Internships in India – In the dynamic landscape of education and career advancement, internships have emerged as invaluable opportunities that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
For those seeking opportunities to enhance their skills, build a robust resume, and forge connections in their chosen fields, the prospect of year-round internships opens up a world of possibilities in India.
This article explores a wide range of internships available throughout the year in the country, catering to various fields and industries. This guide will be a valuable resource for students with aspirations of becoming engineers, doctors, journalists, marketing experts, or considering any other professional avenue.
Internships in India – Benefits
- Skill Development: Internships offer an excellent platform for students to develop and sharpen their skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which employers highly value.
- Industry Insights: By interning in different sectors and industries, students gain valuable insights into various career options, making it easier for them to choose a suitable path.
- Networking Opportunities: During internships, students get to connect with professionals and experts in their field, paving the way for potential job offers and mentorship.
- Resume Enrichment: Adding internship experiences to their resumes makes students stand out in a competitive job market, demonstrating their practical expertise and commitment to learning.
Presented below are some sought-after internship opportunities available in India.
Global Health Experiential Education in India By Child Family Health International (CFHI)
In India, Child Family Health International (CFHI) offers an assortment of immersive public health and healthcare programs. The offerings of this internship program cover a wide range of topics, including end-of-life and palliative care, traditional medicine, chronic disease, and ophthalmology, and are available throughout the country.
Program Options
- Global Health in Delhi, India (with optional focus on Ophthalmology or Palliative Care) – 2 Weeks
The interns will be offered the chance to travel to Delhi, the second-most populous city on the planet. During their time there, they will collaborate with NGOs that are actively working to implement social reforms and improve public health outcomes.
The focus of their efforts will be on conducting educational campaigns and trainings related to HIV/AIDS spread, tuberculosis, and the management of infectious diseases in India.
Through this experience, the interns will gain valuable insights into key public health challenges, including low rates of immunisation, inadequate sanitation and waste management, and issues related to unsafe drinking water.
Moreover, they will develop an understanding of the complexities of implementing public health initiatives within a culturally and linguistically diverse population.
- Global Health in Dehradun & Rural Himalayas, India (with optional focus on Traditional Medicine) – 4 Weeks
The interns will be presented with a learning opportunity to understand the complexities of providing adequate healthcare to rural, low-income populations, considering that 68% of India’s population resides in rural areas.
This program offers a unique experience for participants to encounter various diseases in clinical settings that represent the disparities between rural and urban healthcare in a developing country.
The main focus of the program will revolve around primary care services and public health issues, with a special emphasis on addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities in India that lack access to proper medical facilities.
This global health opportunity also provides insights into the advancements made in public health, evident through persistent health camps and widespread outreach efforts.
Throughout the program, students will travel to three different locations. The initial two weeks will be spent in Dehradun, the capital city of the northern state of Uttarakhand. Subsequently, they will spend one week in the hilltop town of Mussoorie, followed by the final week in the small rural village of Patti.
This diversity of locations allows participants to experience Indian healthcare through various perspectives, be it in a rural clinic serving isolated Himalayan villages or by engaging in a village health and sanitation empowerment project.
Note: At the end of each day, the interns can unwind with local families or in a private apartment, preparing for the next day’s activities. Additionally, they can also explore India’s stunning tourist sites during the weekends.
Program Highlights
- Enhance clinical understanding through immersive experiences within hospitals in the Delhi area.
- Gain insights into the impactful efforts of non-profit organisations dedicated to extending healthcare to marginalised street children.
- While English will be the primary language for activities, a grasp of Hindi is advantageous for interactions, including those with non-English speakers.
- Engage in enriching clinical rotations alongside local physicians and public health specialists, serving as instructive guides for CFHI participants throughout Monday to Friday.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of the CFHI throughout the year.
Medical and Healthcare Internships in India By Volunteering Solutions
Volunteering Solutions provides diverse healthcare internships in India, catering to various fields including medical, dentistry, and nursing. Students enrolled in medical studies, nursing programs, or pre-medical and nursing courses, are eligible to participate in these programs.
Under the Medical & Healthcare and Nursing Program, interns will engage in practical experiences at a private hospital. This involves shadowing skilled doctors and nurses, providing assistance when necessary, based on their expertise and educational background.
