Gain professional connections and real-world experience like OU student intern Rebecca

Posted on 3 June 2026 • Career planning, Jobs, internships and work experience

“Did you think that internships were just about observation? Mine at The Open University is teaching me what it means to contribute, not just watch.”

Rebecca, OU Legal Research Intern

Get impactful work experience to help kick‑start or progress your career and make a meaningful contribution.

Law graduate Rebecca is now looking for professional opportunities after her sixteen‑week OU internship within the OU Law School, working on The Parental Pathways: Advancing Inclusivity and Sustainability in UK Policing and Beyond national research project. She was part of a team comparing how police forces approach maternity, from pregnancy through to return to work.

The internship inspired Rebecca to begin a Master’s in Crime and Justice earlier than planned, so she could continue to develop as a qualified researcher. Rebecca shares the key benefits of an internship experience:

1. Become part of a team

“The culture of the internship is one of the most significant aspects of the experience. I feel part of the team. My work is reviewed carefully, and my suggestions are taken seriously.”

OU internships are exclusively available to OU students and graduates and are designed to make interns active contributors. Interns are encouraged to engage fully with their teams and the wider University community, ensuring their work is valued and meaningful.

2. Gain real‑world experience

“The internships do more than enhance a CV; they let you test your abilities against meaningful work.”

OU internships provide industry‑relevant experience that complements academic study. All OU‑exclusive internships are paid, and interns receive ongoing support, including regular check‑ins, to help you succeed. As Rebecca reflects,

“The connection to the wider professional world has been invaluable, not only for my career but also for my sense of purpose and belonging.”

3. Apply existing skills and build new ones

“Not every task carries a headline, yet each is useful. I feel productive, challenged, and part of something greater than myself.”

Interns contribute to a wide range of tasks that develop both existing and new skills. Rebecca, for example, used her strengths in visual design and content creation to translate complex research into engaging resources for policing professionals.

4. Confirm your career direction

“I was given a choice between focusing narrowly on one strand of work or gaining exposure to multiple aspects of the project. I chose breadth, and that decision allowed me to see the full lifecycle of research.”

OU internships allow interns to explore different aspects of a field, helping to build professional networks, gain confidence, and clarify future career paths.

Follow Rebecca’s advice

“I would absolutely encourage you to apply. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience, contribute to important projects and see how research can make a genuine impact.”

 

If you have any questions about OU internships, get in touch with the OU Internships team – .