What are NCL Internships?
NCL Internships are paid work experience opportunities facilitated by the Careers Service within the university or with a local business. Opportunities are available in a wide range of roles and sectors e.g. research, marketing, IT. NCL Internships can be undertaken flexibly around your timetable during term time or over the summer vacation period. Our internships are open to all current Newcastle University students.
Last year we facilitated 484 NCL Internships in a range of roles.
The Benefits of Undertaking an NCL Internship
An internship allows you to…
- develop graduate level skills and enhance your CV
- gain insight into a particular role or sector
- get hands-on experience and industry knowledge
- secure references for future applications and build your network
- receive a tax-free bursary or hourly wage
93% of our NCL Interns felt their internship helped to prepare them for a graduate job.
The Application Process
To search for NCL Internship opportunities, go to MyCareer. Click on 'Search' then 'Vacancies' and type ‘NCL Internships’ in the text search box.
When applying you are required to upload a copy or your CV and answer the two application questions
How to make your CV stand out
- Make it relevant - when tailoring your CV, make sure you add the most relevant information first. This could be your degree, work experience or voluntary experiences.
- Emphasise your results rather than responsibilities. Instead of listing your tasks or responsibilities, make your CV stand out by highlighting key achievements.
- Formatting is important – choose a clear, readable CV font, use bullet points, list each section in reverse chronological order, ensure your CV is the right length.
- Check your spelling - check your CV carefully to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
The Careers Service Website has useful resources to help with your CV and application, and information on how to book an appointment with a CV Advisor. The CV and Covering Letter Pathway on MyCareer also provides guidance on how to write an effective CV.
Writing a good application
- the internship advert will help you identify the skills, qualities and experience the employer is seeking
- keep referring to the job description to help make sure you’re evidencing the skills they’re asking for and show how your experience relates to the internship
- use a range of examples in your answers and focus on how and why you were successful. Examples can come from your studies, previous internships or placements, part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities
- make sure your answers are succinct - avoid lengthy descriptions
- check your spelling and grammar carefully
- write positively about yourself and never make excuses for not having skills or experience
Application Question 1: “With reference to the job advert, why do you feel you are a suitable candidate for this position?”
When structuring your answers to competency-based questions such as this, use the 'STAR' approach:
- Describe the Situation (S) - briefly provide context to help the employer understand the example you're giving. You don't need to go into a lot of detail at this stage
- Explain the Task (T) - provide a concise overview, ensuring that your example is relevant to the question
- Describe and analyse your Actions (A) - this part should form the bulk of your answer. Describe and analyse your actions, explaining what, how and why you did it and the reasons you took that approach. It’s important to be reflective, rather than just descriptive
- Explain the Result (R) - what was the outcome? Did it make a difference?
Application Question 2: “What attracted you to apply for this opportunity in particular?”
- recruiters want to know how much you know about the internship, why it interests you specifically, and how it fits into your career plans
- show that you have done your research and understand what the internship entails. Explain how your skills and experience make you suitable for the post
- be enthusiastic and talk about what appeals to you about both the position and organisation
- try to align your interests with the organisation and how your skills and experience can contribute to their goals
Further Support
The Careers Service has a range of online resources that you can access 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 covering letter and work through our CV and Covering Letter Pathway.
If you would rather a face-to-face meeting then you can book a CV appointment.