by Chris Colegate, Careers Consultant
You've heard the word internship a lot. You might have even been told that it's a CV must-have to get a job.
In some industries this is true - most law and finance firms offer structured schemes, for example - yet often you can substitute internship with 'work experience,' 'placement,' 'part-time job,' and 'volunteering'.
1. Nottingham Internship Scheme
Apply for summer internships with local small to medium-sized companies, charities or social enterprises. The internships are a minimum of four weeks long and take place from June onwards with applications open in April.
All of the internships will be paid the National Living Wage as a minimum. Roles are varied and include: software developer, copywriter, mechanical engineer, ecologist, researcher and data analyst
2. UoN challenges
We run three challenges during the academic year focusing on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), sustainability and consultancy.
In all three challenges, you will work in group to achieve a goal such as developing an EDI or sustainability initiative that can be implemented on campus or create solutions to a real-world problem for a local business or charity.
3. Digital Marketing Academy
Digital marketing is a fast growing and rapidly changing industry. The Digital Marketing Academy (DMA) will allow you to learn about and develop a wide range of industry-specific skills.
Experienced professionals from leading digital agencies will provide insight in to what they do and how they do it. You will have the opportunity to obtain industry recognised qualifications and put your newly acquired skills in to practise.
4. Researcher Academy Placements
Placements can be an excellent way to take on a project outside of your research, and there are many different types available to you. They can be a great way to boost your skillset while earning some extra income.
The placements tend to be either part-time projects of up to 200 hours during a period of three to six months or full-time lasting 3 months
5. Spring weeks and internships
On we advertise hundreds of spring weeks and internships from employers looking to recruit UoN students. Search by job or sector to find vacancies to suit you.
You can also search national job boards listed on our website.
6. Optional Placement Year
The optional Placement Year allows you to build a placement year into your degree if you don't have one integrated into your course.
A placement year supports you to explore a career area and industry, build a professional skills and ease the transition into working life.
7. Gain a position with the Students' Union
Within the there is so much on offer to help you boost your employability. Take on a position of responsibility with a club or society, ask about volunteering opportunities or apply for paid work in their outlets such as Mooch.
8. Opportunities abroad
You're studying at a global university so it's not surprising that many of you are interested in gaining work experience outside the UK.
Gaining experience in another country gives you the opportunity to develop your career skills and a global outlook, which will impress future employers.
9. Part-time jobs
Finding a part-time or temporary job is important for many students. You can earn money and boost your CV at the same time. Whatever type of work you do, don't underestimate the value of the work and the skills you have gained.
The university advertises part-time, casual and temporary jobs on campus and off-campus with local businesses on the
10. Volunteering
Volunteering is not only your chance to give something back to communities, but you can also try different areas of work and develop skills that will strengthen your CV and job applications.
It can also be an invaluable way to gain experience in competitive sectors where formal placement opportunities may be limited.
Discover more work experience opportunities and talk to one of our team.
Posted on Tuesday 21st July 2026