Internships are short periods of professional experience. During an internship you will be doing similar work to a normal employee of the organisation. They give you a taste of what graduate work is like and can help you make industry contacts.

Summer Internships last between 2 – 12 weeks and are generally paid. There are some unpaid opportunities, but these should be very short in duration and not last more than 4 weeks.

Insight Days/Weeks

• Insight Days/Weeks are an invaluable opportunity for students to get a head start on their career, and experience the work and culture of the organisation during the first year of a three year degree, or second year of a four year of a four year degree.
• Many employers use internships, placements and Insight Weeks to fast track students onto their summer internships or graduate programmes.
• Most internship opportunities advertised by large graduate recruiters are aimed at pre-final year students. However, many smaller businesses offer internship opportunities and will not stipulate your year of study.
• Most large or multinational organisations commence advertising in October for students to work the following summer, so get started early! Smaller employers however, often advertise right up until the summer period so it’s never too late to look for a summer internship.

Check out Internships advertised on the Career Services Connect system (login with your studnent IT details). 

Note it is very important to check each company website for details on the application procedure and closing dates. 

Further Reading - GradIreland's section on Work Experience and Internships