From Internship to Graduate Job: How NCL Internships Can Set You Up for Success

NCL Internships offer Newcastle University students the chance to gain paid, flexible, work experience across a variety of sectors. In this blog, our interns share how these opportunities have helped them build skills, confidence, and career direction. 

Many of our interns have since secured graduate roles—either within the organisation they interned with or by using the skills and experience gained through their internship to stand out during graduate recruitment.

You can read about some of their stories below!

What are NCL Internships?

NCL Internships provide an opportunity to gain paid graduate-level work experience. Opportunities are facilitated by the  Careers Service  either within the university or with a local business. We offer internships in a wide range of roles and sectors – including research, marketing, IT, and more. These internships are flexible, meaning you can fit them around your timetable during term time or undertake one over the summer vacation.

All current Newcastle University students are eligible to apply, and 2026 graduates can apply for our upcoming summer internships.

Hear from our 2025 Graduate Cohort of Former Interns

Abi (BSc (Hons) Int. Bus Mgt Fren & study abroad) 

 

Marketing Intern (Food & Drink) at Hooke-on Group, now on an International Graduate Development Programme at Lipton Teas. 

“Completing the internship significantly boosted my confidence and I was able to gain important skills. I believe the experience I gained played an important part in helping me secure a graduate job" . 

Caolin (BSc Food Bus Management and Marketing)

Digital Marketing Intern at Sleeky Web Design & Print, now a Marketing Administrator at Craig Foods.

“I feel that my internship helped me secure a graduate job as it gave me a really useful understanding of how broad digital marketing is. I would strongly recommend that all students complete an internship, even if it is not directly related to their intended career, as the experience can make a meaningful difference when beginning the graduate job hunt.”.  

Aleena (MSc Digital Business) 

Corporate Showreel Production Intern at Fourteen Twenty-One, now an Account Executive at The Ad Plain. 

“Gaining UK work experience felt essential, as professional culture and expectations can differ significantly. My internship helped me build confidence, improve my communication skills, and gain valuable interview experience. When applying for graduate roles, I was able to share clear, real examples, which played a crucial role in helping me secure a graduate role”. 

Ben (MSci Biochemistry, Graduate 2025) 

Laboratory Assistant Intern at 3D Bio-Tissue, now a Research Scientist at the LightOx Ltd. 

“My internship was a fantastic experience that taught me a lot and helped me better understand what to do following graduation. It was well structured, and I was able to build experience and confidence. The internship helped me settle into my graduate job faster, having already been exposed to an industrial research company". 

Tushar (MSc Advanced Computer Science) 

Data Science Intern at Hexia Lab, now a Software Engineer (Data) at Appsatile Ltd. 

“My internship at Hexis Lab was transformative; it wasn't just about writing code but building tools that drive scientific innovation. It gave me the technical confidence and professional maturity to step seamlessly into my graduate career. Securing work experience can be difficult, especially for international students due to visa regulations, but the NCL Internship scheme bridges that gap perfectly“. 

How do I find NCL Internships and apply?

To search for NCL Internship opportunities, log in to MyCareer , click on ‘Search’ > ‘Vacancies’, and type ‘NCL Internships’ into the search box.

When applying, you’ll need to upload your CV and answer two application questions.

For tips and guidance on the application process, check out our blog: NCL Internships: What Are They and How to Apply.

Further Support 

You can read more about NCL Internships on the Careers Service website – NCL Internships.

The Careers Service also has a range of online resources to help you perfect your CV and application. This includes webpages on how to format your CV, make your application form stand out, and prepare for an interview.  

You can also use  CareerSet  to get AI-generated feedback on your CV or cover letter and work through our  CV and Covering Letter Pathway.