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2026 Internships - Applications open on 23 March 2026!
To keep up to date check out our monthly newsletter or this blog for further updates!
Got questions or want to learn more about the internships? Come to our student briefing session at The Wave, Cornerstone on 24th March 14:00-15:00. No sign up required!
What is the Internship Programme?
What is the Internship Programme?
The SME Ambition Internship Programme allows eligible students to undertake a paid internship with SMEs and charities in the Sheffield City Region. The scheme is an opportunity for students to use their knowledge and skills to benefit a local organisation while gaining valuable career experience. These internships are exclusively for home undergraduate students who meet the Equal Opportunities criteria.
When do the internships take place?
When do the internships take place?
This round of internships is expected to run from May to August 2026. Exact start and end dates are flexible and will be discussed with successful applicants.
The Autumn round of the programme typically runs from December to March.
Why should I apply?
Why should I apply?
A paid internship provides you with:
Valuable work experience
The opportunity to use your skills and knowledge to benefit a local organisation
An insight into working for an SME or charity
For an idea of what to expect from the experience, watch our video here or browse the case study database.
What is an SME?
What is an SME?
SME stands for small and medium-sized enterprises. This describes businesses that have less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than £50 million. 99% of businesses in the UK are SMEs.
Student Experiences-
Hear from students such as Juliana who have completed the SME Ambition Internship Programme and are reflecting on the experience.
FAQ's-
"How many hours will I be expected to work on an internship?" - Internships on this programme are part-time. You should not work more than 16 hours per week, and are intended to be manageable around your studies.
"Are the internships paid?" - Yes. Interns must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, in line with UK employment law.
"Are the internships paid?" - Yes. Interns must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, in line with UK employment law.
"How many internship places are available?" - Only 30 internship roles are available as part of this programme. Due to high demand, not all applicants will be successful, so it’s important to submit a thoughtful and well-prepared application. Visit a Careers Hub for support with your application.
"How many internship places are available?" - Only 30 internship roles are available as part of this programme. Due to high demand, not all applicants will be successful, so it’s important to submit a thoughtful and well-prepared application. Visit a Careers Hub for support with your application.
"What kind of internships are on offer?" - The internships available vary from round to round. Thanks to Sheffield’s wide range of industries and organisations, there are opportunities to suit a broad range of interests and disciplines.
"Are the internships remote, in-person, or hybrid?" - Internships may be remote, in-person, or hybrid, depending on the employer and role. This will be clearly stated in the internship description so you can decide what works best for you.
"Are the internships remote, in-person, or hybrid?" - Internships may be remote, in-person, or hybrid, depending on the employer and role. This will be clearly stated in the internship description so you can decide what works best for you.
"What is the application process like?" - You’ll apply through a standard application process. This involves submitting an application answering questions on your interest and skills, followed by shortlisting and then an interview or informal discussion with the employer.
Here's what some other past SME Interns have had to say about the opportunity...
"I have much more clarity about what sector I want to work in after I have finished University. I am very grateful for this opportunity" - Politics, Modern Languages and Cultures student
"By the end of the internship, I had worked on a range of the music school's online marketing to increase engagement of current customers and to attract new customers. My supervisor also reported that the company had experienced a higher number of inquiries into music lessons than usual for the time of year, which demonstrates that my work had a visible impact" - Philosophy student
Any questions? Email employabilityprogrammes@sheffield.ac.uk 🎉
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