Skip to main content

Careers and Internships

A year at LSE is an investment in your future as well as your studies. As a General Course student, you'll have full access to LSE Careers, and you'll be able to meet employers and alumni from a huge range of sectors. You can gain practical experience through internships and volunteering. When you leave, you'll take LSE's name, and a global network, with you.

LSE Careers

LSE Careers has an experienced team offering advice and support to General Course students throughout the year. You can:

  • book one-to-one appointments with careers consultants
  • attend events with employers and alumni from a wide range of sectors
  • use online guides and resources
  • search LSE CareerHub for internships, work experience, vacation work and part-time term-time jobs.

Find out more on the LSE Careers website.

General Course Edge

General Course Edge is a highlight of the study abroad year. It's a half-day conference exclusively for General Course students, connecting current students and recent graduates with alumni of the programme.

You'll network with General Course alumni working in areas such as data and tech, media and marketing, business, and international organisations. You'll also hear from former students now in graduate study at LSE and elsewhere, and join workshops on building a strong CV.

All General Course students are expected to take part in GC Edge.

Internships with The Intern Group

LSE has negotiated a special arrangement with The Intern Group. It gives General Course students the chance to complete an internship alongside their studies.

You can apply for an internship totalling eight weeks, between September and early March, in a sector of your choice. Placements range from blue-chip firms and fast-growing small businesses to non-profits and government departments. The Intern Group has staff in London and provides:

  • 24-hour support
  • training materials and videos
  • lifetime membership of its alumni network
  • help obtaining academic credit from your home institution, where this is possible

Internships are separate from your studies at LSE. You'll complete them in addition to your four full-year courses, or the equivalent in half-units. If you're interested, apply directly to The Intern Group before you arrive in London.

The Intern Group also offers virtual internships on flexible terms. You choose when to start, how many hours to commit (10 to 40 a week) and how long to intern (4 to 24 weeks). The programme includes:

  • a professional internship in your chosen field
  • career training focused on eight key competencies employers look for
  • a keynote speaker series with live Q&As
  • personal support throughout, including placement guidance, CV and cover letter advice, access to mental health services, and a session with a career coach at the end.

Contact The Intern Group directly if you're interested.

Please note that LSE Careers is not partnered with The Intern Group. For more information, visit the Intern Group.

LSE Generate

LSE Generate helps General Course students and alumni build socially responsible businesses. Its year-round programme includes:

  • workshops on the fundamentals of starting a business
  • a flagship accelerator programme
  • funding competitions
  • international treks and networking events

Whatever stage your idea is at, Generate can help you build, develop and scale it. Visit LSE Generate to find out more.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, meet people and make a difference. The LSE Volunteer Centre advertises opportunities across London, the UK and internationally. It also runs a one-off volunteering programme, so you can fit volunteering around your studies. Visit the LSE Volunteer Centre.

After LSE

When you complete the General Course, you become an LSE alumnus for life. You'll join a global network supported by the School and volunteer alumni around the world. Former General Course students also receive a 10 per cent discount on LSE graduate tuition fees. Explore graduate study at LSE.