How Interning in the USA Can Kickstart Your Career
If you’ve looked at the UK graduate job market recently, you’ll know it’s intense. Good grades; a society role or voluntary position; and a part-time job or two are all commonplace amongst grads. So how do you actually stand out?
One option is to try something different before you even graduate. Whether it’s a summer internship or a year-long industry placement in the USA, CIEE gives you the kind of global experience that gives you an edge; not because it looks flashy, but because it shows you’ve taken a leap and gone out of your comfort zone. Here’s exactly why our internships in the USA give you a competitive, professional edge. From global brands like The Hilton, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hermes of Paris, to innovative companies such as Axal and Industry FinTech, CIEE partners with a wide range of host organisations giving you the chance to gain experience with some of the world’s most respected names.
You’re more than your degree
Degrees are important, obviously. But in the UK, more young people are achieving degrees than ever before – up to 50.2% of people in 2018, compared to only 15% in 1980[1]. More people in higher education is a good thing for all of us, but it means that professional job markets are more competitive than ever. Now, what really grabs employers’ attention is evidence that you can actually do things; work in teams, problem solve, adapt outside of your comfort zone, and communicate with all kinds of people.
That’s a lot of what USA internships are about. Real experience in a country and culture that’s not your own.
The USA – where giants of industry live
If you’re into tech, media, finance, fashion, healthcare, or hospitality, the USA is where it’s all happening. You’re surrounded by some of the most influential companies and creative people in the world. The scale of industry there means that opportunities are abundant, and quite often interns find that working there lets them see how industries operate on a global scale, learning from leaders, and understanding trends before they reach the UK.
You’ll also get to experience what American workplace culture is really like and shift your perspective to become more international. That kind of insight is gold when you’re applying for graduate roles later.
A global network, fit for the future
The people you meet during your internship can shape your future in several unexpected way. Mentors, teammates, other interns: they can all become part of your professional network, and with the digital age and the likes of LinkedIn, it’s easier to maintain and leverage that global network than ever before.
Your network is something that employers increasingly consider as the job market becomes more competitive. A stronger network can mean future job leads, collaborations, or just having a few more interesting contacts who get what you’re trying to do. And remember - networking isn’t just about asking for jobs - it’s about learning how different people think and work. Those conversations can stick with you long after the internship ends.
Personal growth (that employers can see)
Moving to a new country, navigating a new culture, and figuring out how to live and work there shows maturity and confidence. It pushes you to become more independent and adaptable.
These aren’t just “soft skills” - they’re the kind of traits employers talk about in interviews because they prove you’ve dealt with challenges first hand, as opposed to just studying them.
You’ll come back with a clearer idea of who you are as a person, what you want from a job, how you work best, and what kind of environment you thrive best within.
Why CIEE?
CIEE has been connecting students with internships in the USA for decades and we’ve got the logistics down. We’re a non-profit which means we exist to deliver the best opportunities for students and graduates – not to make money. Visa arrangement, placement support, cultural immersion; at every point of the process, we make sure you’re not just showing up but actually getting the most out of the experience.
An internship in the USA isn’t about ticking a box or padding your CV. It’s about putting yourself in a new environment, learning fast, and coming home with stories, skills, and confidence that will set you apart from other graduates. And CIEE is here to help you access that unrivalled head start.