Curricular Internships

Why do a curricular internship?

Students who complete a curricular internship during their university studies have nearly a 7% higher chance of finding a job within one year of graduation! (Source: AlmaLaurea)

An internship is a valuable learning opportunity that allows you to put your academic knowledge into practice while connecting you with the world of work. Through hands-on experience, you can develop technical and transferable skills, gain a better understanding of your career options and start building a professional network. For many, an internship is also the gateway to their first job.
For this reason, Politecnico di Torino actively promotes internships as an integral part of the educational path, recognizing their value within the study plan. 

A curricular internship is a learning experience officially recognized by the degree programme which carries university credits (CFU), if included in the Study Plan. Information regarding curricular internships in Italy is available at this LINK, while details about curricular internships abroad can be found at this LINK.

Getting ready for an internship means being prepared to engage in an experience that can have a real impact on your educational and professional path. Here are a few tips: 

  1. Reflect on your personal goals: consider which skills you would like to develop, what field you would like to work in, and what knowledge you hope to gain. This reflection  will help you identify an internship that is in line with your profile and interests. 
     
  2. Explore available opportunities: if your degree programme allows it, you can find your internship by yourself through self-application (job portals, company career pages, direct contacts, etc.). Alternatively, you can search for opportunities offered by companies/institutions and published on theTeaching Portal (log into your personal page and check the internship board). It's important that you read the descriptions carefully and verify the requirements. 
     
  3. Prepare a CV and a cover letter: update your CV and, if needed, write a short cover letter explaining the motivation for applying. In case of doubts, support is available from Politecnico's career services.
     
  4. Get informed about the procedures: every internship must be approved by the University. You should check the activation process, required documents and relevant deadlines by consulting the Student Guide of your degree programme - "Internships" section. 
     
  5. Have a professional attitude: even as a student, an internship is an experience in a real work environment. Punctuality, respect for rules and willingness to learn are key to making the most of this growth opportunity. 

Politecnico organizes online webinars, normally in September/October and January/February, to give youn useful tips before the internship begins: what an internship is, how it works and why you should do it.

During the webinars, we will explain how to search for an internship. We will also illustrate the opportunities offered by Politecnico, the procedures that you need to follow to start, carry out and finish an internship, the differences between an internship in Italy or abroad, the differences between an internship and a thesis at a company/institution, as well as other useful tips for your first on-the-job experience.

Targeted students (i.e. students who are approaching the period scheduled for their internship) will receive an invitation to join the webinars by e-mail. 

All internship announcements received by Politecnico from companies or institutions are published on your personal page of the Teaching Portal – “Internship” tab - depending on the degree programme you are enrolled in.

You can apply for an internship vacancy directly from your personal page of the Teaching Portal or - if required by the employer – you can send an e-mail to the company address that you will find in the announcement. Companies and Institutions will contact the candidates who meet their requirements to start the selection process.

When you apply for an internship, you agree to automatically share your PoliTo CV. For this reason we suggest you fill it out and update it periodically.

At the bottom of the “Internship” page, you will find the list of partner companies/institutions which have hosted interns from your degree programme in the last three years. If you are interested in a specific company, we suggest you send your application thought the company official website or Linkedin.

Attending career fairs and networking events organized weekly by Politecnico is a great way to directly connect with potential host organizations. These events often include companies looking to recruit talents for internships.

Alternatively, you can search for a host company/institution or ask the Internship Coordinator (referente tirocini) of your degree programme and/or other professors if they know any company/institution willing to host an intern or if there are any internship opportunities within Politecnico.

After identifying your host company, you will have to follow the procedures established by Poliotecnico for the activation of the internship.

The UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS for curricular internships and practical evaluation internships can be found HERE

Compensation for curricular internships is not mandatory. Any form of financial support, such as reimbursement of expenses, meal vouchers, scholarships, access to the company cafeteria, or other benefits, is at the discretion of the host organization.

Contacts

Send a TICKET from your personal page on the Teaching Portal – "Internships and Career Services" section. If needed, we will contact you to schedule a phone appointment.

Do not write to tirocini@polito.it since your e-mail will not be taken into consideration. You must always use the Ticketing Support System. This e-mail address is reserved for host organizations only!

WARNING: the following questions must not be addresses to the Career Hub but to the competent offices (Registrar's Office, Admissions and Tuition Fees Unit, International Mobility Unit and Immigration Help Desk): questions about internships or thesis at an Institution/Company which require a modification of the Study Plan; deadlines for graduation or for paying tuition fees; request for certificates; information on mobility programmes and residence permit.