One of the most frequently asked questions we hear from first years concerns summer internships. While internships are a fantastic way to gain work experience, they\u2019re certainly not the only way. Many employers target students in their penultimate or final year so that they can keep them on after graduation. This doesn\u2019t mean there are no first-year internships, but it\u2019s worth being mindful of the alternatives that are available to you. After all, there is nothing stopping you from completing an internship later in your degree.<\/p>\n
So \u2013 what else can you do?<\/p>\n
You shouldn\u2019t wait until you\u2019ve completed your degree before writing a CV. If you\u2019re writing a chronological CV, your previous qualifications aren\u2019t going anywhere, so write them down!<\/p>\n
You might also consider writing a skills-based CV<\/a>. Don\u2019t overlook the skills you\u2019re building up in your first year of university. If you want advice on writing a great application, we have a Get Started guide<\/a> on MyFuture.<\/p>\n You may find your understanding of your strengths changes over the years, but that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re not relevant now. Consider taking a personality test<\/a> (yes, employers really use these!) to better understand what you\u2019re good at and what you enjoy. Finding the right job is a two-way process: not only should you be a good fit for the job, but the job should be a good fit for you<\/a>.<\/p>\n Just because internships for first years are not advertised doesn\u2019t mean they don\u2019t exist! Check out Rebecca\u2019s blogs on how to find<\/a> and apply<\/a> for roles in the hidden job market. See MyFuture for advice on how to write a speculative cover letter<\/a>. It\u2019s important to do your research here, so familiarise yourself with using a library database<\/a>.<\/p>\n A spring week, insight week or insight scheme is short-term work experience primarily for first- and second-year students. They are common in investment banking, consultancy and law, but can represent other sectors too. You may work on a project, shadow a staff member or be given a tour.<\/p>\n Although they are very short in nature, these schemes are competitive and could potentially fast-track you into an internship or graduate role. As above, you can apply for these speculatively.<\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t already set up a LinkedIn<\/a> profile, consider doing this before you graduate. You could also attend our employer events<\/a> and fairs<\/a> to learn more about companies of interest and potentially make connections. Finally, make a profile on Bath Connection<\/a>. This is the University of Bath\u2019s alumni networking service, and it allows you to reach out to experienced graduates. It\u2019s a great opportunity to ask any burning industry questions, find out more about the application process, or even find a mentor.<\/p>\n Never underestimate the value of paid employment. Even if that\u2019s \u2018only\u2019 in a temporary role. Note the quotation marks \u2013 customer service is one of the most coveted transferable skills out there. You might not see yourself working on the frontline forever, but getting that experience on your CV shines a light on a bunch of other skills: communication, time management, cash handling, and so much more.<\/p>\n You could also consider volunteering \u2013 the SU<\/a> can advise you on this \u2013 or work for a summer camp abroad. We advertise these sorts of roles on MyFuture<\/a>.<\/p>\n Working over the summer isn\u2019t the only way to get ahead. There are thousands upon thousands of Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs, available for free. Whatever you\u2019d like to do for a career, there\u2019s sure to be a course that can help you build your skillset. Bright Network<\/a> offer a free e-learning platform. The Skills Centre<\/a> can also help you.<\/p>\nGet to know your strengths<\/h2>\n
Speculative applications<\/h2>\n
Insight Schemes<\/h2>\n
Start networking<\/h2>\n
Summer work<\/h2>\n
Boost your skills<\/h2>\n
Look for unique opportunities<\/h2>\n