Placements/Internships

Start by thinking about what you want to get out of your internship and what you can contribute.

Why do an internship?

An internship aims to give students insight into possible tasks linked to their future working life, and to show how theoretical knowledge can be put into practice.

Going on an internship gives you the chance to:

• explore various tasks and different types of workplace culture;
• put your skills to the test and grow within a professional setting;
• start building a professional network and make contacts for the future;
• boost your CV with practical experience and professional references.

Who can do an internship?

Most programmes at SLU include an internship course, either as an elective or compulsory course. There are also internship courses you can do as a freestanding course. You can also do your internship in another European country – read more about internships under the Erasmus+ traineeship scheme below.

Apply for an internship

If you are a programme student, you can find information about internship courses in the programme syllabus. You can search for freestanding courses in the course database.

Usually, you will need to arrange your own internship to suit your preferences. Start researching your options early and reach out to employers that interest you.

How do I find an internship?

Try to find an internship that relates to what you are studying or the field you want to work in. Internships are available with companies, authorities and organisations both in Sweden and abroad. Searching for one requires preparation, but also allows you to target the employers you find most interesting.

Tips:

• Make a list and start contacting employers directly.
• Look for information on internships on company/organisation websites.
• Tell others you are looking for an internship – talk to teachers, course coordinators and your programme director of studies.
• Contact former students (alumni) in your field.
• Attend job fairs and bring an updated CV.
• Find adverts on the SLU student career portal, Career Connect.

Internships abroad

Erasmus+

As a student at SLU, you can do an internship abroad under the Erasmus+ traineeship scheme. This can be either as part of your programme or as a freestanding course. Erasmus+ offers grants for internships in EU countries. An internship abroad gives you international work experience, insights into other workplace cultures and the opportunity to develop your language skills. You can apply for an internship with a company, organisation, government agency or university abroad.

Read more about Erasmus+ traineeships: Internships abroad.

Internships in the EU institutions

The EU institutions offer internships to students and recent graduates who want to gain an insight into the work of the EU. If you are a graduate, you can apply for a paid internship.

Find out more at EU Careers Sweden.

Important reminder

Information from universities

Find out what formal requirements universities have for your internship to be recognised. Often, internship courses require university supervisors, a contract and the submission of an internship report. For more information, see the syllabus of the course you are taking.

Information from employers/the internship organisation

Find out as much as you can before signing the contract, such as how the internship will be structured, working hours, start and end dates, expectations, tasks and responsibilities, who will be your supervisor and how to organise check-ins.

Feel free to ask for feedback on your performance after the internship, as well as for the possibility of using the employer as a reference when applying for a job.

Insurance

Here is information about the insurance that SLU takes out for students: Student insurance and how to report an injury

Want tips for your CV and internship application?

All SLU students have access to the career platform Career Connect, where you can find CV guides and tips on how to prepare your application. Remember to highlight your most relevant competences for the internship and to focus on what you can contribute to the organisation.

Career Connect -  click on Toolbox → Career Learning to find the guides and more articles on job search.