Paid • Minimum six-week internships • At least Real Living Wage • 40+ sectors • UK-wide employers
United Kingdom • Black or Black-heritage students & recent graduates • Summer internships
The 10,000 Black Interns (10kBI) Programme places Black and Black-heritage students and recent graduates into paid, summer internships with leading UK employers across 40+ sectors. Placements run for a minimum of six weeks and pay at least the Real Living Wage. This guide covers eligibility, timeline, the full application walkthrough, documents, selection, and proven tips to land interviews and convert your internship into a graduate role.
Quick snapshot
What you get
- Paid internship (at least Real Living Wage), minimum 6 weeks, typically over summer.
- Exposure to top employers across 40+ sectors and workstreams.
- Mentoring, professional experience, and a pathway to future offers.
Who it’s for
- Black or Black-heritage (including mixed heritage), aged 18+.
- Currently at a UK university or a UK graduate (within the last 3 years).
- Available for a full-time block during summer and eligible to work in the UK.
Good to know: You can usually select multiple sectors in your application. Matching is based on your profile, preferences and employer needs.
Eligibility (plain-English summary)
Core criteria
- 18+; identify as Black or of Black heritage (incl. mixed heritage).
- Studying at a UK university (any level) or graduated from a UK university within the last three years.
- Able to legally work in the UK for the duration of the internship.
What strengthens your application
- Clear motivation for 1–3 preferred sectors with a concrete skill match.
- Results-focused CV (impact bullets and tangible outcomes).
- Short, specific personal statement aligned to your chosen sectors.
Important: The programme is competitive and employer-led. Meeting minimums doesn’t guarantee a place; your fit and readiness matter.
Sectors & roles (examples)
Employers join from across the economy. Common areas include:
Business & Finance
Asset/Wealth ManagementAccountingInsurance
Banking OpsFinTech
Advisory & Legal
ConsultingRiskTax
Law FirmsIn-house Legal
Technology & Data
SoftwareData/AnalyticsCyber
ProductUX
Media & Creative
JournalismTV/RadioMarketing
DesignPublishing
Public & Social Impact
Charities/NGOsPolicyLocal Gov
EducationHealthcare
STEM & Industry
EngineeringLife SciencesBuilt Env
EnergySustainability
Exact roles depend on employer sign-ups each cycle. Read the job ad emailed to you after matching.
Timeline (what happens when)
| Stage | What you do | What to aim for |
|---|---|---|
| Application window | Create an account, choose your sectors, complete profile, upload CV, write short statements, submit. | Submit early; quality over quantity. Proof-read, match skills to sectors. |
| Screening & matching | Your profile is reviewed and shared with employers that fit your sector/location preferences. | Be responsive to emails. If asked, share an updated CV directly with the employer. |
| Employer selection | Some employers interview; others make direct offers from your application. | Prepare for video calls and simple tasks (case, writing sample, Excel or coding test). |
| Offer & onboarding | Review salary (≥ Real Living Wage), dates (≥ 6 weeks) and location/hybrid terms; sign your agreement. | Confirm right-to-work docs, reasonable adjustments, start date, and manager contact. |
| Summer internship | Deliver a concrete project and capture before/after metrics. | Ask for weekly feedback; book an end-of-internship review for graduate/return-offer pathways. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Choose up to three sectors where your skills genuinely fit. Write three 120–180-word “Why this sector?” statements (each with one proof-point story).
- Build a results CV (2 pages max) — start with “Selected Projects & Impact,” then education, then skills. Use impact bullets: action → tool → outcome (+ metric).
- Draft your personal statements (see templates below). Avoid generic claims; include a tangible example tied to sector skills.
- Gather documents (see checklist), proof-read, and submit early. Save a PDF copy of your answers.
- Respond fast to employers. If they ask for an updated CV or portfolio, send it the same day.
