Starting to build your work experience in your first year can give you valuable skills and help you explore different career paths. While some opportunities may be more competitive for first-year students, there are many ways to gain experience and develop your employability.
Summer internships
Summer internships typically last 6-12 weeks and provide structured work experience with an organisation.
As a first-year student, you might find that many formal schemes are aimed at penultimate-year students. This is because employers use their internships as a pipeline to graduate recruitment. However, don't let this discourage you - there are still opportunities available. Smaller companies and start-ups may well be more flexible about year of study.
If you're looking at internships in Europe, you may be asked for a convention de stage. Find out more about these and the University's policy on them.
On MyFuture we identify internships that are open to first years.
Bath Insights internship programme
Available exclusively to our first and second year students, the Bath Insights internship programme provides the opportunity to gain work experience across various University departments on campus. You will be paid, as well as receive free accommodation, for the duration of the internship. We recognise that these internships are intended for students with minimal or no prior work experience, so the application form and process is designed to be as inclusive as possible.
Spring Weeks and Insight days
Spring Weeks and Insight Days are a work experience opportunity that are often only open to first years. They usually last between one and five days and take place around Easter time. They are especially common in banking, finance and professional services sectors. You can use these opportunities to get an overview of a particular firm, meet and network with employees, and take part in some tasks to start building your experience. Because they are short you may be able to take part in more than one.
Many employers advertise these opportunities from late August through to January, with some closing in December.
If you impress an employer at an Insight event, this might give you an advantage in accessing internship or placement schemes in future.
MyFuture is a good place to start finding these opportunities.
Micro Internships
Our Micro Internship programme offers 1-5 day learning and development opportunities exclusively to University of Bath students. These are paid opportunities and may take place either remotely or in-person, depending on employer specification. The programme is designed to enable you to work without hindering your studies – every effort is taken to ensure the internships take place at the end of semester, so you can gain work experience even if you have a busy academic schedule.
Part-time work
Working alongside your studies provides regular income while developing valuable transferable skills. Whether in retail, hospitality, or administration, part-time work demonstrates your ability to balance commitments and often leads to increased responsibilities over time.
Many University departments hire students to work for them. This could be with Campus Services, a Professional Services team, or within an academic department.
You can find part-time jobs, including University roles on the SU jobs board
Self-employment
Being self-employed can mean anything from freelancing to starting a small business. Many students begin with services like tutoring, design, or social media management, developing entrepreneurial skills while earning income on a flexible schedule.
Find out more about enterprise support at Bath
Volunteering
Volunteering lets you support causes you care about while gaining valuable experience. It's highly flexible around your studies and can help you explore different sectors while developing transferable skills and building networks.
Find volunteering opportunities via the SU
Student groups and extracurriculars
Getting involved in student groups, societies, sports clubs and other extracurricular activities can help you develop valuable skills while pursuing your interests. Taking on committee roles lets you gain experience in leadership, event planning, budget management or marketing. As a regular member, you'll develop teamwork and communication skills through activities and events.
The SU offers lots of different groups you can join, from academic societies related to your course through to performing arts, cultural groups and competitive sports. You can even start your own society if you spot a gap.
Find groups and societies via the SU
Virtual and online work experience
You can build your skills online and online work experience schemes have become increasingly common. They are popular as they offer flexibility and access to opportunities regardless of location. These programmes let you develop digital workplace skills and experience multiple industries from anywhere.
Explore online resources to boost your employability on MyFuture
Find virtual work experience platforms on MyFuture
Other University opportunities
The University has a variety of different opportunities for you to get involved in different programmes around campus. Keep checking back on the work experience page and look out for communications from your departments.
Some regular opportunities include:
Work experience tips
- Check MyFuture regularly - new opportunities are added throughout the year
- Be realistic about your academic workload - choose experiences that complement rather than compete with your studies
- Consider combining different experiences - part-time work, volunteering, and student groups will all help build your skills
- Document your experiences and skills as you go - this will help when updating your CV and making future applications
- Use MyFuture resources to help you every step of your career journey
- Don't think you need to have all the answers straight away - short term work experience like internships are a great way to try out an industry or role to see if it's right for you