Building on your existing work experience during your middle years is crucial for developing career-specific skills and strengthening your professional profile. Whether or not you are undertaking a placement year, there are numerous other valuable ways to gain experience during your studies
Summer internships
Summer internships typically last 6-12 weeks and provide structured work experience with an organisation.
Many formal schemes target penultimate years as part of their graduate recruitment pipeline, making this an especially good time to apply. However, opportunities exist across all middle years, particularly with smaller companies and organisations who may be more flexible about year of study. For competitive sectors like investment banking, consulting, and some areas of technology, completing an internship is often a crucial step toward securing a graduate role.
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.
All internships advertised on MyFuture list year group eligibility requirements.
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 typically aimed at first-year students, though some employers may have flexible requirements for students on longer degree courses or offer opportunities for students in different years. These usually last between one and five days, taking place around Easter time, and are particularly common in banking, finance and professional services. They offer an overview of specific firms, networking with employees, and hands-on experience with typical workplace tasks. Due to their short duration, you may be able to participate in multiple events.
Many employers begin advertising these opportunities from late August through to January, with some deadlines falling in December. Making a strong impression at an Insight event can enhance your prospects for future internship or placement opportunities.
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