Template — sector statement (consulting)
“I’m drawn to Consulting because I enjoy turning ambiguous problems into testable options. In a student society project, I mapped bottlenecks for a local charity, prototyped a dashboard in Excel, and cut weekly reporting time by 42%. I’m comfortable with client-facing communication (two case competitions; team lead) and data tools (Excel advanced, basic SQL). I want to learn structured problem-solving and change delivery on real engagements, and I’ll bring curiosity, reliable execution, and clear slides.”
Template — sector statement (technology)
“I’m applying for Software & Product because I like building tools people use. I helped a campus group ship a simple Python script that deduped 50k records, reducing manual work by 3 hours/week. I’ve shipped coursework projects in React and a small Flask API, and I’m currently learning unit testing. I want to work in a team that pairs code reviews with product thinking and accessibility.”
Do
- Quantify at least 3 outcomes on your CV.
- Tailor statements for each sector.
- Keep filenames tidy: Firstname_Lastname_CV.pdf.
Don’t
- Paste the same paragraph into all sectors.
- List modules without outcomes or tools.
- Exaggerate; employers may verify.
Accessibility & adjustments: If you need adjustments during assessment or the internship, note this in your application or tell the employer early so they can plan support.
Documents checklist
Application
- CV (2 pages, PDF; outcome-first).
- Sector statements (120–180 words each, proof-read).
- Right-to-work readiness (passport/BRP; visa if applicable).
If requested by employer
- Transcript (unofficial is often fine for screening).
- Portfolio/code samples (for tech/design).
- References (names and emails are usually enough at first pass).
You can’t edit the CV inside the submitted application, but if an employer contacts you, you may send an updated CV directly.
Screening, assessments & interviews
What might happen
- Short video call (15–30 min) about your motivation and skills.
- Task or case (brief analysis, presentation, writing or coding sample).
- Online tests (logic, numeracy) for some sectors.
How to prepare quickly
- Draft 5 STAR stories: teamwork, learning fast, client focus, problem-solving, resilience.
- Practice a 60-second pitch: degree → one project → outcome → why this sector.
- Re-read your statements; prep one question for the team.
Tip: Some employers make offers from your application alone. Your CV and sector statements must stand on their own.
Offers, pay & logistics
What to confirm
- Pay rate: at least the Real Living Wage (higher in London at some firms).
- Duration: minimum 6 weeks (many run 6–8+ weeks).
- Location & schedule: office/hybrid/remote expectations; hours; equipment.
Right-to-work & adjustments
- Provide RTW documentation promptly (passport/BRP; visa conditions).
- Share any reasonable adjustments needs early (ergonomics, software, scheduling).
- Ask about accommodation or travel stipends if you’re relocating.
Your goal: agree one primary deliverable with your manager (dashboard, report, prototype, policy brief). Measure the before/after so you can prove impact.
How to convert your internship into a grad offer
Delivery
- Pick a high-value problem; deliver a visible improvement in 6–8 weeks.
- Run a weekly loop: Monday goals → Wednesday check-in → Friday results.
- Document as you go: screenshots, metrics, and a short handover.
Relationship & feedback
- Book coffees with your buddy/mentor and one manager per week.
- Ask “What does ‘great’ look like in this team?” and mirror those habits.
- Schedule a final review to discuss next steps (return offer, referral, or grad pathway).
FAQs
Is the internship paid and how long is it?
Yes. Internships are paid at least the Real Living Wage and last a minimum of six weeks over the summer.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be 18+, identify as Black or Black-heritage (including mixed heritage), and be students at UK universities or UK graduates within the last 3 years, with the right to work in the UK for the internship period.
Can I edit my CV after submitting?
You can’t edit the CV in the portal after submission, but if an employer contacts you you may send an updated CV directly to them.
How many sectors can I choose?
You can usually select multiple sectors (commonly up to three). Pick those that fit your skills best and tailor your statements.
What if I need reasonable adjustments?
Flag adjustments in your application or when contacted by the employer; hosts are expected to make reasonable adjustments so you can perform at your best.
Are internships only in London?
No. Employers join from across the UK. Roles may be city-based, hybrid or occasionally remote — check each offer.
• Programme details may vary by year and employer. Always confirm the latest rules and dates on the official 10,000 Interns Foundation pages before you apply.