Finding work experience, internships and volunteering

Experience is how you test a career, build skills and fill your CV. Most of it is found by asking, applying early and using the networks you already have.

Types of experience to look for

• The National Careers Service lists work shadowing, virtual work experience, volunteering, internships, insight events, school placements (for example 1 or 2 weeks, or one day a week) and helping in a friend's or family member's business.
• Internships are usually paid and last about 2 to 3 months, according to the National Careers Service, and are mainly aimed at university students and recent graduates, though some are open to school leavers.
• Virtual work experience lets you complete tasks set by a company online. It is a useful option if you cannot travel or are under the age for a placement.
• Volunteering, says the National Careers Service, helps you find out what a job involves, build skills and confidence and grow your network.

Rules for students in the UAE

• MOHRE says establishments registered with the Ministry can train or employ students aged 15 and over, and students aged 15 to 18 need written consent from a guardian. The training and work permit for students is valid for three months and is applied for by the employer, not by you.
• Gulf News (updated April 2026) reports that UAE internships need a written contract, and that students typically need proof of enrolment, an Emirates ID copy, a residence visa if they are an expatriate and a no-objection certificate from their school. MOHRE's student permit page also lists a school no-objection certificate, a medical fitness certificate and a Ministry-approved contract.
• The same article reports a maximum 6-hour working day for minors and lists night work and hazardous environments as not permitted. MOHRE also says the job cannot be one banned for juveniles or a dangerous job.
• Be wary of any 'internship' that asks you to start without paperwork, to pay a fee, or to work late at night. The Earning Money module covers permits, contracts and payslips in more detail.

Where to look in the UAE

• Your school careers or university guidance counsellor: many schools have links with local employers and know which organisations take students.
• Government and semi-government programmes. For example, Dubai's RTA announced its 2026 Ajyal Summer Internship Programme for Emirati secondary school and university students: four weeks from 7 July 2026, with training, workshops, a financial reward and a certificate.
• Volunteering: in Abu Dhabi, the Department of Community Development says individual volunteers register on volunteers.ae/abudhabi. Volunteers must be at least 18, and under-18s may take part with written approval from a guardian. The licence covers Abu Dhabi only, and other emirates have their own authorities.
• Family friends, neighbours and parents' colleagues: a polite email (see lesson 3) asking for one or two days of work shadowing is often the most successful route for school students.

Looking abroad

• In the UK, the National Careers Service lists volunteering sources including NCVO, Do IT, Volunteering Matters, Citizens Advice and NHS Volunteering.
• Many universities run summer schools and taster days; these are not work experience but show you a subject and campus.
• Check visa and age rules before arranging any placement in another country. A tourist visit usually does not allow work, so ask the organisation and check the official government website for that country.
• Virtual programmes run by international companies are an easier way to get global experience from home.

Making the most of any placement

• Before you start, agree your dates, hours, dress code, who you report to and what you will be doing, ideally in writing.
• Keep a daily log: tasks, people you met, skills used and one thing you learned. This feeds directly into your CV and interviews.
• Ask questions, offer to help and thank people at the end. Ask your supervisor if they would be willing to act as a referee later.
• Connect with people you worked with if you are on LinkedIn (and 16 or over), and send a thank-you email within a few days.