How to Secure a Global Internship Role in a Global Firm

 

As a student or fresh graduate, an international internship with a global company is like a lottery.

The impact it can have on one’s career is mind-blowing, making it a dream for many students and young graduates, including those in Western nations.

We have seen so many testimonies of how individuals landed their dream jobs with S&P500 companies because of the networking, reference, and exposure to new technologies working as an intern in a global firm.

This and so many other testimonies fill the internet in today’s world, giving a valid impression an internship in a global firm is a tested and trusted way to a high-flying career.

If this is something to go by, how then can one secure a global internship role in a global firm?

How can you, as an African, Indian, Pakistani, Mexican, etc., be able to intern in global firms in the UK, USA, France, Germany, Spain, and Sweden and have the opportunity to relocate and live there while interning?

This sounds too good, right? Well, it is true and feasible without any doubts.

In this article, we will share with you all it takes on how to secure a global internship role in a global firm.

What is an International Internship?

An international internship is an opportunity for young professionals to gain practical, hands-on, corporate, real-life experience while working with a global company without the limitations of geographical borders.

Benefits of an International Internship

It is safe to say there are no disadvantages or the disadvantages might be minimal and excusable.

An international scholarship offers young professionals so many benefits such as

• Career Opportunities: Interns in international organizations are a hot cake in the job market. They are acquainted with diverse opportunities to grow in their career.
• Access to high-quality education: specialized programs, extensive research, technology, and learning materials that might not be available or sufficient in your home country can be easily found in international institutions abroad.
• Helps to broaden your horizon: Interns can easily develop a global mindset when exposed to diverse cultures, people, places, technology, perspectives, etc.
• Networking and Connections: The impact of a great network can never be overemphasized. There is a popular saying, “Your network is your net worth”. International internship exposes individuals to diverse and valuable networks.

In addition to these, financial relief, exposure to new technology, personal growth, cultural exchange, language skills, and the competitive edge of an international internship in a global firm are worth giving up a lottery.

Steps to Finding and Securing a Global Internship

If the process and requirements for finding and securing a global internship in a global firm were a walk in the park, you wouldn’t be able to get in as it would be all filled up.

Patience, time, hard work, and perseverance are needed to ride your way through the storm.

Here is a guide to help increase your chances of becoming a global intern.

1. Gain Relevant Skills and Certifications

Regardless of the role you are applying for, developing in-demand skills and certification is a must.

For instance, if you are a cyber security specialist, you have to attain certifications on platforms such as Coursera, Cisco, Isc2, etc.

These platforms offer industry-recognized certificates that can demonstrate your dedication and worth to global firms.

Other professionals in Software engineering, data analysis, UI/UX designs, digital marketing, product management, investment banking, etc can learn and earn certifications in platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, etc.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s society, being knowledgeable, skilled, or having an excellent academic record is not enough.

You have to be visible, and the easiest way to do that is to be active on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

These platforms are a great way to interact with employing organisations, peers, and industry leaders while displaying your skills, certifications, and personal career growth.

3. Network

The need for the right network cannot be overemphasized

Everything in this world is either being built or controlled by humans.

The internship in the job you need was started by someone; the HR is human.

Connecting with these individuals either through social media, boot camps, events, or professional organisations might be the difference for you.

They can tell you about openings and put a word forward on your behalf in the rigorous screening process that is demanded in global firms.

4. Research

You have to decide on the industry, top firm, and location where you want to intern and research the people who work there, the internship opportunity, culture, mission, values, history, current projects, values, and policies.

By acquainting yourself with this information you will be able to identify hiring managers in these firms on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or at physical events.

5. Apply for the Internship

By regularly checking your preferred firm’s platform such as a website or social media handle, or through access to valuable networks such as hiring managers,  you should compile your CV and resume and tailor your application to match the firm’s needs, displaying why you should be the best fit at this time.

Ensure there is no error or omission in your application before submitting, and be well-prepared for online interviews, tests, or exercises.

You should also reach out to your networks to throw in great words on your behalf.

During the interview, ask thoughtful and precise questions and dress following the firm’s values.

Global Internships Programs

There are globally recognised firms that offer internships with international companies.

These organizations partner with over a hundred top firms and schools to offer internships to their alumni, volunteers, etc.

• AIESEC
• IAESTE
• United Nations Internship
• Erasmus Mundus
• IRC
• WWF
• Red Cross
• GVI
• Microsoft internship program
• Google summer of code
• CERN internship program
• NASA Program
• University of Oxford Internship Program
• Global Internship Program
• Cultural Vistas

International Companies that Offer Internship Roles

Here is a link to some of the international companies that offer internship roles and also sponsor successful applicants to live and work abroad.

• Google: Software engineering, cyber security, product management, lots more
• Microsoft: Software engineering, data analysis, product management, lots more
• IBM: Software engineering, cyber security, product management, lots more
• Intel: Engineering, computer science, and lots more
• Amazon: Software engineering, digital marketing, product management, lots more
• Apple: Software engineering, digital marketing, product management, lots more
• Goldman Sachs: Investment banking, finance, management
• JPMorgan Chase: Investment banking, finance, management
• KPMG: Audting, finance, management
• Deloitte: Audting, finance, management
• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC): Auditing, finance, management
• Sanofi: Pharmaceutical research
• ExxonMobil: Energy exploration, production
• Chevron: Energy exploration, production
• Nestle: Consumer goods expert
• Unilever: Consumer goods expert
• Toyota: Automotive
• Ford: Automotive