When applying for graduate jobs, having a strong academic record is a great starting point but relevant work experience will set your application apart from others. At LSE Careers, we offer a range of internships and work-based learning programmes to help students move forward in their career during their time at LSE. If you’re interested in finding out more about how we can support you with getting some work experience, here’s an outline of the different programmes we run throughout the academic year.

LSE Skills Accelerator

In partnership with Practera, we offer you the opportunity to complete a virtual employability programme designed to build your professional skills and prepare you for the workplace through skills-based activities. Following a series of immersive skills modules, you will have the chance to secure a place on a two-week part-time team project with a partner employer.

The programme runs twice a year in February and November and applications are open to both undergraduates and master’s students, with priority given to applications from students with less than 12 weeks of work experience.

You can find out more about last year’s programme on CareerHub. Applications for the 2023/24 programme will open in Autumn Term so keep an eye out for more updates.

Summer Internship Programme

This programme provides students with the opportunity to apply for exclusive summer internships within UK charities, SMEs and start-ups. Taking part in this programme will enable you to develop your professional skills, explore your career options and build your confidence.

Applications are open to undergraduate students either in the penultimate or final year of their course with limited work experience (less than 12 weeks). The programme runs every year with the application period starting in January so if you’re in the penultimate year of your studies and haven’t applied already, you can always apply the next January in your final year.

If you’d like more information about applying for our Summer Internships, visit CareerHub.

Parliamentary Internships Programme

The Parliamentary Internships Programme, established by LSE alumnus and governor Barry Sheerman MP, has a proud history of connecting LSE students with part-time internships in Westminster. The programme provides opportunities to intern with Members of Parliament (MPs) from across the House of Commons and peers in the House of Lords.

Current master’s or PhD students from any department are welcome to apply. Different internships have different application deadlines but usually open between September and December. For more details, visit our Parliamentary Internships webpage.

LSE Graduate Internships

This scheme provides recent LSE graduates with the opportunity to apply for fixed-term paid employment, working on project-based initiatives across the School. Graduates get the opportunity to develop various technical skills and soft skills to further prepare them for their future career.

To be eligible for this programme, you must have graduated from any LSE department within the last 24 months. Applications open during Winter Term and roles will be advertised and available to view on CareerHub once they’ve gone live.

Other types of work experience

If the above programmes aren’t for you, you can still apply for other internships or part-time work opportunities to build experience or explore whether a particular industry is for you. Here are some useful places to look for part-time work and internships:

• CareerHub jobs board
• LSESU ‘Work with us’ webpage
• LSE jobs site
• Arts Jobs (great for evening and weekend work at venues)
• Employment4Students

If you’d like further support from LSE Careers, book an appointment with one of our careers consultants.