What an internship actually is

What the work actually looks like

• You are placed in a specific unit under a named supervisor and given the unit's ordinary work, at a junior level.
• Most of the learning is by assignment rather than instruction: you are handed a real task, given the file, and expected to ask.
• Many programmes require a workplace report or a supervisor evaluation at the end, which is what your certificate of service is based on.

Where this leads next

1. 1

   Junior or entry-level post

   Completing the internship and applying as an experienced candidate rather than a graduate.

2. 2

   Fixed-term contract post

   Often the realistic next step in government, where permanent posts are advertised less frequently.

3. 3

   Permanent appointment

   Competing successfully for an advertised post — internships rarely convert automatically.

A typical route, not a guarantee — progression depends on vacancies, funding and your own performance.