About Internships

Interning in London: What’s it like?

Your experience in London will undoubtedly be different than any working experience you may have already had in the US. But we hope this is one of your reasons for choosing to work abroad! London is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world with nearly 30% of the population coming from outside the UK. This means you might equally find yourself working alongside someone from Lebanon, Luxembourg or London.

Equally, you’re likely to find yourself working with people from Liverpool, Leeds or Lincoln – London is the city that many young people in the UK flock to after graduation. Whether to earn their millions in the ‘square mile,’ London’s financial district commonly referred to as ‘the City;’ to showcase their creativity in one of the UK’s leading industries – fashion, music, design or the arts; or to make their mark in the ever expanding business community – London is THE place to be for the young and young at heart.

Part of the thrill of an internship abroad will be discovering the differences in how you and your co-workers relate to each other. You’ll hopefully return with new perspectives and new ideas about how to negotiate in cross-cultural situations. There are, however, a few key things you should know about the Brits when it comes to the workplace in London:

• You may find the office environment more casual than you’d expect. It is not unheard of to hear office banter, gossip, profanities or joke telling at the water cooler!
• Don’t be surprised if it takes a little while for the Brits in your office to warm up to you. The British can be reserved and somewhat shy in new situations. This may be where the ‘stiff upper lip’ cliché comes from – but don’t let that stop you from reaching out to introduce yourself!
• Hierarchy is not as strong in UK offices as it may be in the US. In London, EVERYONE will make tea – from the intern to the Managing Director, and clerical work is a part of everyone’s job. Don’t worry if you’re asked to do this in your first week. Your hard work won’t go unnoticed!
• British humour is much drier and much more sarcastic than its American cousin! The Brits will poke fun at anything and everything, including themselves and YOU! But don’t worry, this is a good thing – you know you’re ‘in’ when you’re on the receiving end of a joke.

Keep in Mind

• To the British, a work experience is to give you a taste of working life.  You may not necessarily have a specific project to work on but may be expected to help out with day-to-day tasks. This said, supervisors may not work out a specific schedule for students.
• A lot of the learning will be achieved through your own initiative.
• Like any job, all placements will have an element of clerical tasks to them. By proving that you can handle the small stuff, the doors will open to greater projects and greater growth.
• Only so much can be achieved during a short-term placement. Push yourself to learn at all times.
• Your placement is unpaid.
• Do not get fixated on working within glamorous industries or a specific organization. You’ll be placed based on previous experience, academic credentials, academic requirements, computer skills, and the requirements that companies provide.
• There are certain realities to working within fields like fashion and entertainment - they only become glamorous at the highest level.
• Your placement should not be looked on as a means of gaining future employment. It’s a chance to confirm that you are going in the right direction (or that you should try something else), and most importantly, it’s a time to make mistakes, laugh, and learn.
  
  

What is business etiquette like in London?

In the UK, businesses generally run in a slightly more casual manner, with more emphasis placed on individual initiative and motivation. It is very likely that you will be given projects and expected to complete them with your own resourcefulness. This does NOT mean that you cannot ask for help – it simply means that your supervisors will assume you will ASK for help if you need it. They may not want to appear to be breathing down your neck or handholding you through your placement. Supervisors NEVER complain about interns asking for work or for help.

What Should I Wear?

We will answer this question with much more detail once we know where you will be placed. It is tough to generalize on this one because we have placements ranging from suits and ties to sandals and jeans.  However, if you are working in a business setting (i.e. an investment bank or law firm) you should bring at least one suit and several dress shirts and ties. A sports jacket will work as well. In other, more casual placements (i.e. a PR agency or magazine) khaki trousers, skirts (for women), and sweaters or dress shirts should be fine. Make sure you ask about this if we haven’t told you by the time you leave for the UK.

Have a look at our Dress Code page for some examples of typical outfits for workplaces of varying formality.

What are the typical hours for an intern?

Interns work eight hours per day - extra work hours are not permitted under the terms of your visa. These hours are non-negotiable and will be expected by the employer and the placement office. Generally speaking, normal office hours in London are 9-6, with an hour for lunch, generally taken between 1-2.

How far can I expect to commute?

Most placements will be centrally located in zones 1 & 2 and are easily accessible by tube or bus (or even by walking, if you’re lucky). A typical London commute can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes- remember this is a BIG city! Occasionally, placements will be outside these zones and will require an overland train. We will inform you if this will be the case.

What should I expect from my on-site interview?

Your on-site interview takes place with the placement once you have arrived in London. This is a formal interview where you will be asked questions and given the opportunity to ask your own questions about the position. It is also an opportunity for you to see the office, meet your potential co-workers, and make sure that you feel comfortable with the organization. You will want to prepare for this as you would an interview in the United States and  EUSA will provide you with information in your predeparture handbook on how to do so.

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