Internships

How it works

Unlike work placements, which form part of a degree, internships help you to gain important industry experience outside of your studies, by placing you within a specific company or workplace.

In many ways internships work exactly like a real job. You’ll join a specific project team and be required to be as enthusiastic, flexible and hardworking as every other member of the team.

Interning with UKNCC will give you valuable real-world experience of working at the coal face of UK China affairs. It will help you to make important new contacts in the sector and it will give you a distinct advantage when interviewing with other employers and recruiters in the future. UKNCC internships are not paid, however, out of pocket expenses are. Every intern will get great opportunities; ranging from the chance to travel to China to participate in Pathfinder Dialogues; demonstrate your research, interview and editorial skills by preparing our publications or originating and delivering bilateral events summits.

Like any professional commitment, the more you put in, the more you will get out.

Before applying

In an average week, we receive a new application every day to intern or volunteer with UKNCC. Competition is intense – and global – so think carefully before you apply:

  • Can you dedicate a minimum of 8 hours per week to a UKNCC project over a minimum period of 6-12 months?
  • Is UKNCC’s vision and mission a good ‘fit’ with your view of the world and where you see your future career?
  • Do you have two referees that will support your application that have known you for at least 3 years?
  • Have you discussed your potential application with your tutor?

You don’t need to live in the U.K. to intern with UKNCC but you will need to join a weekly team meeting 08:30 – 09:00 every Thursday on Zoom. We are a friendly bunch – so if you have any questions or want to apply – please get in touch using the form below:

Thank you / 顺致敬意!

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Our impact is to drive curiosity and stimulate questioning in government, business and civil society, in order to help leaders across the UK answer the question of how to best understand and engage China.