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Diversity Internship Programme Overview

Graduating is much more than having a degree. Developing your talents and skills through a varied and challenging training programme will give you excellent future career prospects

One way to gain an insight into the diverse range of opportunities across the Civil Service is on our Fast Stream Summer Diversity Internship Programme for black and ethnic minority and disabled students. You will be able to decide if making a difference to people’s lives, and the Civil Service are really for you. And we will be able to see if you have what it takes to be a high performing Fast Streamer who is able to bring your ideas and apply them in the real world. So two months on the internship programme could change your life.

Last updated - 28th November 2009

The Civil Service Summer Diversity Internship Programmes for black and ethnic minority and disabled students was established with the aim of providing high calibre undergraduates/graduates with a 6-9 weeks stretching work placement within government departments.

Both programmes are a perfect way to gain real-life experience of how departments function, policy areas they are responsible for and how their work impacts on the public. The programmes will expand your horizons and help you make an informed choice about whether you are suited to the Civil Service and are genuinely motivated by the work.

The key objectives of the programmes are to break down stereotypes/perceptions that still exist in people’s minds about the Civil Service, and secondly to give you an insight into the enormous range of opportunities on offer in the Civil Service with the hope that you will join the Civil Service Fast Stream and/or seek wider Civil Service opportunities.

The Fast Stream Marketing Team offers a coaching/development programme for those currently on the internship. See the Coaching Programme for details.

We welcome interns from a range of disciplines. Some of our placements look for people who have an economics degree or are currently studying economics or their degree contains some statistical content. We look for demonstrated team working skills, innovation and creativity, flexibility in working with people at varying levels and pace and strong motivation to make an impact on major policy issues.

The Summer Development Programme is open to those with a minimum 2:2 expected or awarded degree and from an ethnic minority background. This programme complies with Section 37 (Positive Action) of the Race Relation Act 1976. However, the training is challenging and demanding, so applicants need to demonstrate relevant interests and personal qualities, such as interpersonal and communication skills, creativity, resilience and motivation.  In addition, applicants must demonstrate a real interest in wanting to pursue a career in the Civil Service.

The Summer Placement Scheme is open to those with a registered disability in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).  Applicants must have a minimum 2:2 expected or awarded degree.  Similar to the Summer Development Programme, the placement is also challenging, demanding, yet rewarding. 

Other work experience placements: Government Departments may run other work experience schemes. For further information, please click here.