How can you intern in Italy? ???? — 7 key practices to find an internship in Italy as a foreigner (+ 1 bonus).
The question everyone asks, at least all the international students we deal with, is "how can I intern in Italy?" It is time for us to address this inquiry.
First, finding an internship is no mean feat, particularly for international students. If you are in this situation, you've come to the right place: this article is for you!
? In Italy, there is a significant difference between looking for a job and an internship. So here are a few reminders that may be helpful:
Your internship in Italian may be called "Tirocinio."
The practice of internship in Italy is defined by the law of 1997 (a very recent practice thus!). It provides for :
Plus, know that it is more difficult to find paid internships in Italy than in other European countries.
Now that all this is established, let us give you seven keys to finding an internship in Italy as a foreigner to make the process as simple as possible. Andiamo!
#1 — Get started on your research as soon as possible
Your best ally in finding an internship is time. You will need time to prepare your application and to master the administrative aspect of your search. Time, a good dose of motivation, and organization.
And if you don't have enough time, don't panic: ST Sicily has a solution for you.
Also, don't leave this research to the last year of your studies. You can do it whenever you're a student, depending on your lecture's intensity. Try not to think things like "I just started college, I can't do a stage!" or "I have any experience" and so on. You're willing to find an internship to learn from it. Organizations know it. So, get started right away!
#2 — Do not underestimate the administrative procedures that must be followed
As a student from outside of Europe, the visa process will be an important part of your administrative tasks.
If you are a European student, finding an internship in Italy is easier. You will not need a visa or a work permit. However, there are still some things to consider about your social protection.
It is essential that you take an interest in this subject before starting an internship abroad. A recent regulation in Italy stipulates that the school is responsible for paying social security contributions for work-related accidents and civil liability instead of the employer. Your insurance contract with your school is therefore valid. You will have the right to register in a health center in your place of residence in Italy with access to doctors and pharmacists under an agreement. However, you should be aware of all other health-related expenses outside of this framework.
#3 — Make your resume and cover letter stand out
You've got to write a resume and a cover letter to find an internship in Italy. What counts in Italy is not necessarily the resume and cover letter, but the interview. Everything is much more oral there. It is not unusual to have 3 or 4 interviews for an internship.
You probably won't have a lot of work experience to fill your resume. But again, it is typical when you are searching for an internship. Include your most recent and best ventures, previous experiences, volunteer activities, and hobbies... If you've done an exchange like Erasmus, in another nation, put it there. If you have a decent task you've accomplished for a class, put it in!
You want to show that you are available to learn and that you have invested your free energy in following through with something.
Be secure but don't oversell yourself!
Don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile, and maybe your other social networks, as well as your portfolio.
#4 — Use the proper channels
We were talking about LinkedIn... It can be a great way to contact department heads and companies for your internship, but there are many channels and levers to activate for your internship search.
Facebook groups (but also LinkedIn groups)
Finally, never neglect Facebook and LinkedIn groups. You will find a large number of offers from employers or even students willing to help you in your search. Using your contacts when looking for an internship is very useful.
You have almost 1,000 Internet users in this kind of group. They will not hesitate to help you. And who knows? You may even make friends before you leave.
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Italian newspapers
To find internships, you can look for offers in Italian newspapers like La Stampa or Italia Oggi. You will find sections with internship offers. Not to be overlooked.
Specialized websites
You can also visit various websites that list internship offers in Italy: Glassdoor, Indeed, CercaLavoro.it, 4stars.it, tuttostage.com, sportellostage.it
Ask your teachers to help you
If you have been in direct contact with some of your instructors, assistants, or professors, you can ask them for an internship opportunity. Recommendations are essential in Italy, and if you get some from your teachers, you have a head start on many others. In addition, professors may also have their very own organizations or provide consulting services to different companies. They have networks to activate. So, ask them!
Check out the career counseling services of your university. Most of them have this service that collects resumes and forwards them to organizations looking for interns. Plus, they'll have a platform where organizations can submit job openings and you may apply for internships through it.?
#5 — Be strategic
If you're wondering how to choose your internship in Italy, we recommend looking for a position that will provide you with the most work experience.
Choose a role that corresponds to the job you aspire to in the future, and look for an internship for that same position in its junior version or in that same department. This way, you could gain a lot of experience and it could show you whether or not you are cut out for the job!
Think also in terms of skills. Which internship will allow you to acquire the most technical and soft skills because that is precisely what you will be paying for in your future jobs?
Internships are not as plentiful as jobs in Italy, but they are still available. Be patient and continue to apply.
You can broaden your research to include a remote internship if a stage in person in the office is not doable for you.
#6 — Make use of your language power
Some Italian companies may be working in your country, and they will always hire someone who is fluent in that language. So, do some research to find Italian companies that collaborate with your country and mention it in your cover letter or interview.
Also, you understand English if you're still reading this. It is a significant advantage in Italy. Even at the best universities, the English-speaking rate among students remains low, forcing employers to look specifically for English-speaking employees. More English speakers are especially needed in large and international corporations. That's fantastic!
But at the same time, it goes without saying that speaking Italian is a significant barrier here. As the English-speaking rate is low, so many companies look for good Italian-speaking employees.
So start working on your Italian right away.
#7 — Surround yourself with people who are upbeat
Another element to consider before leaving is the organization of your social life, especially if you are going solo. Depending on the city you are going to do your internship, you may already be able to find youth teams, sports associations, and expatriate groups on-site through social networks or websites such as Meetup .
You may find it difficult to adjust to the Italian culture at times. Depending on how welcoming your company is, you may need to make friends locally to go out and enjoy your new work environment. Think about it!
#8 — Consider private agencies
Is the research too challenging? It is possible to go through paying agencies like ours that will help you find your internship in Italy. You have to contact them (or us), make an interview in your native language or in English, and give your conditions (field of the internship, dates, etc.) The investment guarantees you a stage at the end of the process.
But also, in the case of ST Sicily, the advantage is even more outstanding since what we offer are not simple internships but Internship Camp?. The Internship Camp? combines internships and camps for young people of similar ages with organized sports and cultural outings and language, sales, marketing, and business courses. It ensures that you gain the professional experience you are looking for while acquiring the skills and attitudes associated with it. And you spend quality time in good company!
For more info, check out our website .
Like most difficult things in life, the effort you'd need to expend will be worthwhile. Italy has a considerable business culture and numerous opportunities for professional development. In Italy, you can find almost any type of job, from startups to multinational corporations. Some are more straightforward than others.
We wish you good luck in your search now that you have all the cards in hand!
If you have any specific questions we haven't addressed here, please leave them in the comments or by message!