About work-integrated learning and internships
Find out about different types of work-integrated learning experiences and what you need to know about internships.
Work -integrated learning is a diverse range of experiences
Learning about work in your courses
While you are studying, you can learn about work in the workplace and the classroom through work-related experiences in academic courses, such as consultancy projects. You could also learn from doing career activities such as job search or skills development workshops that are part of your course.
Internships , law clerkships , placements and practicums
An internship is a period of paid or unpaid workplace-based experience to better understand the career you want to pursue at the end of your degree. It can be a compulsory or elective part of your studies, part of an organised programme, or unstructured and completed in New Zealand or overseas.
Other forms of internships are summer or winter law clerkships, vacation work programme, work placement programme or practicums that are part of a course.
Types of internships
Internships as a pathway to graduate programmes
Major graduate recruiters and government agencies often run an internship programme alongside their graduate programme to engage with students in their penultimate (second to last) year of study (and even earlier). Employers may target specific degrees and degree disciplines.
Professional associations, industry training boards and independent agencies may play a role in internship (and graduate) recruitment activities on behalf of their membership or sector. For example Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand CA ANZ, Commercial Communications Council and Summer of Tech.
Internships in not-for-profit or creative sectors, where funding is an issue, may be advertised only when staff are available to supervise a suitable project.
Gaining an introduction to university research pathways
An internship can be either a compulsory or an optional component within an undergraduate or postgraduate programme of study.
Summer Research scholarships offer a unique opportunity for external organisations, academics and students to work together in research. Working with globally recognised researchers in a local setting, you can gain valuable real-world experience as well as an insight into what research is all about.
International internships
An international internship offers career-enhancing immersion in the life and culture of another country, improves language skills and intercultural awareness.
It is possible to organise an internship directly or apply through an internship provider. Some providers specialise in fields such as teaching English, aid and development or conservation. Providers can also search for an internship on your behalf but this is an expensive option so proceed with caution. All overseas internships will involve airfares, visa and other administrative costs as a minimum. Research, plan and budget early and consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for information on countries that New Zealand has special working holiday visa arrangements with.
Opportunities to create your own internship experience
An internship or work placement can be initiated by personally negotiating with a targeted employer to enhance employability or meet your degree requirements. Such an opportunity can also be created by negotiating with a current employer. If you already have a part-time or summer job with an organisation that has other departments, branches or a head office you could enquire about administrative, marketing or project work in these other areas of the business.
Availability and timing of internships
Most people aim to complete an internship during a study break although it can be undertaken during term time and, in some instances at the end of study. The majority of internships are advertised between March and September each year. Check the NZUni Talent jobs board.