How to Apply for a Summer Internship in London
So, you want to land a summer internship in London? Brilliant choice. You get to work in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, eat overpriced sandwiches in the park, and maybe even bump into someone famous while grabbing your morning coffee. (No promises, though.)

But before you can enjoy the buzz of the Tube or those rooftop after-work drinks, there's the not-so-small task of actually getting the internship. Let’s break it down together—step by step, no jargon, no stress.

1. Figure Out What You Actually Want

First things first: What do you want to do?

I know, big question. But think about it. Are you into marketing? Finance? Fashion? Tech? The more specific you get, the better your chances of finding something that fits. If you apply to every internship under the sun, you’ll burn out fast.

Tip: Make a list of companies you admire. Stalk their websites. Check their careers page. No shame in creeping—it’s called research.

2. Polish That CV Until It Shines

You don’t need to have climbed Everest or cured world hunger, but your CV should show that you’re interested and involved.

Include any volunteer work, part-time jobs, or school projects.

Keep it to one page. Seriously.

Use action words. Instead of "Helped with social media," try "Created Instagram campaigns that increased engagement by 20%."

Bonus points for tailoring your CV to each role. Yes, it takes more time. But trust me, it’s worth it.

3. Write a Cover Letter That Doesn’t Make People Yawn

This is your chance to be human.

Tell them why you want this internship and what makes you a good fit. Mention something specific about the company that caught your eye. Show some personality. (Just maybe don’t open with a Shakespeare quote.)

Think of it like a Tinder bio, but for your professional self: charming, confident, and not too try-hard.

4. Where to Find These Magical Internships

Glad you asked. Here are some places to start:

LinkedIn (duh)

internwise.co.uk

Prospects.ac.uk

TargetJobs.co.uk

Company websites (again, stalking encouraged)

University career centers

Networking events (even virtual ones count!)

And don’t underestimate the power of good ol’-fashioned asking. Let your friends, family, or that one overly enthusiastic lecturer know you’re looking.

5. Ace the Interview (Even if Your Voice Shakes)

If you land an interview, first of all—go you!

Now, prep like a pro:

Know the company (don’t just skim their homepage).

Practice answering common questions but don’t sound like a robot.

Have a question or two ready to ask them.

Dress like you care. (Even if it’s on Zoom. Yes, wear pants.)

And remember: they’re not looking for perfect. They’re looking for curious, motivated, teachable humans.

6. Handle Rejection Like a Champ

It sucks. No sugar-coating it. But everyone—everyone—gets rejected at some point. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It just means that wasn’t your match.

Shake it off. Learn what you can. Try again.

Final Thoughts: Pack Your Bags (Mentally)

Getting a summer internship in London takes effort, sure. But it’s totally doable. Start early, stay organized, and be yourself. The real you is more impressive than any buzzword-stuffed CV.

And hey, if it all works out? You’ll be sipping iced coffee on the South Bank in no time.

Good luck. You’ve got this.