Those participating in the observership program will have the chance to shadow and observe various departments, including but not limited to Internal Medicine, Emergency and Trauma, Nursing, Obstetrics, and Gynecology.
Program Highlights
- The internship duration ranges from 2 to 12 weeks.
- Interns get an opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s history, culture, heritage, and traditions.
- Interns also receive a Certificate of Completion to enhance their career prospects through valuable experiences.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of Volunteering Solutions throughout the year.
World Unite! Volunteering & Internships in Mumbai and Rajasthan By World Unite
This internship program covers various locations, including Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and different spots in the Himalayan mountains.
Program Options
- Medical electives and healthcare internships at hospitals
- High-quality, supervised psychology internships, available both on-site and online
- Ayurveda internships, providing on-site and online experiences
- Women & girl’s empowerment and capacity building initiatives
- Education and teaching opportunities at schools and nurseries
- Animal rescue projects for animal lovers and activists
- Business, journalism, architecture, and fashion design internships, offered both on-site and online
- English and Hindi language lessons to enhance language skills
- During the program, accommodation will be provided either at a shared apartment with other volunteers/interns or with a welcoming host family, including full board with delicious Indian food.
- To enrich the interns’ experience further, weekly cultural activities like Bollywood dance, cooking lessons, Yoga, Hindi lessons, and Henna painting will be included.
- A friendly and supportive team will be available to assist interns from pre-arrival preparations throughout their entire stay in India.
Program Highlights
- Empowering Women & Girls in Rajasthan: The program focuses on empowering marginalised women and girls from Dalit Communities by fostering self-esteem, financial independence, education, and enhancing their professional and social skills.
- Elective Placements and Nursing Internships at Hospitals: Interns have the opportunity to take part in elective placements and nursing internships at hospitals, gaining valuable experience and earning university credits.
- On-Site or Remote Psychology Internships: The program offers a comprehensive range of psychological disciplines, with professional supervision, providing interns with a valuable learning experience.
- Understanding India’s Business and Professional Landscape: As interns, participants will have the chance to gain insights into the business and professional landscape of India, a large and emerging country.
- Language Lessons: Interns can also opt to add English or Hindi language lessons to their stay in India, enhancing their communication skills and cultural understanding.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of World Unite!
Intern Programs (Awareness Campaign – India) By HEEALS
HEEALS is a non-profit organisation registered under the Indian Government societies act 21 of 1860, located in Gurgaon, India. This program aims to raise public awareness about sanitation, menstrual hygiene, unsafe drinking water, and their impact on girl child education and health. Interns will be actively involved in projects within schools, villages, and marginalised communities.
Work Responsibilities
Interns will be engaged in various tasks, including research and development, fundraising, communication with CSR companies, outreach campaigns, online and offline fundraising, social media management, reporting, documentation, creating infographic posters, and videography.
Program Highlights
- Distinctive Role: Interns will play a pivotal and meaningful part in both the organisational and programmatic growth of HEEALS.
- Summer Internship Discount: Specially designed for students, a unique summer internship discount is available.
- Project Objectives: The project’s primary goals encompass fostering a healthier and more informed community through enhanced sanitation and safe drinking water practices. Additionally, the initiative strives to elevate the educational standards of young girls.
- Immersive Experience at HEEALS: Residing within the HEEALS environment provides an opportunity for global interns to collaborate harmoniously while delving into the multifaceted tapestry of Indian culture. This includes exploring family dynamics, cultural values, heritage, and traditions, each intricately woven with regional nuances.
- Diverse Activities: A plethora of activities tailored to both students and professionals are offered, encompassing facets such as community advancement, team cohesion, and proficient goal management.
- Placement Diversity: Our internship placements cater to university students, professionals, and individuals keen on first hand involvement in grassroots nonprofit endeavours.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of HEEALS.
Personalized Internship Placements in 50+ job profiles in Jaipur By Step Beyond Borders
This program offers placement services and complete logistical support to students, graduates, and professionals wishing to intern in Jaipur. Internships typically last 1-3 months and can be extended if desired. Professionals must have a relevant academic background for task completion, while high school graduates can also participate as interns, observing, assisting, or shadowing the actual employees.
