication skills – all while gaining 6 academic credits that will count towards your Degree.
This summer I had the chance to work as a Research Intern for an MP. Experiencing the “behind the scenes” of Westminster Parliament and understanding better the political processes of the Country I now consider home has been truly amazing.
My courses at Richmond have helped me gain the necessary knowledge in different areas – economics, politics, philosophy, international relations, environmentalism etc. – that have allowed me to approach this experience with the right confidence and make the most out of it. I have found very rewarding being able to apply what I have studied during my degree in the real world and in such an inspirational environment.
During my internship I have learnt a lot from the people I have met, worked with, or listened to. However, I also felt like I was making a concrete contribution through my work and that was extremely satisfying.
After this summer, walking by Westminster Palace will always feel a bit special.
I was given a lot of responsibilities so I had a taste of what it is like to work in different areas. In general, just working with a team and learning to communicate regularly with everyone was the biggest benefit I got from the experience.
Who is eligible for the Internship Programme?
The Internship Programme is open to Junior (year 3) and Senior (year 4) degree students of any discipline who meet the following requirements:
- 60 completed credit hours at the time of application
- GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Exceptions: for Psychology majors a GPA of 3.2 is always required; GPA of 3.0 for Finance and Policy majors
- 2 strong academic references
Final acceptance onto the programme is at the discretion of the Head of the Internship Programme.
Internship and Academic Coursework Integration
Richmond internships are supervised, career-related work experiences, combined with reflective academic study that help students apply theoretical knowledge in the workplace. In addition to successfully completing a work placement, students must complete a number of academic assignments. These include: a weekly learning journal, an internship portfolio, and a presentation. To assist with these, each student is assigned a member of faculty, whose role it is to mentor and support the student during their time on the programme, as well as grade their academic coursework. As with all academic courses offered at the university, a fee for the Internship Programme applies.
Applying for Undergraduate Internships in UK and abroad
Undergraduates apply for the programme upon eligibility through the Careers & Internship Office.
The Application deadlines are:
- Fall: June 1st
- Spring: October 1st
- Summer: March 1st
Upon being accepted, students send in all of their supporting documents:
- Completed Application form
- Two reference letters
- Up to day CV
After documents have been received, the Internship Office discusses with students the kind of placements they are hoping to get and helps to secure the placement via our contacts. We also help update students CV and do interview 1-to-1 sessions.
Students are always welcomed and encouraged to look for a placement on their own. The Internship Office will get in touch with them and their employer to ensure that all requirements are met (number of hours worked, job description fits the students major etc.).
Using the Careers & Internships Office as a Resource
Undergraduate students are welcomed and encouraged to search for internships on their own however, students can contact the Career & Internship office for assistance on their internship/job search, CV/ cover letter reviewing and help, 1-to-1 interview preparation sessions, support and advice.
Students also have the opportunity to study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.
Current students are also encouraged to take advantage of our university resources by heading to our Careers Portal via the link below.
Other Richmond University Partner Companies
Graduate Destinations
The employment rate of Richmond undergraduates is 93% and on average, students go on to find permanent employment within six months of graduating. We have graduates at EY, KPMG, PwC, Bloomberg, Black Rock, UBS, Google, IBM, House of Commons, US Homeland Security, Vice Media, NBC News, Al Jazeera, Buzzfeed and many more.
Our Alumni network has a far reach in all corners of the world. Students can work with our Careers & Internships Office in conjunction with our Alumni Office to make connections in the industry that they want to get into.
Contact us:
For further information on graduate internships please feel free to contact our team. The Careers & Internships Office is located at Atlantic House in our Kensington Campus.
Address
1 St Albans Grove
London
W8 5PN
Office open hours are Monday to Friday – 9am-5pm GMT.
Cecile Loyen
International Internship Coordinator
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7368 8508
Email: loyenc@richmond.ac.uk
Daniel O’Meara
Associate Dean for Student Support and Career Services
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7368 8511
Email: daniel.omeara@richmond.ac.uk
Abi Oyetade
Alumni Relations & Engagement Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7368 8508
Email: abiola.oyetade@richmond.ac.uk
