Internship
Resources
What is an internship?
Internships are a great way to gain skills and experience in a profession that you want to get into. They can last from a week to several months.
More information about internships can be found on The Complete University Guide website and on the Prospects website.
Finding an Internship
Occasionally internships are advertised, so keep an eye on company websites and sign up to our newsletter (at the bottom of this page) for all the latest opportunities in the UK. Some companies also have partnerships with specific universities.
We spoke to a number of companies in the UK who have had interns. Most said they recruit interns on an ad hoc basis, depending on the companies current capacities and projects. All of them said they would encourage students to contact them directly. There may not be opportunities at that time, but they can keep you in mind for the future.
Our tips to getting an internship
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Some companies have an open application form, likewise they also might have a careers email.
Companies have told us they have been impressed by people contacting them and showing a specific interest in the company and the work that they do.
if they do not currently have availability to take on an intern, contacting them may keep you in mind when roles do become available.
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One way to build relevant transferable skills is to look for internships in other industries, such as roles around fermentation in companies that make products such as beer or cheese.
The big food companies all have internship programmes such as Kraft Heinz, Mondolez International, Unilever, Nestle as well as all of the big pharmaceutical companies such as Astra Zeneca, Cytiva, Johnson & Johnson. There are also likely to be public sector based internships at organisations such as the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
They will all have different recruitment periods some starting up to a year before the start of the position so its best to start your research early.
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Passion: Reaching out expressing what you are specifically interested in can make a big difference.
Specific skills: For laboratory based internships skills such as cell culture and molecular biology can really make an application stand out. If you do not have these, talk about any relevant courses you have done.
A well organised CV: Demonstrate you have taken responsibility of specific projects. Cater to the job description (if there is one). Make sure the CV is tailored to industry rather than academia.
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Find out if other students have had internships and how they managed to secure them. For example, this blog from a University of Bristol student who did an internship at Extracellular.
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This will depend on the role although companies have expressed they have taken undergraduates, masters and PhD students at various times. PhD students, in particular, are encouraged to apply.
We surveyed Industry partners in the cellular agriculture field on their interest and engagement with internships. Here is what they said.
Have you taken on individuals on internships in the past six months?
Would you be interested in taking students on internships and/or placement years in the future?
What specific roles would be best suited for internships?
Most internships are assigned a specific supervisor alongside ongoing support from the rest of company staff. There are opportunities for regular feedback on your work.