Available Fields
- Medical/ pre-medical/ nursing/ dental
- IT, digital marketing, social marketing, web design, software development, programming, data analysis
- Business development, marketing, research and evaluation, human resources
- Pedagogy, teaching English, primary school education, special education, physiotherapy, occupational therapy
- Organic farming, solar energy, agriculture, environment
- Social development, sociology, project coordination, women empowerment & gender
Note:
- Age Requirement: 18+
- Language Requirement: Proficiency in English
Program Highlights
- The program offers participants the opportunity to develop and strengthen their professional skills within a global setting, fostering valuable experience for their respective careers.
- During weekends, participants can embark on enriching excursions to explore India’s fascinating historical sites, providing a deeper understanding of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
- Through engaging workshops and cultural activities, participants get to immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant Indian culture, broadening their horizons.
- Participants will acquire practical experience and in-depth knowledge in their chosen fields, equipping them with valuable skills for their professional journey.
- Throughout the program, participants have the opportunity to build enduring friendships with fellow participants, creating treasured memories that will endure and be shared for a lifetime.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of Step Beyond Borders.
Volunteership and Internship By LeaveURMark
Leave UR Mark strives to be India’s leading provider of meaningful internship and volunteer experiences, catering to a wide range of travellers visiting the country.
The primary objective is to nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers, fostering a deep connection with India while facilitating transformative and hands-on learning encounters.
The program attracts a diverse community of change-makers from virtually every corner of the globe. Participants include students, graduates, gap year travellers, university professors, career transitioners, travel groups, retirees, and individuals from all walks of life.
The common thread binding them all is their profound affection for India and a shared desire to grow personally and positively impact the world around them.
Program Highlights
- The program involves thorough research to identify companies actively involved in managing international clients and projects.
- A systematic weekly monitoring process is implemented to ensure interns have meaningful and valuable experiences throughout their placements.
- The program ensures that interns’ skills are appropriately utilised and optimised within the tasks assigned to them.
- Participants are consistently challenged to expand their skill sets and push their comfort zones, fostering ongoing personal and professional development.
- Beyond the internship duration, participants receive comprehensive support, including guidance on crafting resumes, provision of references, and issuance of recommendation letters.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of Leave Ur Mark.
Medical & Dental Internship Programs in India By Volunteering India
Medical and pre-med students, nursing, and dental students seeking valuable work experience and international exposure can travel to India and participate in these internship projects. The programs are available in New Delhi and Palampur.
Under these specialised Medical Internship Programs, students can:
- Gain insights into how a healthcare system operates in a developing country like India.
- Experience an incredible opportunity to shadow professionals and learn about various departments, such as Pharmacy, Radiology/Imaging, OT, Dialysis Unit, Critical Care, General Wards, Orthopaedic, Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiotherapy, and more.
Program Highlights
- Gain first-hand working experience while assisting professional doctors and nurses.
- Serve the people with love and care, making a positive impact on their lives.
- Deepen understanding of the medical and healthcare scenario in India.
- Collaborate with other interns from around the world, working together for better outcomes.
- Explore nearby places during weekends and immerse yourself in Indian culture and lifestyle.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of Volunteering India.
Internship Programs in India By Tribes For Good
TribesforGOOD, a trusted platform embraced by over a thousand volunteers, presents distinctive avenues for involvement in socio-economic and environmental matters within India. Customised according to individuals’ interests and proficiencies, its initiatives empower participants to forge a lasting imprint on the lives of schoolchildren and the state of rural schools in Maharashtra, India, ultimately shaping the prospects of future generations.
Available Volunteer Programs
- Social media strategist – Instagram, Facebook & Twitter
- Visual Storytelling
- Online Fundraising
- Women Empowerment
- Digital Literacy
- Tech for GOOD
Note:
- Fee: $150 for a month
- Location: Mumbai, India
Program Highlights
- Action projects and design challenge
- Field visits to grassroots organisations
- Workshops on design thinking, business model canvas
- Presentation to a panel of judges
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of TribesforGOOD.
Internships in India By Pave
The internship program provided by Pave presents candidates with the chance to reside and work in India, a rapidly advancing global economy, for durations ranging from one to four months.
