Finding an internship as an international student in the UK can be daunting, but for Neharika, it became a transformative experience, thanks to the dedicated support from FCF Academy (FCFA). In an exclusive interview, Neharika shares how FCFA helped her land an internship, revive her professional skills, and gain confidence in her career prospects.
Q: What initially attracted you to work with FCF Academy in your search for an internship?
“I first learned about FCF Academy (FCFA) through one of their partner organisations, where I was working at the time. Initially, I wasn’t familiar with FCFA, but once I got to know about their Virtual Internship Program, I was intrigued. I was eager to stay and work in the UK after my master’s degree, and FCFA offered a virtual internship program in my field with a media broadcasting company. This opportunity aligned well with my past experience, so the transition was natural. It turned out to be an incredible experience!”
Q: How did FCFA help you navigate the application process for internships in the UK?
“Jim, a member of the FCFA team, called me early in the process. He was so encouraging and reassured me that this internship would be a fantastic experience. It was that personal connection and encouragement that set FCFA apart; they don’t just match you with a role—they support you throughout. Jim’s call was memorable, and he really made me feel like I was part of something valuable.”
Q: Were there any particular challenges you faced in securing an internship? How did FCFA help you overcome them?
“At first, I found it difficult because I wasn’t aware of the UK’s job market and the importance of starting early. In my country, we tend to start applications closer to the deadline, so it was a learning curve. Luckily, FCFA approached me just when I needed it most. They provided an internship that allowed me to add relevant UK experience to my CV, which is crucial for international students. This internship marked a turning point in my career, giving me something concrete to showcase to employers.”
Q: Could you tell us more about the internship you secured, including the company and your role?
“The internship was with a London-based broadcasting company. They are a small team, but I collaborated with them and their software partner company in Turkey. My role involved updating and managing their content management system (CMS), specifically migrating the system to a new .NET framework for improved features and user experience. It was a part-time role over the weekends, and it fit perfectly with my schedule. Working with a multicultural team was challenging but rewarding, as it enhanced my technical skills and adaptability.”
Q: How has your FCFA-guided internship experience helped you grow professionally and personally so far?
“During my studies, I had taken a break from my professional career, focusing solely on academics. This internship brought me back into the world of coding and problem-solving. I loved working through challenges and reconnecting with my technical skills. Collaborating with the team in London and Turkey was a delightful experience despite some initial language barriers, and it taught me so much about teamwork and communication in a global setting.”
Q: Would you recommend FCFA to other international students or professionals? If so, what would you say to them?
“Absolutely! If you’re stuck or feel you need a boost in your career, FCFA is the go-to organization. They genuinely care about your success and have helped other people like me kickstart their careers. The support they provide is unmatched, and I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking to secure a solid foundation in the UK job market.”
Q: Do you feel more confident about your career prospects in the UK after securing this internship?
“Yes, without a doubt. This internship experience built my confidence immensely. The collaborative nature of the team, combined with the respect and value they showed me as an intern, really affirmed my place in the industry. I feel much more assured about my prospects here in the UK after completing this internship.”
Q: Aside from the work experience, what else have you gained from the virtual internship program?
“I have grown my professional network through working with FCF Academy and the UK host company. In addition, I have a brilliant written reference and LinkedIn reference which I hope will serve me well for the future. Finally, I took advantage of FCF Academy eLearning courses which are accredited and provided me with new skills, knowledge and credentials for my CV”.
Here is one of the references Neharika received from the UK host company after successfully completing her virtual internship.
Through FCFA’s personalised approach, Neharika is transitioning from academia to a professional role, gaining skills, confidence, and valuable connections. Her journey with FCFA demonstrates how we go beyond standard internship placement by providing continuous guidance, industry-relevant opportunities, and genuine support to help international students thrive in the UK.
FCFA’s commitment to helping international students succeed in the UK job market is evident in success stories like Neharika’s. The Virtual Internship Program is a game-changer for students and professionals who want to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields, no matter where they are. Designed to offer flexible, industry-relevant roles, this program provides the perfect bridge between academic achievements and real-world work experience. With a strong support network and personalised guidance from industry experts, FCFA is not just placing candidates in internships—they’re paving the way for fulfilling, impactful careers in the UK.
If you’d like to find out more about working with FCF Academy to develop your future, contact us here.
