Finding an internship in Türkiye
An internship in Türkiye can prove to be a prized addition to your CV, demonstrating your open-mindedness and your readiness to adjust to foreign working conditions. If you are serious about your career in the country, it may even be a must. Türkiye hosts many national and international firms needing foreign talent. Here are a few tips to help you find an internship in Türkiye and navigate the administrative procedures.
Benefits of doing an internship in Türkiye
During an internship, students participate in the day-to-day operations and projects of a company. Therefore, they gain valuable insights into a specific trade as well as into the general business environment. It is a perfect route to develop your skills while networking with established professionals in your field of study.
Most employers and workers in Türkiye are very supportive of newcomers and will guide you through the ins and outs of the business. It is part of the Turkish culture to help and guide expats, so you will probably learn while making many new friends.
An internship in a Turkish company working with international partners will most likely give you the opportunity to work both with the Middle East and with European countries.
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Note that most universities in Türkiye require students to take internships during summer or winter breaks. It is always a good idea to plan ahead for the upcoming internship season to find the best suitable positions.
In Türkiye, interns are considered non-salaried (unpaid) personnel. Most intern managers take this into account and will treat you to as many lunches, coffees and small gifts as they can. It is also customary to offer good-performing interns a farewell present, if not an employment contract.
Finding an internship in Türkiye
Türkiye is bustling with activity and internship-seekers are quite likely to find a position either in non-governmental organizations and international institutions, such as the United Nations, or in big global companies, such as Unilever, PepsiCo, Nokia, Carrefour, Kraft or Siemens, to mention a few of the heavy-weights present in the country.
Your school might be able to provide helpful support. As universities increasingly include mandatory internships in their curricula, they are working to establish partnerships with firms across the world to help facilitate their students' placement.
Make sure you check with your instructors, too! Occasionally, they may be able to help you find interesting internships since they already have connections with local companies.
Otherwise, specialized websites listing jobs and internships or foreign chambers of commerce in Türkiye may also help.
Although some firms will likely favor binational trainees or candidates demonstrating fluency in both Turkish and English, others will view your command of a different language as a precious asset.
You can check whether the consulates or embassies of your home country offer internships in Türkiye.
Applying for an internship in Türkiye
To do an internship in Türkiye, you should be enrolled in a degree program in a higher education institution. Internships may vary in length according to the intern's academic requirements and the company's needs. They usually last from 2 to 12 months.
Once you have been offered an internship, you are required to obtain an internship visa from a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country. The document checklist for an internship visa generally includes the following:
- a letter from your employer;
- your previous graduation certificates and grades transcripts;
- a bank slip demonstrating your ability to support yourself financially over the duration of your stay *(as of 2023, this amount stands at around US$800 a month) or a letter and bank slip from a sponsor.
If you are already staying in Türkiye under a residence permit, you may apply for an internship without the need to go through any further procedures.
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Transitioning from an internship to a paid position in Türkiye
To transition from an internship to a paid position in Türkiye, it's essential to make a strong impression. Demonstrate your value by taking initiatives, showing eagerness to learn, and exceeding expectations in your assigned tasks. Building a good rapport with your colleagues and supervisors can also be beneficial. Towards the end of your internship, express your interest in continued employment and inquire about potential job opportunities within the company.
Formalities: work permit and visa
Note that to hold a full-time position in Türkiye, you will need to apply for a work permit and visa. You can do this from a Turkish consulate or embassy abroad or from within the country. Make sure to check with your potential employer whether they will be able to obtain a preliminary permit from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to provide you with an official job offer. To do this, your employer will need to present proof that your position can not be filled locally.
Expert tips
Keep track of your achievements and tasks during your internship. This will be useful for updating your CV and for discussions about potential employment.
Seek feedback regularly to understand areas of improvement and to show your commitment to personal development.
Be proactive in asking for additional responsibilities and show enthusiasm for being involved in various projects.
Remember, internships in Türkiye can be a stepping stone to a successful career. The key is to be proactive, dedicated, and open to learning and adapting to new environments.
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