If you're looking for internships, try volunteering

With the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development saying that internships are becoming essential, there is no better time to start looking than now.  

There are hundreds of charities, both local and national, that recruit for volunteer interns every year. Roles vary project management to media, marketing, web, policy, fundraising or campaigning.

You can find details of voluntary organisations who need your help by searching the do-it database on vinspired. 

Or have a look at some of these exciting internships with leading UK charities:

1)    Barnado's

If you are looking to work in the competitive field of children and young people, you might want to consider Barnardos for your internship. Not only are they v-funded, so you know they are high-quality placements, but they also offer a reference on completion of your internship. Check out the options here.

2)    Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK promise their interns ‘genuine responsibility on specific projects’, so if you would prefer a more hands-on role, this could be the opportunity for you. You can check out more information on what you might be doing and meet previous interns here.

 3)    The British Red Cross

The British Red Cross are always on the front line when it comes to international relations and humanitarian disasters. They couldn’t do the work they do without volunteer interns and so if you want to really make a difference while building your skill-set, why not look at their list of internships here.

4)    Oxfam

As one of the most well-established charities around, Oxfam might be a competitive place to start; But with the range of opportunities available and the name on your CV, it just might be worth a try. From working on their events team, to managing one of their bookshops, there is something for just about everyone on this list. Check out the options here.

5)    Breast Cancer UK

Last but not least are Breast Cancer Campaign, who are currently advertising for London based interns to help them on the Campaign’s Community Development team. You can hope to get insight into the charity sector, fundraising experience and the name of a thriving charity on your CV. Now what are you waiting for!

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If none of these are for you, but you think an internship might be what you’re looking for, why not check out the other opportunities available through vinspired.com. All internships offer travel expenses and lunch money to ease the financial burden, and just remember, as Tom Richmond, policy adviser on skills for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), says:

"There may be long waiting lists and rejections, but you've got to keep plugging away, because experience is often the decisive factor that gets you the job."