As a WGSSS funded student, you have an unparalleled range of opportunities to undertake an internship and take advantage of all of the benefits this offers. If you are successful in applying for an internship, you will be granted a paid extension to your PhD equal to the length of the internship (between 1 and 6 months) so it will not take time away from your research. There are usually travel and accommodation expenses available.
You can spend between one and six months in a non-academic organisation in the public, civil society (voluntary) or private sectors. The internship does not need to be related to your research, and many interns have reported that the experience has given them a new perspective on, and renewed vigour for, their PhD.
Internships normally entail a defined piece of research-based work for the host organisation. At the same time, there are clear benefits to you, which may include developing:
- Networks amongst policy makers and practitioners
- Useful knowledge about organisations and how they work
- Specific skills in report writing, communication and time management
- Your capabilities in working in a team
- A wide range of other transferable skills
You are likely to find that completing an internship helps you to stand out when applying for jobs both within and outside academia.
Internship Experiences
In the following videos, WGSSS students who have completed internships describe their experiences and reflect on what they learned and how it influenced their PhDs.
You can also read our students’ internship reports.
Opportunities
We advertise internship opportunities with the Welsh Government three times a year, and with other organisations from time to time. UKRI also offers a policy internships scheme offering 3 month internships to ESRC funded students, typically advertised each summer.