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The Interns Handy
Guide to Voluntary
Internships
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What types of tasks will I be asked to do as a
voluntary intern?
A voluntary intern is not a paid employee so you will not be asked to business critical work. However
you may be asked to complete tasks to support current employees within your internship providers
business. These tasks will depend on the nature of the internship providers business. For example
you may be asked to do some of the following:
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offering additional research to support a business pitch
offering creative input to a project
offering researching support for new markets, case histories, or new suppliers for products
offering input to potential process changes
contributing to a news story
supporting R&D for science and engineering projects
using some supporting skills in languages or technical / theoretical knowledge.
It could also include other tasks aligned with your internship providers business; don’t be surprised, if
you are asked to take your turn to do a tea run.
What is a Voluntary Intern?
A voluntary intern is under no obligation to perform work or carry out instructions: they have no
contract or formal arrangement and so can come and go as they please; they have no expectation of
and do not receive any reward for tasks they may do.
What types of internships are available?
Graduate Advantage would like to offer a variety of voluntary opportunities to graduates however we
would prefer to offer internships within the sectors listed below as a voluntary internships is an
opportunity to gain exposure to a career you may be interested in pursuing in the future.
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Creative
Health
Marketing Agency
Film & TV
Law
IT Helpdesk
Journalism
Project Support
Event Management
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Languages
Fashion
Accountancy
Science
PR
HR
Social Media
What is expected of me?
The internship provider will have certain expectations of the behaviour of a voluntary intern whilst you
are on internship. It will provide you with an opportunity to gain exposure to a career you may like to
pursue in the future, so it will be in your best interest to:
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behave in a professional manner at all times
abide by the rules and regulations of your Internship provider
act diligently and make significant effort during the internship
complete the tasks given to you in a timely and accurate manner
let your Internship provider know if you are unable to volunteer due to appointments or prior
commitments.
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FAQs
How many hours can I work per week? Can I go into work when I please?
You can work from 8 hours up to 30 hours per week and you can arrange with the internship provider
a start time that is mutually beneficial.
Do I get to choose my hours and days?
Yes as a volunteer you can propose the hours and days that you would prefer to volunteer.
Do I get holidays?
You are not an employee undertaking paid work therefore you are not eligible to book or take
holidays, however you can make an agreement with the employer to take a break as you are going on
holiday and recommence volunteering upon your return.
Is there a limit on how many weeks I work on a voluntary basis? What happens after this?
You can volunteer for up to 16 weeks, if the employer wishes you to remain beyond this you must be
paid and offered a contract of employment.
Can I do more than one Voluntary Internship at any one time?
In order for as many graduates as possible to gain work experience we can only offer you one
voluntary internship at a time.
Do I get travel expenses?
Yes if you are travel on public transport. Unfortunately, we are unable to pay mileage or parking if you
chose to commute by car. However an exception will be made for any graduate registered as disabled
where travel by car is essential. Administration for expenses will be completed by Graduate
Advantage; please contact an Internship Coordinator for more details.
What if I don’t like the internship, can I leave without notice?
Yes, however it is only polite and professional to give a period of notice for them to make alternative
arrangements and for you to give back/retrieve any personal belongings, keys etc.
Who do I speak to if I have any issues / problems with the Voluntary Internship?
You can speak with an Internship Coordinator at Graduate Advantage or directly with the Internship
provider.
Can I still claim Job Seekers Allowance?
We are unable to offer advice in this area as every Job Seeker has a unique set of circumstances,
please ask your advisor at JobCentre Plus.
Can I still take time out to go to interviews and look for paid work during my Voluntary
Internship?
Yes, the reason you can only volunteer for up to 30 hours is to allow you time to make applications
and attend interviews.
Do I need to give notice if I have found another role?
It is polite and professional to give the Internship provider notice if you wish to leave.
I am an international graduate. Can I do a Voluntary Internship?
Yes however you will need to have eligibility to work in the UK as the Voluntary Internship scheme
encourages employers to offer post internship paid employment to the graduate.
Will I get a paid role at the end of the Voluntary Internship?
This will be at the discretion of the employer and is in no way guaranteed.
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Can I work from home?
No, as you are a volunteer and not undertaking work you cannot work from home. You must
undertake your voluntary internship on the Internship provider’s premises.
Will I be treated the same as a paid employee?
No, employees benefit from remuneration and associated benefits. As a voluntary intern you will,
however, be covered by the company’s health and safety, insurance and equal opportunities policy
akin to a paid employee.
Will there be training given?
You will receive an induction to the business /premises and be shown how you can assist the
business through your internship.
Will I receive any incentives?
No.
Will the company provide me with a computer, stationary etc?
Yes if it is required as part of the internship.
Will I be paid if I work at events etc.?
No.
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Version 1 13/07/2011
Graduate Advantage
c/o Aston University SW310
Aston Triangle
Birmingham B4 7ET
enquiries@graduateadvantage.co.uk
Tel 0121 204 4767
www.graduateadvantage.co.uk