Are you looking for work experience in the industry and sector of your choice, to get paid, and have flexibility around your studies? Then the Reading Internship Scheme (RIS) is 100% for you!

“So, what’s the deal with RIS?”

The Reading Internship Scheme provides short-term work experience that is 4-10 weeks long either part-time and flexible during the semester or a variety of working patterns in the summer. We work with hundreds of organisations from charities, busy start-ups, large organisations and even internal University of Reading departments. So no matter your interest whether it’s marketing, quantity surveying, data analytics, law or something entirely different, there is an internship for you!

“But why should I apply?”

Because it’s a game-changer:

• Boost your CV and skills: Having an internship on your CV will prove to future employers your ability to work in a professional environment. It will also help you boost those soft skills like time-management, teamwork and even organisation, which employers look for in graduates.
• Fair: Are you worried you don’t have enough experience to apply? No stress! The RIS application form is based on your enthusiasm and current interests so there is no need for a CV. This ensures a fair playing field for all students applying, no matter the experience.
• Try before you buy (a career!): Have you got no idea what you want to do after university? You’re allowed to do one internship per academic year, so why not take full advantage? Doing multiple internships over your university years gives you a huge advantage. You’ll gain a better understanding of what you enjoy (and what you don’t) in a role or organisation, helping you make smarter career choices.
• Network like a pro: Meet professionals in the industry and build connections with organisations. You never know, these connections could be essential to your future career.
• Earn while you learn: All our internships are paid at least national living wage, with the opportunity to receive an additional £100 RIS Expense Bursary for eligible students.
• Confidence booster: By working in a professional environment, you gain huge professional confidence. This in turn will help with future applications, interviews and even jobs.
• Flexible: All organisations involved are aware of your commitment to your studies. So, we offer a mixture of remote, hybrid and office-based internships all with different hours per week. This is to allow you to keep the focus of your studies and attend all your lectures, seminars, workshops etc.

“Okay, I’m in! How do I find these internships?”

All Reading Internship Scheme opportunities are waiting for you on MyJobsOnline.

Here’s your guide:

1. Log in to MyJobsOnline.
2. Click on ‘Opportunities’.
3. Filter by ‘Reading Internship Scheme’. (Look for titles that clearly say ‘Reading Internship Scheme’)

Pro-Tip: New internships pop up all the time, so keep checking MyJobsOnline regularly. Want to be the first to know? Join the RIS LinkedIn Group for updates on new vacancies and cool events.

“But I’m worried about my application.”

We get it, applications can be a bit daunting. But don’t sweat it! The Careers team is here to help.

You can book an appointment with a careers consultant to chat about your application, get feedback, and make sure it’s top-notch.

Got questions about RIS specifically or run into any issues during your internship? Just drop an email to ris@reading.ac.uk.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the Reading Internship Scheme and take your university experience and your future career to the next level!

You’ve got this!