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Huge topic to tackle here, in this post we will go through how to get an internship or graduate job as a mature student.
There is a huge misconception about this argument. Unfortunately, many mature students believe they will never find those opportunities due to their age.
As we will see later, this is completely wrong! For the purpose of this post we will explain how to get an intern or graduate role with small/medium businesses (SMEs).
This is, in many cases, “easier” to get. Why? It is simply a different application process, it involves less automation and more human contact, which is exactly where we will put our focus on!
Different Internship application process, SMEs vs Multinationals
First of all, let’s see what that “easier” application actually means. It refers to the whole application process. Most SMEs and local businesses have a more traditional way of hiring interns and graduates.
So what does it involve? This varies from company to company, but generally its simply your CV and a cover letter specifically tailored to the role.
Now imagine how many students are going to apply for the same role. All with different backgrounds, with their unique CVs and cover letters.
Imagine also the other side, the actual company receiving hundreds of application for one or maybe few roles available for interns/graduates.
How accurate do you think the first shortlisting process can be? Do you really think each application is going to be considered thoroughly?
There is no need to answer those, what you are thinking now is correct. All those words you put together, the time spent on it, gone in a matter of minutes or even seconds.
Internship application process for multinational companies
On the other hand, a different story is when you apply for roles in multinationals. In this case, the application process is very different, and much harder.
It is really time consuming and it involves several stages. Most likely, you will need to get through numerical and reasoning tests, video-recorded Q&A sessions, an assessment centre and then the actual interview with hiring managers.
The difficulty of those tests vary according to companies’ internal policies. The key here is to prepare well, because once rejected you will not be able to apply for any other role with that company for few months!
It’s extremely tough, you might agree or disagree with the automation part, but unfortunately this is how the application process works.
Nevertheless, we will touch on that in a separate post. Let’s now continue to discuss how to get an internship/graduate job as a mature student with a SME.
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Does age matter for finding an internship or graduate job?
As mentioned at the beginning, many mature students consider their age a disadvantage, mostly when “competing” with younger students for internships or graduate jobs.
Some common questions: “why should a company should take hire me over a younger applicant?” or “is my application going to be rejected because of my age?” and unfortunately, many more similar ones.
When they are unsuccessful, they would think it’s because of their age. Let’s be clear, your age does not matter for finding an internship or a graduate job!
This was also a big concern in many of the mature student stories published on the blog, at least at the start of their student journey.
This feeling/misconception is a massive obstacle. It can really hold you back. Why? It leads to insecurity and makes you ask the wrong questions!
How to get an internship as a mature student
When applying via email, sending your CV and cover letter, a key aspect is missing: human contact. Your application is just a number among hundreds more, there is no value in it.
This aspect is really important and often overlooked! So, the first thing to do is to establish a direct contact with recruiters and employers.
It doesn’t matter if the process is in person or “virtual”, it’s doable in both instances. We will now go through 6 points that will help you find an internship or graduate job as a mature student.
If you have ever wondered:How do I get an internship? or What is a work placement? This book will answer your questions.
1. Attend professional career and networking events
Many think that in order to get a role they should wait for the position to be advertised, and then apply.
If you are thinking that too, then you are wrong. Think outside the box, otherwise you will be just a number among others! (remember how “accurate” the shortlisting process can be?)
There are numerous opportunities, at university and after it, to establish relationships with recruiters and employers for internships/graduate roles.
These mainly come under the form of conferences, webinars, guest lectures, insight weeks and career fairs. Make sure you attend those and, mostly, make sure to be noticed (don’t worry, we’ll go through that).
Those students who struggle to find roles rarely attend those events, and when they do, they don’t do anything apart from showing up.
Don’t make their same mistake. Most of the time, these companies attending/delivering those events are the ones that will advertise roles later on.
After all, they are there for a reason: attract talent and beat the competition. You have to think exactly like that, you have to beat your “fellow” younger competitors.
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2. Avoid these “stupid” (common) mature student questions
Firstly, let’s tackle the biggest mistake mature students make when attending those events, remember what mentioned earlier about mature student fears?
That leads them to ask recruiters/employers about.. their age! Questions like, “would you consider a student of my age for an internship?”; “Is my age a problem?” Please don’t do that!
All you are doing is drawing attention on your “weaknesses” rather than your strengths. Although age is not a weakness at all, you make it sound like that, so stop doing that if you are!
Moreover, what are you expecting them to answer? “Yes, we are never going to give you an opportunity because of your age?” You will obviously never hear that.
The first impression is key, it can already tell employers and recruiters a lot about you. With these sort of thoughts and questions you are ruining it!
As we will see in the next points, this is a really important factor to determine your success.
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3. Make a good first impression as a mature student!
Making a good first impression is key to find an internship or graduate job as a mature student. We can split this in two parts: visual and verbal. Let’s go through the visual first.
Firstly, dress formal for those events! You might agree or disagree with that, but it makes a difference. This doesn’t mean wearing a suit, but business casual would do.
Why? Again, you have to differentiate from others in a positive way. Most students attend these events “looking unprofessional” (e.g. wearing gym wear, shabby clothes).
