Internships

We encourage people of all ages, experiences and backgrounds to apply for our internship program. If you think you have something to contribute to the work of the foundation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Internship experience

Interns work alongside our small and dedicated team of staff at our Victoria Park Square offices located in Bethnal Green. We introduce interns to all aspects of our work and ensure that the input they make during their time with us forms a relevant and valuable contribution to our ongoing projects.

Interns work with the Research Team, Launchpad, Neighbourhoods and Local Innovation team or alongside our External Affairs Manager. Interns will usually work on one or two projects during their time with us and their tasks usually include: background project research, literature searches and reviews; writing up and drafting briefings, meeting memo’s, helping draft articles, speeches and presentations, participation in project meetings; arranging, conducting and transcribing research interviews; helping to organise and run events, commenting on draft reports and project proposals; and a variety of other responsibilities particular to the projects that the interns work on.

Invariably, interns also take on a number of organisational and administrative responsibilities though these will take up no more than a quarter of their overall time. Interns also attend all major staff meetings and brain storming sessions, and are encouraged to attend the Lunchtime Seminars and Training Seminars.

Intern support

Louise Pulford is the intern coordinator in charge of overseeing all intern matters at the foundation, including interns’ pastoral care whilst working with us. Each intern is also assigned a member of staff who serves as their line manager for the duration of the internship. Line managers are responsible for assigning and managing interns work load and answering all work related questions. Interns are expected to work independently, but keep an open line of communication with their line manager and an intern coordinator.

Working week

Interns must be available for at least three days a week and for a minimum of 8 weeks. Most internships last between two and three months. In very unusual circumstances, we can make exceptions to this. The working day is 10am to 5pm although many staff start earlier and finish later.

Expenses

We will reimburse interns' travel costs to and from work (within London) and provide £5 a day food allowance. We will also cover any other expenses incurred in the course of your work.

Job opportunities

Internships are not a prelude to employment. Interns are volunteers and do not need a work visa. Care is taken to ensure all recruitment issues are discussed transparently and interns are given equal opportunity to apply for any positions arising. Support is also offered with finding a job elsewhere.

VPS

The Young Foundation’s home is No. 17 and 18 Victoria Park Square, both dating from the late seventeenth century. Most Young Foundation staff work in number 17 where we operate out of four offices. Number 18 and number 18a are occupied by 20 other organisations, collectively known as the ‘Hub’ including the School for Social Entrepreneurs, Somali Voice, Creative Commons and the Black Londoners Forum and the links between the different organisations are strong. A number of organisations in our Hub also take interns and may be worth checking out. In particular, interns are regularly sought by London Civic Forum, Intelligent Giving and Operation Black Vote. Contact them directly to find out more, as most don’t have internship details on their websites.