student internship first year
hey I'm a bioscience student just starting to look at possible spring or summer internships this year. Most of the opportunities I've come across are either limited to second years or are spring weeks designed for finance (which I'm not interested in).
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
Reply 1
Original post
by november.rainhey I'm a bioscience student just starting to look at possible spring or summer internships this year. Most of the opportunities I've come across are either limited to second years or are spring weeks designed for finance (which I'm not interested in).
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
Hi @november.rain
Unfortunately I don't know much about this industry, but I do think it is great that you are looking for an internship in first year. It is a great way to gain experience and learn more about the industry!
Do you have a careers team at your university? They should be able to help you search for internships and put together a CV. So it may be worth reaching out to them.
I hope this helps and good luck!
-Grace (Kingston Rep)
Reply 2
Original post
by november.rainhey I'm a bioscience student just starting to look at possible spring or summer internships this year. Most of the opportunities I've come across are either limited to second years or are spring weeks designed for finance (which I'm not interested in).
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
Hey,
Most internships are aimed at second years, so it’s fine to apply properly next year. To get some experience, you might want to focus on some volunteer/ part time work, relevant modules and lab techniques you’re doing, and transferable skills.
In regards to references, your lecturers, module leaders, or even tutors can help, if you attend regular seminars and ask questions. Over time, that’s more than enough for an academic reference.
Overall, you’re doing exactly what you should be doing in first year, nothing about this puts you at a disadvantage.
Good luck!!
Sabina
Original post
by november.rainhey I'm a bioscience student just starting to look at possible spring or summer internships this year. Most of the opportunities I've come across are either limited to second years or are spring weeks designed for finance (which I'm not interested in).
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
I have a couple of questions:
should I be looking for these internships right now or wait until second year?
If I wait until second year, what should I do to gain more research skills and experience to enhance my second year application?
If I did apply to internships this year, I haven't got any work experience or proper research experience right now so what would I put on my CV etc. to stand out?
also how would I obtain a proper reference since I don't know my tutors very well?
sorry for the questions, I'd really appreciate it if you have any advice. thank you!
Hey,
This is a really common place to be in first year, so try not to panic. You’re actually thinking about this at a good time, not too late or too early.
For spring/summer internships, it’s true that a lot of formal ones are aimed at second years because they want people with more lab experience. That doesn’t mean there’s no point looking now, but it does mean you shouldn’t feel behind if you don’t land one this year. Many students don’t do an internship until the summer after second year.
If you do wait until second year, this year is still really useful for building things that will strengthen your applications. Focus on:
•
getting comfortable with core lab techniques in your practicals and making a note of what you’ve done
•
doing well academically, especially in lab-based modules
•
looking out for any optional research projects, lab assistant roles, or paid/unpaid summer studentships your department might advertise internally
If you do apply this year, your CV doesn’t need to be full of internships. Employers and labs know first years are early on. You can include:
•
relevant modules and practicals (be specific about techniques, not just module names)
•
coursework projects, lab reports, or group work
•
transferable skills from part-time jobs, volunteering, or societies (organisation, teamwork, data handling, communication)
•
any independent learning you’ve done, like online courses, reading, or small personal projects
Standing out at this stage is more about showing curiosity, reliability, and willingness to learn than having loads of experience. It’s okay if this year is about preparation rather than landing something big. Building skills, confidence, and relationships now makes second-year applications much stronger. You’re doing the right thing by thinking ahead, even if the opportunities don’t all line up just yet.
Good luck 😊
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative
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