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 educational opportunity that helps put into practice the knowledge gained during academic studies while providing direct exposure to the world of work. Through hands-on experience, it is possible to develop both technical and soft skills, gain clarity in career choices, and begin building a professional network in the relevant field. In many cases, an internship also serves as the first step toward entering the job market. 
For this reason, the Politecnico di Torino actively promotes internships as an integral part of the educational journey, recognizing their value within the study plan. 

A curricular internship is a learning experience officially recognized by the degree program and awarded university credits (CFU), if included in the academic curriculum. Information regarding curricular internships in Italy is available at this LINK, while details about curricular internships abroad can be found at this LINK.

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.

***

Information about the thesis in an institution/company are available on the STUDENT GUIDE - Bachelor's/Master's Degree Final Examination section - Final project in an institution/company (bachelor) or Thesis application - Thesis application in an institution/company (master). For further information contact the Career Unit via ticket.

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

  1. Reflect on personal goals: it's useful to consider what skills one aims to develop, what field one would like to work in, and what knowledge one hopes to acquire. This reflection helps identify an internship that aligns with one’s profile and interests. 
     
  2. Explore available opportunities: if the degree program allows it, internships can be found independently through self-applications (job portals, company career pages, direct contacts, etc.). Alternatively, internship offers from companies/institutions can be accessed via the Politecnico's teaching portal by logging into the personal page and checking the dedicated internship board. It's important to read the descriptions carefully and assess the requirements. 
     
  3. Prepare a CV and a cover letter: it is advisable to update the CV and, if needed, write a short cover letter explaining the motivation for applying. In case of doubts, support is available through the Politecnico's career services.
     
  4. Get informed about the procedures: every internship must be approved by the university. One should check the activation process, required documents, and relevant deadlines by consulting the appropriate web pages and the "internship" section of the student guide for the degree program. 
     
  5. Maintain a professional attitude: even as a student, an internship is an experience in a real work environment. Punctuality, respect for rules, and a willingness to learn are key to making the most of this growth opportunity. 

The Job Placement Office organizes online webinars, normally in September/October and January/February, that allow you to learn more about some useful aspects to know before the internship begins: what an internship is and how it works and why and with what goal you should do it.

During the webinars, it will be explained how to look for an internship, what opportunities the University offers, what are the procedures involved in starting, carrying out and ending the activity, the differences between an internship in Italy or abroad, the differences between an internship and a thesis in a company/institution, and other useful tips to best deal with this first on-the-job experience.

Targeted students, those close to the period scheduled for the internship by each study course, will receive an invitation to participate on their institutional mailbox. 

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 the Politecnico is a great way to directly connect with potential host organizations. These events often feature companies looking to recruit talent 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, it will be necessary to follow the procedures established by the university for the activation of the internship.

The UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS for the conduct of curricular and practical work experience placements can be found HERE

If you are a student, you can contact the Job Placement Office by opening a TICKET (Mon. - Fri.) on your personal page of the Teaching Portal, "Tirocini e Career Services" section. If necessary, we will contact you to arrange a telephone appointment.

E-mails sent by students to tirocini@polito.it will not be taken into consideration; opening a ticket is always required. This email address is reserved for host organizations only!

WARNING: for questions relating to the internship or to the thesis in an Institution/Company but which concern the study plan and its modification, the deadlines for graduating or those relating to the payment of fees, the request for certificates, information on mobility programma and residency permit, please contact the competent offices (Students Office, Tution Fees Office and General Secretariat, International Mobility Office and Immigration Help Desk).