Unlocking London’s Internship Scene: Finding the Perfect Placement

London, a global hub for finance, culture, and innovation, attracts aspiring professionals from all over the world. From cutting-edge tech startups to renowned financial institutions, London’s internship scene offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and development. This guide will hopefully provide you with the raw materials to help you find the perfect internship placement in London.

London’s robust economy houses everything from leading banks to pioneering tech companies and prestigious art galleries. Its diverse industry landscape ensures opportunities for interns across various fields.

London’s rich cultural heritage, from the British Museum to the West End theatres, ensures an enriching off-work experience. Explore historic landmarks, enjoy world-class entertainment, and immerse yourself in a multicultural environment.

With numerous professional events, industry meetups, and social gatherings, London provides abundant networking opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.

Major London-based corporations like Barclays and Unilever offer structured business internship programs, providing exposure to international business practices, professional development, and potential future employment.

London is widely seen as one of the fashion capitals of the world, home to some of the world’s most recognisable designers and fashion houses. The city therefore provides unique opportunities for aspiring fashion professionals. 

Whether working with renowned designers or retail brands, you can explore diverse roles in design, merchandising, marketing, or PR in a high-level environment.

London’s vibrant hospitality industry offers various roles in hotels, restaurants, event planning, and tourism. Learn more about London-based hospitality internships here.

Pursue internships in London’s dynamic creative industry, including film, fashion, design, and advertising. Learn from industry experts, engage in hands-on projects, and develop your unique creative voice.

Intern with governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups. Contribute to public policy, community development, or humanitarian efforts while gaining invaluable experience in public service.

This is just a small snapshot of the wide range of internship opportunities offered by London. Click here to browse all of the industries we specialize in and find the best fit for you.

So, if you decide to make the plunge and choose London for your internship location, what can you expect? We outline a few key areas below in terms of accommodation, lifestyle and culture.

Finding the right place to live is crucial to your London experience. Here are common options:

Private Rentals: Shared flats or studio apartments, ranging from £800 to £1,500 per month, depending on the area and whether you’re renting a room or the entire place.

Homestays: Live embedded with a local family to immerse in British culture, prices vary.
Popular Areas: Consider proximity to work, social life, and transportation. Shoreditch is trendy, Westminster is central, and Camden offers a lively atmosphere.

We work with a few carefully selected premium accommodation partners in vibrant and exciting areas of London. Mainly co-living, shared apartments and student accommodation. We only provide options that meet our safety, quality and cleanliness standards. You’ll be living with fellow Beyond Interns, young professionals and students. So it’s a great way to integrate with the local community for those traveling from overseas.

London’s public transport is extensive and efficient, considering its size. You can use your contactless card on all public transport, and rates are very reasonable £2.80 for single tickets on the Underground and a bus fare of £1.75 for unlimited journeys within an hour. 

You should never pay the full cash fare for tickets on any form of transport in London. The full cash fare means buying a single paper ticket from an underground station ticket machine, either with cash or coins or with a debit/credit card.

It’s always cheaper to Pay as you go with a contactless debit/credit card or Oyster card or to buy a Travelcard or bus pass.

If you prefer a bit more fresh air on your travels, cycling is a great option with a wide range of dedicated lanes and bike-sharing schemes. Taxis and Ride-Sharing are also readily available but, of course, a bit more expensive.

London’s culinary scene is as diverse as the people who call it home:

Eating Out: Options range from street food markets to upscale dining experiences.

Groceries: Average grocery bills can be around £30-£50 per week.

Entertainment: London’s West End, art galleries, museums (many free), music venues, and sports events offer endless entertainment.

London and the rest of the UK have socialized healthcare in the form of the National Health Service (NHS): Depending on your visa status, you might have access to free or subsidized healthcare. Private insurance can also be arranged.

Click here to learn more about how we can help you with health & insurance considerations.

Work Hours: Typical work hours are 35-40 hours per week, though it may vary by industry. Many employers offer flexible working hours and hybrid work schemes.
Dress Code: Varies from business formal in finance to casual in creative fields. It will all depend on your industry of choice and place of work.
Networking: Engage in professional groups, attend events, and utilize platforms like LinkedIn to network within your industry.

Safety: London is generally safe but, like any major city, standard precautions are advised.

Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with British etiquette – they like a good old fashioned queue, polite greetings, and a cold pint at the pub, but there’s much more to explore than just that.

Our streamlined online application process simplifies your journey towards an internship in London. We review applications promptly and advise you on whether or not you’re eligible. 

Our experts review your interests, qualifications, and goals to match you with the best program, ensuring a fulfilling internship experience.

From the initial interview to assisting with visa procedures and post-arrival orientation, we provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth transition.

Get in touch today to discuss embarking on your internship in London.

Interning in London is an exciting and rewarding experience that can shape your career and change your life. Whether you’re stepping into the world of finance, exploring the creative arts, or contributing to social change, London awaits you with endless opportunities and experiences to embrace. Prepare thoroughly, embrace the adventure, and unlock the internship scene in one of the world’s most famous and dynamic old cities.