As a mature student, you more likely have more experience, both life and professional, then most around you. Highlight this by presenting yourself in a professional manner.
Just think about it. What first impression are you giving to potential employers if you are not even willing to spend some time to look professional?
Tip, show technology adoption!
Another perception about mature students is that they have not adapted to modern technology.
Whether or not this is your case, there is something you might want to do “to look” more confident in using technology.
Wearing a smartwatch, using earbuds etc. are simple things you can do to show you are a technology adopter as a mature student!
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4. Interact with recruiters and employers to get an internship
Having just discussed the visual part of making a good first impression, let’s now move to the verbal one. As you are probably thinking now, attending events and dressing formally are not enough.
There is something else to do, you need to establish contact with employers and recruiters attending those events. But how to do that?
Firstly, if you are attending a conference, or any sort of events that involve presentations; listen carefully and prepare one or two challenging questions for the Q&A session at the end.
If you don’t feel confident in asking your questions in front of everybody, you can approach the panel/presenter at the end.
A good method: take notes during the presentation, including at what points of it those was being discussed; spend some minutes to structure really challenging questions.
At the end of the event, approach the panel, but not to ask about your age anymore!
Formally present yourself and give a brief introduction of your studies and interests. Then your question(s), e.g. “half way through the presentation you mentioned… does that mean… could you explain..?”
This will show several important things: firstly, that you took notes and kept track on when it was discussed (structure, organisational skills, note taking).
Secondly, you will also show that you are able to relate your questions to concepts (or interests) you are studying. It it would demonstrate to them that you are a brilliant student too.
Ultimately, more than anything, here you really want to make a very good impression!
5. Follow-up to get an internship opportunity as a mature student
Another key part to secure an internship or graduate job; the follow up. You can structure this the way you want, however, this is our suggestion:
The day, or few days, after the event, contact the presenter either by email or on LinkedIn; it’s very important to have an up to date and compelling student profile though!
What would you say? Simply, formally thank he/she for the presentation and ask another thoughtful question on it.
They are most likely very busy, so don’t expect a quick reply! Avoid double messaging or emailing, just be patient!
The reason behind is to let them know you are still thinking about their presentation, you elaborated on that and came up with other thoughts!
After that, ask for a follow-up, how to keep in touch with them for future events. Now, you are showing interest in the actual company.
Many times these companies organise events that are not advertised at your university, simply because they are not specifically tailored to students. It is up to you to go out there and find them!
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6. Be ready to apply
Ultimately, get your CV and cover letter ready for when applications are open. Often these roles get filled soon, and the initial screening process is often on a “first come first served” basis.
Therefore, prepare your application ahead! Make a standard CV and then write various versions of you cover letter according to the companies you are applying for.
See those events you were attending? Mention how inspiring they were! Explain what you liked about the presentation, and your informal chat at the end (your questions).
If you want to be “cheeky”, you could also let the recruiters/employers contacted on LinkedIn that you applied for the role.
Who knows, they might be the ones who will actually assess applications… do you see why being noticed making a good impression could lead to?
Obviously, it is impossible for you to attend all events out there, so select few companies that sound interesting to you. For the rest, just send as many applications as possible as you would do anyway!
Can you get an internship or graduate job as a mature student? Conclusions
In this post we have gone through how to get an internship or graduate role as a mature student. There is far too much negativity around this argument, which is not backed by any evidence.
The whole purpose of all the steps above is to add value to your application. This is what anyone, not only mature students, should do given how competitive the graduate internship and job market is nowadays.
Don’t think your age, whatever it is, can be the reason for an application rejection. Even if that if the case, take it as something positive that you will not work along such closed minded people!
Therefore, move on to the next and keep on pushing! Just to answer the question, if there still was any doubt, absolutely yes, you can find an internship or graduate job as a mature student.
Thank you very much for reading this post and supporting this independent blog!
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount!
A big money saving tip here! Did you know that as a university student in the UK you could get Amazon Prime free for 6 months?
This includes unlimited free next-day deliveries; Amazon Prime Movies to watch films, tv series, documentaries and live sports events; Prime Music for ad-free tracks and podcasts; student exclusive offers on university essentials.
If that wasn’t enough, if you wanted to keep your account beyond the free 6 months you could do it for half price until graduation!
Below we have put together a easy step-by-step guide to set up your student account:
- Go to the official Amazon Prime Student landing page;
- You will see this: Start your 6-month trial, then click on “Try Prime Student”;
- Sign-in if you already have an account; or sign up as below;
- Insert your university email address (ending with ac.uk);
- Insert your expected graduation year;
- Payment details (don’t worry, these are only needed to sign up, the first 6 months are free!)
- Verify you email (Amazon will send it to your university email);
- Enjoy the benefits!
Student essentials, everything you need for university!
We have ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life:
Student essentials, a day on campus;
Study from home essentials, the simple the better;
Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
Kitchen essentials for university, self-catered halls and student flats;
Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful; (perfect for gifts!)
Disclaimer
Please mind that everything you read on this blog is based on the authors’ opinions, experience and research. Therefore, consider it as an opinion only, thank you for reading!