I didn’t land my summer internship the way I expected to.

Like many students, I spent months applying online, attending job fairs, and searching for opportunities that would help me gain professional experience. I sent applications, updated my CV countless times, and waited for responses that often never came. While the rejections and silence were sometimes discouraging, I knew how important practical experience would be for my future career, so I kept going. Alongside my search, I remained actively involved in university life. I volunteered with Westminster Waves, the university’s student radio station, where I had the opportunity to host and contribute to content aimed at supporting and informing students. I also volunteered with Hestia, a charity that supports vulnerable individuals and communities. Although these experiences were different from the internship opportunities I was pursuing, they allowed me to develop communication, teamwork, and organisational skills while continuing my search. More importantly, they reminded me that gaining experience and contributing to meaningful projects can take many forms.

Using the Careers Team and Maintaining Confidence 

Throughout this process, I received valuable support from the university, specifically from the Zone29 team, the University’s home for careers and employability, who provided guidance on applications, employability, and making the most of opportunities available to students. I also received encouragement from the head of school and my professors within Westminster Business School, whose advice reinforced the importance of staying proactive and open to opportunities, even when progress feels slow. Their support helped me maintain confidence and continue pursuing opportunities despite setbacks. The opportunity that eventually led to my summer internship came quite unexpectedly, during what seemed like an ordinary class. My professor mentioned, almost in passing, that there might be an opportunity to work on a project with Westminster City Council. It wasn’t a major announcement or a formal recruitment presentation. It was simply a brief reference that many people could easily have overlooked. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. However, something about the idea stayed with me. Perhaps it was the chance to work on a real project outside the classroom, or perhaps it was simple curiosity. Instead of dismissing it or assuming it wasn’t relevant to me, I decided to learn more

Showing Initiative & Curiosity & Enthusiasm

After class, I approached my professor and began asking questions. I wanted to understand what the project involved, how students could participate, and what kind of work Westminster City Council was undertaking. I didn’t have particularly technical or impressive questions. I was simply interested and wanted to know more. Looking back, I think that moment mattered more than I realised at the time. It wasn’t necessarily the questions themselves that made a difference; it was the fact that I showed genuine interest and initiative. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear on a job board, I engaged with an opportunity that was already in front of me.

A few days later, I learned that I had been recommended for the placement. My professor had noticed my curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to engage in conversation. That recommendation eventually led to my summer internship with Westminster City Council. As part of my placement, I will be working on projects that support the council’s work and contribute to initiatives that benefit the local community. I am particularly excited to gain first-hand experience of how a local authority operates, how decisions are implemented, and how different teams collaborate to deliver services. Moving from studying concepts in the classroom to seeing them applied in a professional environment is an opportunity that I am genuinely looking forward to. I am also excited about the chance to learn from experienced professionals, develop new skills, and gain a better understanding of potential career paths. One of the things I value most about internships is the opportunity to learn beyond textbooks and lectures. Real-world experience offers lessons that cannot always be replicated in a classroom, and I am eager to make the most of every opportunity to learn and contribute.

My Reflection & Advice for Finding Your Internship

When I think about how this internship came about, I realise how easily I could have missed it. I could have ignored the mention of the project, told myself I would look into it later, or assumed it wasn’t meant for me. But opportunities do not always arrive with clear instructions or obvious signs. Sometimes they appear quietly, and you only notice them if you are paying attention. What I learned from this experience is that curiosity and openness matter. You do not always need to have everything planned out perfectly. Sometimes, simply asking a question can lead to opportunities you never expected. I also learned that people notice attitude more than we think. My professor did not only hear my questions; she noticed my enthusiasm and willingness to engage. Sometimes, that alone can open a door.

For students reading this, whether you are actively searching for internships or just beginning to think about your future career, my advice is simple: do not underestimate small moments, and do not allow setbacks to take away your motivation. A brief comment in a lecture, a conversation after class, a networking event, or a volunteering opportunity can eventually lead somewhere significant. Most importantly, do not be afraid to show interest. You do not need the perfect words or a perfect plan. Curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to engage can take you much further than you expect. That is how I ended up securing my summer internship—not through a perfectly planned strategy, but by staying curious, asking questions, remaining involved, and paying attention to the opportunities around me.

Sara

For more insights from international students studying at the University of Westminster and living in the heart of London, please visit our International Student Blog