If you’re hunting for an internship outside South Africa, Leicester should be on your radar. The city mixes big‑brand firms with buzzing start‑ups, making it easy to find a role that matches your studies. Plus, the cost of living stays lower than London or Manchester, so your budget stretches further.
Leicester’s universities pump out fresh talent every year, which means employers are always on the lookout for interns who can bring new ideas. Whether you study engineering, marketing, finance or IT, chances are there’s a placement waiting for you. Below we break down where the jobs are and how to snag one.
Technology & software development: Companies like Dynatrace, Moneypenny and local tech hubs run graduate schemes that give you real‑world coding experience. You’ll often work on live projects alongside senior developers.
Retail & e‑commerce: The city’s famous shopping district and big names such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s offer roles in supply chain, digital marketing and store management. These internships teach you how a large retail operation runs from the ground up.
Manufacturing & engineering: Leicester’s historic shoe‑making roots have expanded into advanced manufacturing. Firms like Walkers and Loughborough University’s research labs need interns for design, testing and process improvement.
Finance & business services: Banks and consultancies set up regional offices here. Interns get exposure to client work, data analysis and reporting – perfect if you want a corporate career.
Start by polishing your CV. Keep it to one page, highlight any project work from university and add volunteer experience. Recruiters in Leicester love clear, concise resumes that show measurable results.
Next, use job boards that focus on UK placements – Indeed, LinkedIn and the graduate portals of local universities are gold mines. Filter by “Leicester” and set alerts so you never miss a new posting.
Network is key. Join Leicester‑based student groups on Facebook or attend virtual career fairs hosted by the University of Leicester and Loughborough University. A quick chat with a recruiter can turn a generic application into an interview invitation.
When you land an interview, research the company’s recent projects. Mention how your coursework or personal project ties into their work – it shows genuine interest and saves the recruiter time.
Finally, think about accommodation early. Many interns stay in university halls or shared flats that are a short bus ride from the city centre. Getting this sorted ahead of time lets you focus on the role itself.
Leicester offers a blend of professional growth and affordable living, making it an ideal first step for anyone aiming to launch an international career. Dive into the listings, tweak your application and get ready to experience a vibrant UK city while building your résumé.
Everton's search for their first victory of the season continues as Stephy Mavididi's equaliser for Leicester secures a 1-1 draw. Everton took the lead but couldn't hold onto it, with Mavididi leveling the score. Both teams had their chances in the match that took place on September 21, 2024, but neither could find the winning goal.