Warwick Advance Internship Programme

What is WAIP?

WAIP is a series of events created with external organisations aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds.

There’s so much going on at Warwick to help make your graduate career a success, but if you don’t know where to start it can be overwhelming. WAIP is an extra guide for students to help them make the most of these resources. That’s why students on WAIP get access to:

Exclusive events to help with your career development from organisations looking to reach a more diverse range of students.
A curated list of work experience and internship opportunities from employers who are aware that you may have different needs and concerns.
The Work Experience BursaryLink opens in a new window so you are financially supported during any unpaid work experience.
The alumni mentoring schemeLink opens in a new window, where you can have guidance from previous Warwick students.
A Strengths Profile so you can understand what you excel at, what energises you, and how that could help your career development. This will be done through the Careers team.
A way to join a vibrant community of other Widening Participation students.

Interested in joining? Have a look at who can join and how you can apply. You can also reach out to us on if you have any questions or simply just want to have a chat about the kinds of things we have on offer for you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

WAIP is for undergraduate students who:

Were eligible for Free School Meals whilst at Secondary School
Have a household income below £35,001
Come from an area with low progression rates to higher education
Receive the Warwick Bursary or other means tested financial support
Have a disability, including seen and unseen disabilities
Are a mature student who started university over the age of 21
Have spent time in Local Authority care, either in a foster home or group home
Are an estranged student who is not supported by parents
Have caring responsibilities
Are the first in their family to go to university (neither parent has a degree)

You don’t have to meet all of these requirements, you can still join if only some apply to you.

Please note that WAIP is NOT open to international students. Only those paying UK/Home fees are eligible

There are many other opportunities for international students to get involved which whilst at Warwick.

How do I join?

If you would like to join WAIP please compete this form Warwick Advance Internships Programme: ApplicationLink opens in a new window

You can apply to join the programme at any time during the academic year, but do remember that spring and summer internships may have application deadlines in autumn and spring, so its best to join us as soon as possible!

Due to how WAIP is funded, we will have to check your details to ensure that you do meet the university’s criteria for being a Widening Participation student.

How do internships at Warwick work?

Whilst studying at Warwick students are encouraged to complete work experience and/or an internship to help them gain the experience and employability skills that employers look for. Students must find and apply for these opportunities themselves; the University of Warwick does not directly match students with work experience or an internship. They instead support students before, during, and after these opportunities so students can get the most out of them.

The WorkReady toolkit is full of useful resources to help you wherever you are on your work experience journey.

Common concerns about work experience and internships

“I don’t know how to get an internship.”

Getting an internship is like getting a job; you have to find opportunities that are relevant to you and apply to them.

The Careers Team are also available for you to discuss your options and help with your applications.

“I don’t know anyone at a company who can help me get an internship.”

Knowing people at a business isn’t the only way to get an internship. The University of Warwick advertises opportunities on MyAdvantageLink opens in a new window, and there are other websites like The Bright NetworkLink opens in a new window and Rate my PlacementLink opens in a new window who also show the latest openings.

“I don’t know anyone who can share their own experience or give me advice.”

Building a network doesn’t have to be daunting. At Warwick there is the chance to be mentored by a Warwick alumni.Link opens in a new window

You can also take part in The 1-Hour ProjectLink opens in a new window, which can match you with someone working in an industry you’re interested in for an hour long conversation. Taking part in The 1-Hour Project will also give you points towards The Warwick AwardLink opens in a new window.

“I don’t have solid blocks of time to devote to work experience.”

Work experience doesn’t have to come from a formal internship or placement, any part-time or volunteer work provides you with valuable skills. There are also virtual job simulations from real businesses on ForageLink opens in a new window, where you can gain experience at your own pace. Completing a Forage job simulation will also give you points towards The Warwick Award.Link opens in a new window

“I’m worried about the cost of doing an internship.”

All internships and work experience opportunities that are advertised through MyAdvantageLink opens in a new window are paid. If you self-source work experience that is unpaid, you can apply for £50 a day for up to 10 days from the Work Experience Bursary.Link opens in a new window

“How do I know if this is relevant to me?”

The organisations who partner with WAIP understand that the needs of Widening Participation students may be different to other students. Students aren’t expected to come to every WAIP event, instead you can come to the ones that address your needs. The Careers team also have information about equality, diversity, and inclusionLink opens in a new window that may help your career planning.

Other opportunities at Warwick

Working with the Widening Participation Team here at WarwickLink opens in a new window
Becoming a Student AmbassadorLink opens in a new window
Completing the Warwick AwardLink opens in a new window
Using WorkReadyLink opens in a new window to help you find, prepare for, and reflect on work experience
Taking part in the TeamWork programmeLink opens in a new window, an online international work experience programme
Doing a summer research project with the Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS)Link opens in a new window
Volunteering for a cause you are passionate about with Warwick VolunteersLink opens in a new window
Studying abroad at Warwick’s partner institutionsLink opens in a new window.