Internships are an excellent way to get experience in a given field and to see if it is a good fit for you. It is also a great way to get your foot in the door at a company. Here is what you need to know if you're looking for internship opportunities in Ireland.
Good to know:
An internship will make you more employable and very often can turn into a full-time job if you make an impression and prove that you can add value to the company.
How to find an internship in Ireland
Most companies in Ireland will have an internship opening in place. Some of these will be more formal than others. For example, big accounting firms will always take in a large number of interns each year, whereby they will undergo extensive training and follow a detailed outline during their time in the role. Other internships may be a bit more off the cuff.
You can look for internship opportunities in Ireland by browsing through different company websites, or you can go to sites dedicated to showcasing the latest internship opportunities like Internships Ireland and Grad Ireland. Visiting the websites of companies you are interested in might reveal intern opportunities not listed elsewhere. You could also reach out to internal recruiters in companies who have internship programmes. Many universities offer resources and connections to help you find internships related to your field of study. And most importantly, network, network, network. Leveraging your professional networks and attending industry events can lead to internship opportunities through personal connections.
Ireland is home to many of the world's most successful companies, so you can expect to find a range of internships across various industries, including paid internships, unpaid internships, volunteer internships, and summer internships. Businesses in Ireland offer internships to support career development while encouraging new and diverse talent to join their ranks.
Do you need experience to obtain an internship in Ireland?
If you are in the early stage of your career, then there will not be too much expectation on you having direct experience. However, the employer will look to see if you have the relevant skill set from other forms of employment or knowledge from your studies that will help you be a success at the company.
The internship market is a completive one, so the more experience you do have, the better.
How to get an internship in Ireland?
For most internships in Ireland, you will need to fill out an application form online. Most of the time, you will also have to attach a copy of your CV. Your CV must be tailored for this specific internship role.
This means highlighting the skills and experience you have that are relevant to the job at hand. If your application gets the all-clear, you will likely be invited for an interview. Some of these can take place over the phone, while others will be in person.
Sometimes the interview process may also have some form of competency test to ensure that you meet the minimum standard.
It is a good idea to do your research and look online to see what other people who have gone for the same internship role in the past have to say about the interviewing process. You will very likely be able to get a good insight and a bit of a leg up against your competition by doing so.
When looking for an internship, think about what benefits package you might like alongside the job, such as flexible working, health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
Do you need a visa to do an internship in Ireland?
Short-term internships
If you are not from an EU country, you will need to apply for immigration permission before applying for a visa. You will then need to apply for an Internship Employment Permit.
The Internship Employment Permit allows a full-time third-level student who has an internship offer with an Irish employer to work in Ireland for up to 12 months. To be eligible, the role offered must be on the Critical Skills Occupations List, the remuneration must be the National Minimum Wage or higher, and it must be related to your course of study and be intended to enhance your skills, knowledge and experience. An application is made through EPOS and should be submitted at least 12 weeks before the intended start date.
Long-term internships
EU nationals can work in an internship in Ireland without needing a permit. For those from a non-EU country and doing a paid internship, they will need to get permission to stay in Ireland, as well as register with immigration. You will not be able to work as an unpaid intern.
You will have to apply for and get immigration permission to work as a paid intern in Ireland. You will have to already have an employment or job contract in place before you apply. When you get to Ireland, you will need to apply for permission to stay in the country and be registered with immigration.
What documents are needed for internships in Ireland?
You will need to have an employment contract, permission for immigration, a valid reason for coming to Ireland, a passport and your employment permit.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
