Futureproof person typing on laptop phone plants notes
Futureproof person typing on laptop phone plants notes

Got A Grad Job Or Internship This Summer? Here’s Everything You’ll Need

Here’s how to prep for your graduate job or internship.

Getting a graduate job or internship is a lot of hard work, so first off, congratulations! 

Obviously, the hard work doesn’t stop there. You may be wondering what comes next, and perhaps feel a little anxious about the unknown. If you have a grad job or internship starting soon, you want to be as prepared as you possibly can be to make your first day and beyond a breeze.

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started and prepped for your summer grad job or internship.

Stock up on stationery

There’d be nothing more embarrassing than turning up without at least a pen! Plus, buying stationery is good for the soul. We work with tons of stationery brands to get you the very best student deals. 

We’re obsessed with this ASMR Paperchase haul. It’s certainly inspired us to stock up on some stationery!

Get pens and notepads for less with our Paperchase student discount!

Shop work outfits

Whether you’re working on-site, hybrid, or remote, having outfits for the workplace can help you feel confident and motivated. We work with a ton of brands to get you the best fashion student discounts! Here are just some we work with:

boohoo student discounts

boohoo is perfect for curating an affordable workwear wardrobe. From classic work looks to power dresses and tops to make you feel like a boss, they’ve got you covered.

Pretty Little Thing student discounts

Pretty Little Thing is another affordable fashion brand to add workwear pieces to. Pick from contemporary suits to smart dresses and must-have blouses.

The Hut student discounts

Known for their fashion, beauty and accessories, The Hut stocks tons of upmarket brands that are fantastic for workwear pieces. Shop smart yet stylish suits, shoes and accessories to exude professionalism.

Missguided student discounts

Missguided’s workwear essentials are a fantastic choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for something smart to wear on their internship or grad job. From wide-leg trousers, fitted blazers, button-up shirts, pencil skirts and more.

FARFETCH student discounts

FARFETCH sell designer goods at fantastic prices. If designer is what you’re after, then you’ll be pleased to shop workwear pieces and accessories from Balenciaga, Gucci, Saint Laurant and much more.

Monki student discounts

Monki has some of the best workwear, from wide leg pants to double-breasted blazers in a variety of prints. If you’re after quality at decent prices, then workwear from Monki is for you.

Check out more of our student fashion discounts.

Get the right tech

Want a decent laptop to get you started? Or do you need a new and reliable phone? It’s worth taking stock of what could support you in and out of work. Shop our best laptops under £300, laptops bags and accessories, and take a look at our tech student deals to get discounts on a ton of tech brands.

…and much more!

No internship? How to get experience

Missed out on getting an internship? Sometimes internships can be too expensive to justify, especially as they’re lower-paying compared to a regular job or graduate scheme. 

Here are just a few ways you can use your summer holidays to gain some new skills:

  • Do a placement year
  • Volunteer at a local charity, school, or shop
  • Find remote opportunities
  • Explore funding opportunities to help gain an internship
  • Apply for a part-time job
  • Freelance in your chosen specialty
  • Find briefs online to work through and build a portfolio
  • Take a relevant online course (get The Skills Network student discount here)
  • Interview your network

Read more about how to get experience when you can’t afford to intern, which includes useful tips on still making use out of your time to gain valuable experience on a budget.

What’s a graduate scheme?

Reading this and wondering what a graduate scheme even is? 

A graduate scheme is essentially an entry-level job with a training element to it. It gives you the opportunity to explore multiple areas of the company you work for and build up your experience working on a variety of different projects.

There could still be time to apply to a graduate scheme, so if you like the sound of one, hit the job boards and speak to recruiters to see what’s out there. And if you’re still unsure, read our guide on everything you need to know about graduate schemes.

10 ideas for what to do after university

Three years, or sometimes even one year of study can be tough. Maybe you’re unsure of where to begin looking for an internship or grad scheme…maybe you don’t even want one!

Fortunately, we’ve got a ton of ideas of what you can do after uni, but these apply to the summer holidays too. Here are 10 ideas for what to do after university and during the summer months.

1. Go travelling

2. Move home for a bit

3. Apply for a master’s

4. Get yourself onto a graduate scheme

5. Do an internship

6. Start a business or freelance

7. Find a part-time or full-time job

8. Volunteer at a local charity

9. Work for your university

10. Look into an apprenticeship

We hope this guide has prepped you for everything you need and given you some food for thought. Sign up to Student Beans to redeem student fashion deals, student tech deals, student stationery deals and much more.