The internship normally runs from September – May. There may be some flexibility to allow an earlier / later start date depending on student availability.
The internship is credit based and is therefore assessed by UCD. Successful candidates remain registered students throughout their placement and retain obligations to UCD, including participation in induction and debriefing, and completion of a programme of structured reflective learning activities prior to, during, and on completion of the internship.
The internship must be a minimum of 9 months duration; this may be extended to 12 months on agreement with the student.
Yes, all internships must be paid at least minimum wage.
No, all offers are released to students at the same time; students receiving more than one offer have the choice of which offer to accept. For this reason it is important that your offer list is returned by the relevant deadline.
Employers are also strongly encouraged to have a reserve list of candidates in case their first preference candidate declines.
The Quinn Internship Fair is back on campus and will take place on the evening of the 28th January, 2025 in the Quinn School of Business (5:30pm). Employers will have the opportunity to engage with students before the internship application process commences. Employers will be able to meet with potential applicants, answer any questions they may have, and promote their internships.
The UCD Internship Fair, which is a separate event, will take place earlier on the day. This is a UCD wide event for all students and employers recruiting interns and mainly focusses on summer internship opportunities, however employers advertising year long internships may also attend as it is an opportunity to engage with students. Registration is required and a fee applies, this event is run by the careers network and further information is available here.
The intern should work a full week with their host employer (normal business working hours should apply). They are not required to attend UCD during their internship year, their academic work should be completed online in their own time.
Our preference is that students are based in the office for the majority of their internship. It is important that interns have the opportunity to learn from peers, colleagues and managers and this is best faciliatated in an office based environment. It is also important that students receive mentoring and guideance throughout the year and this is also easier to support when in the office. However we appreciate that some elements of remote or hybrid working are now part of the working world and may be part of your work environment. Where interns are working remotely they should be provided with the necessary training, supports and equipment. Where this occurs, the host is subject to the same obligations in relation to ensuring a safe working environment for the intern as they would be if that intern was working in the host's premises.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact the Internship Manager (quinninternships@ucd.ie / +353 1 716 4756). Employers must confirm participation before the end of January.
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