How to find and apply for a RIS internship

All RIS internships use a short, name-blind application form through MyJobsOnline (MJO), rather than asking for a traditional CV and covering letter.

This means employers initially assess your answers without seeing your name. We want you to be able to demonstrate your skills, experiences and interest in the role, regardless of whether you've had a professional job before.

There are two main questions and one optional question.

Question 1: What knowledge, skills or experiences do you have that are relevant for this position?

(This can be from your personal, academic or professional life.)

This is your opportunity to show the employer why you would be suitable for the internship.

Start by reading the job description and identifying the skills or qualities the employer is looking for. These might include communication, teamwork, organisation, creativity, attention to detail or the ability to manage different tasks.

Then think about examples of when you've demonstrated those skills.

Your examples don't need to come from paid employment. You can draw on:

• University assignments, presentations or group projects
• Part-time work or volunteering
• Societies, sports teams or other extracurricular activities
• Personal projects, hobbies or responsibilities outside university

Be specific with your examples.

Instead of simply saying:
"I have good teamwork and communication skills."

• Situation: Briefly explain what you were doing or what the challenge was.
• Action: Describe what you did and the skills you used.
• Result: Explain what happened, what you achieved or what you learned.

Try to focus on the skills most relevant to the internship rather than listing everything you've ever done.

Question 2: What excites you about this internship in particular?

This question helps the employer understand why you're interested in their opportunity.

You don't need to have a detailed career plan or previous experience in the sector. Employers want to understand what interests you and why you've chosen to apply.

Think about:

• The role: Which tasks or responsibilities interest you most?
• The organisation: Is there something about its work, projects or values that appeals to you?
• Your development: Are there particular skills you'd like to gain or areas you'd like to explore?

For example, if you're applying for a marketing internship with a charity, you might discuss your interest in creative communication, a particular campaign the charity has worked on, or your wish to learn how organisations use social media to reach different audiences.

Try to make your answer specific to the internship.

Avoid giving an answer that could apply to any role. Referring to the job description and the organisation's work will help demonstrate why this particular opportunity interests you.

And remember, it's perfectly fine to apply because you want to explore a new sector or discover whether a particular type of work is right for you.

Question 3: Any other relevant information you'd like to share (optional)

This question is completely optional.

You can use it to include anything relevant that you haven't already mentioned, such as:

• Additional skills, experiences or achievements
• Information that may help the employer understand your application
• Relevant practical considerations, such as pre-booked commitments during the internship period

You don't need to repeat anything from your previous answers or fill this section simply because it's available.

Once the application deadline has passed, the RIS team will share applications with the employer for shortlisting.

You will receive an email through MyJobsOnline to let you know whether you've been shortlisted for an interview.

If you're shortlisted: The employer will receive your contact details and get in touch with you directly to arrange an interview. Keep an eye on your emails, including your junk folder, so you don't miss their invitation.

If you're not shortlisted: You'll receive an email letting you know your application was unsuccessful.

Don't be discouraged if you're not shortlisted. Internship opportunities can be competitive, and an unsuccessful application doesn't mean you don't have valuable skills or experience.

We encourage you to book a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Consultant, who can review your application with you, suggest improvements and help you prepare for future opportunities.

You can continue applying for other RIS internships, so keep an eye out for opportunities that interest you.

Take a few minutes to check your answers:

• Have you answered the questions? Make sure your responses address what the employer is asking.
• Have you included examples? Show how you've developed or demonstrated relevant skills.
• Have you tailored your answers? Explain why you're interested in this particular internship.
• Have you checked your spelling and grammar? Read through your answers carefully before submitting.
• Have you followed the instructions? Check the word limits and remember that RIS applications are name-blind, so don't include your name or contact details in your answers.

You may find it helpful to draft your answers in Word first, then copy them into MyJobsOnline once you're happy with them.

You can book a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Consultant for personalised support.

A Careers Consultant can help you identify relevant skills, improve your examples and make sure your application clearly communicates your suitability for the role.

You don't need to wait until you're struggling to ask for help, appointments are available to support you at any stage of the application process.

If you've been shortlisted, the employer will contact you directly to arrange an interview.

Interviews may take place in person, over the phone or online, depending on the employer.

An interview is an opportunity for the employer to learn more about your skills, experience and interest in the role. It's also your chance to ask questions and find out whether the internship is right for you.

Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Check your emails regularly

Keep an eye on your University email inbox, including your junk folder. Employers may contact you directly, so it's important to respond promptly.

If you're no longer interested in the role or cannot attend, please let the employer know rather than leaving their message unanswered.

2. Find out about the organisation

Spend some time learning about what the organisation does. Look at its website, the services it provides and any projects that interest you.

You don't need to memorise everything, but you should be able to explain what the organisation does and why you're interested in working there.

3. Read the job description again

Identify the key skills and responsibilities involved in the role. Think about what questions the employer might ask and prepare relevant examples.

4. Prepare examples of your skills

Just like in your application, employers may ask you to describe a time when you've demonstrated a particular skill.

Prepare two or three examples from your studies, work, volunteering or other experiences. You can use the Situation – Action – Result structure to organise your answers.

5. Practise answering questions

Practising aloud can help you feel more prepared. You could ask a friend or family member to interview you or book a practice interview with a Careers Consultant.

You don't need to memorise answers word for word. The aim is to feel comfortable discussing your experiences and interests.

6. Check the practical details

Make sure you know the interview date, time and location, or how to join if it's online.

If you need any reasonable adjustments for the interview, you can discuss these with the employer in advance.

7. Prepare some questions of your own

An interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the role.

You might want to ask what a typical day would look like, what projects you'd be involved in or what support would be available during the internship.

You can find more detailed advice on the University's Interviews webpage, including guidance on preparation, different types of interviews and common interview questions.

You can also book a one-to-one appointment with a Careers Consultant for interview preparation or a practice interview.

Remember: You aren't expected to know everything before starting an internship. Employers know you're a student applying for an opportunity to learn. Focus on demonstrating your interest, relevant skills and willingness to develop.