A chemistry internship is an excellent opportunity to learn how your theoretical knowledge of chemistry can be applied in an industrial, on-the-job setting. It allows you to gain important skills in your preferred industry, while preparing you for the challenges you may encounter at work. This kind of invaluable experience is difficult to simulate in a classroom or school laboratory.
Whether you’re still studying for a chemistry degree or you’ve already graduated, this article provides some useful tips to help you get a chemistry internship in the UK.
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Why UK chemistry internships matter
UK chemistry internships are competitive and relatively rare opportunities. In fact, being awarded a place on a chemistry internship programme can be as difficult as securing a regular job.
Interns learn on the job, which means they also perform some of the tasks assigned to regular employees. Interns in the UK are usually entitled to the national minimum wage if their employment lasts longer than a year (the main difference is the employment status).
Many students who qualify for an internship are often hired by the company as a regular employee at the end of their placement. Even if you’re not offered a permanent position, your hands-on experience should mean you’ll have a competitive edge when you apply for similar roles at other companies.
Start of a promising career
UK chemistry internships can signal the beginning of a promising career for chemistry and chemical engineering students. They’re an excellent starting point if you want to build a network of industry contacts within your chosen field at an early age.
It’s no surprise that many of the highest-paid scientists kickstarted their careers with a chemistry internship. If you also hope to have a lucrative career in chemistry, this article contains advice to help you find a suitable internship.
Exposure to the UK chemical industry
As a chemistry intern, you’ll be exposed to the industry standards that govern your particular job or specialist field. This is almost impossible to simulate or teach in a classroom environment or a school chemistry laboratory. Even if you’re already aware of some of the regulations, you can only truly understand how they’re implemented by actually working in an organisation.
For example, ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) has specific provisions that companies must comply with, but to varying degrees. Even businesses in the same sector will take a different approach when it comes to complying with the regulations.
Similarly, there are industry standards governing operations, equipment, protocols, and product quality that can only be fully understood by being in the workplace.
Building your intern application
While applying for a chemistry internship can be challenging, it’s also very rewarding.
If you do decide to take this route, it’s important to remember that every company has slightly different requirements and hiring processes. You’ll also need to consider if an internship opportunity is best suited to your needs and whether you’re the right person for the position.
Before you’re hired as an intern, you’ll generally have to pass a screening process. This usually means submitting your CV and cover letter and then having an interview.
- CV – depending on the company’s hiring process, you may need to submit either a printed or electronic CV. Alternatively, you may be asked to complete an online form (with or without attachments) via the company website. A CV is typically two pages long and includes a detailed description of your education and work experience.
- Cover letter – a cover letter should be relatively short and to the point. It’s a way of introducing your application and explaining why you’re the best person for the job. You can do this by highlighting relevant experience and demonstrating how your skills meet those specified in the job description. A cover letter is also a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge of the company and impress a potential employer.
- Interview – most internships will involve some form of interview, during which you’ll be asked about your skills and experience. Depending on the type or level of interview, you may be asked to explain certain concepts related to the internship position to test your knowledge. The interviewer will also assess your attitude and personality to help determine whether you’ll be a good fit for the role and the company as a whole.
Applying for a chemistry internship in the UK
If you’re applying for a chemistry internship in the UK, there are plenty of resources at your disposal. As a starting point, you might want to search for internship opportunities online, either via local job boards, LinkedIn or chemistry forums. You can also visit the recruitment pages of top chemistry employers such as AstraZeneca or Cancer Research.
And don’t be afraid to reach out to your network of fellow students, friends, and family to see if they have any relevant connections. For more tips and advice, read our guide to chemistry internships in the UK.
Additional chemistry internship resources
Here are some additional resources that may come in handy when searching and applying for chemistry internships in the UK.
- University resources – speak to the job placement or career guidance office at your university for help. Most universities partner with government institutions and private companies for internships. If they have an agreement with a company in your preferred industry, ask if they’re happy to refer or recommend you.
- Royal Society of Chemistry – the Royal Society of Chemistry website also has information about internship opportunities and you can apply as a student member to widen your network of contacts.
- New Scientist Jobs – the dedicated jobs section of the website includes internship opportunities across various scientific fields. You can also set up email job alerts to make your search that much easier.
Conclusion
Securing a chemistry internship in the UK takes time and effort, but the experience and skills you’ll gain are invaluable. To increase your chances of getting a chemistry internship, you’ll need to have a strong CV and cover letter, and perform well during the interview. To find a chemistry internship, speak to your university placements office in the first instance. You should also do your own research by visiting employer websites and searching online job boards.
Visit the resources section of our website today for more information about chemistry education and career opportunities.