Pave meticulously crafts internship opportunities in collaboration with India’s foremost organisations, encompassing diverse sectors and scales, spanning from burgeoning start-ups and SMEs to established multinationals.
Available Opportunities
- App development
- Business development
- Fashion design
- Graphic design
- Human resources
- Journalism
- Law
- Marketing
- Photography & filmmaking
- Research
- Sales
- Social media
- Teaching
- Website design
- Writing & editing
Note:
- Location: India (Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Goa)
- Length of the Program: 16 weeks
Program Highlights
- The program offers participants a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights into the Indian economy within an international context, understanding industry practices and unique characteristics.
- Moreover, it focuses on developing transferable skills and competencies that are in demand in the global economy of the future, equipping participants with valuable assets for their professional journey.
- Through networking and meaningful interactions with Indian and international professionals, participants have the chance to build a robust international network, expanding their connections and opportunities.
- Additionally, the program encourages participants to step out of their comfort zones, positively challenging them to become more self-aware of their strengths, weaknesses, and values, fostering personal growth and development.
Application Process: Interested candidates can apply for the internship through the official website of Pave.
Amazing Facts About Internships
Internships stand as remarkable opportunities tailored for students and individuals aiming to amass professional experience within their chosen domains. Here are some captivating insights about internships:
- Historical Traces: The origins of internships trace back to mediaeval European guilds, wherein apprentices absorbed skills and craftsmanship from seasoned artisans.
- Modern Inception: The credit for shaping the modern internship framework goes to Alexander Hamilton, who pioneered the concept of training fledgling lawyers through internships during the late 1700s.
- Pioneering Enterprise: General Electric (GE) holds the distinction of being the inaugural company to establish an internship program, dating back to 1896.
- Global Pervasiveness: Internships have attained widespread acclaim globally, furnishing invaluable experience across a myriad of industries and sectors.
- Skill Cultivation: Internships offer a dynamic hands-on learning avenue, enabling interns to nurture practical skills that may elude conventional classroom instruction.
- Networking Arena: Internships serve as conduits for networking with seasoned professionals and prospective mentors, a pivotal factor for future career prospects.
- Pathway to Success: A substantial portion of interns often secures full-time positions upon culmination of their internships, transforming these programs into rich talent reservoirs.
- Payment Paradigm: While some internships remain unpaid, the movement towards equitable remuneration for interns has gained momentum, acknowledging their significant contributions.
- Virtual Evolution: The digital age has heralded the prominence of virtual internships, enabling interns to execute their duties remotely, transcending geographical boundaries.
- Academic Recognition: Numerous educational institutions extend academic credits for accomplished internships, offering an incentive for students to partake in these experiential journeys.
- Interdisciplinary Explorations: Internships offer avenues for venturing into realms beyond one’s primary field of study, aiding in informed career decision-making.
- Social Impact Embrace: Nonprofits and NGOs provide internships centered on societal and environmental causes, providing a distinct platform for those driven by the desire to effect positive change.
- Global Engagements: Select internships furnish the opportunity to work on foreign soil, endowing interns with cultural insights and a panoramic worldview.
- Guiding Lights: Mentorship programs often form an integral part of internship experiences, coupling interns with seasoned professionals to guide and bolster their evolution.
- Everlasting Bonds: Internships frequently sow the seeds for enduring relationships with colleagues and supervisors, nurturing a professional network that spans a lifetime.
Internships in India – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can school students apply for internships in India?
Yes, some organisations offer internships in India specifically designed for school students during their vacation periods.
Are internships in India paid or unpaid?
Internships in India can be either paid or unpaid, depending on the organisation and the nature of the internship.
How long do internships in India typically last?
Internship durations can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Can I participate in multiple internships in India during my college years?
Yes, a student can participate in multiple internships in India to gain diverse experiences and explore various career options.
Do virtual internships in India hold the same value as on-site internships?
Yes, virtual internships in India offer similar learning opportunities and can be just as valuable as on-site internships.
Are internships in India only available for science students?
No, internships in India are available across various fields, including arts, commerce, engineering, and more.
Can international students apply for internships in India?
Yes, many organisations in India welcome applications from international students for internships in India.
Are internships in India mandatory for college students?
Internships in India are not always mandatory, but they are highly encouraged as they offer practical exposure and enhance employability.