Internships present a fantastic opportunity for students to gain practical experience in their field of study while also building valuable connections in the workplace. There are several avenues available for securing an internship in Slovakia.
University career centers and portals
Slovak universities provide students with career guidance and assistance in finding internships. Many universities have established career centres that collaborate with businesses and organisations. These centres often host various events, such as career days, where students can meet potential employers and explore available internship opportunities.
Job portals
Websites dedicated to job opportunities often include sections specifically for internships and student positions. Here are some popular job portals.
Additionally, there are specialised sites that focus exclusively on internships:
- AIESEC – A platform for developing leadership skills
- NEXTERIA
- GROWNi.sk – Connecting people with exciting projects
- iaeste.sk
- praxuj.sk – Internships as job opportunities that will help you advance
- pretlak.com – Opportunities for developers, designers, marketers, IT professionals, and remote work
- robime.it – Job opportunities in the IT sector
Social networks and professional platforms
Social media plays a vital role in the search for internships today.
LinkedIn, in particular, is geared towards professional networking and facilitates direct contact with employers, enhancing your chances of securing an internship and establishing valuable connections. This platform serves as an excellent tool for building your professional career while you’re still studying, as many companies and organisations regularly post internships, projects, and career opportunities here.
Create a LinkedIn profile, connect with your contacts, and remain active on the platform. You can find more information about crafting an effective LinkedIn profile here.
In addition to LinkedIn, consider following groups and Facebook pages dedicated to student job opportunities, as they can provide useful information and resources.
Personal contacts
Securing an internship often hinges on personal connections. Many companies prefer candidates who come recommended by someone they trust. Students can benefit from attending various professional and industry conferences, job fairs (such as Profesia Days or Kariéra EXPO), seminars, and discussion forums held in cities across Slovakia. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet experts from different fields and gather valuable information about available internships.
Seize the chance to build a network of contacts in areas that interest you.
European Union programmes and initiatives
If you’re considering an international internship, there are various programmes funded by the European Union that you can participate in. Initiatives like Erasmus+ provide students with opportunities to undertake internships abroad, as well as in Slovak organisations involved in European projects. These programmes often offer not only valuable work experience but also scholarships and additional support.
Many of these internships focus on international cooperation, enhancing your chances of securing an engaging and promising position.
Competitions for students
Taking part in various competitions presents a valuable challenge and serves as an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience. This involvement can significantly enhance your prospects when searching for a job or internship.
- Junior Achievement Slovakia
Junior Achievement (JA) is an international organisation that provides students with the chance to participate in various competitions focused on entrepreneurship, economics, and financial literacy. These programmes include competitions where students can apply their skills in a real business environment.
The Project UPLIFT is specifically designed to assist and support the education of young people from Ukraine. Through this initiative, participants can enhance their knowledge and skills in areas such as financial literacy, fundamental entrepreneurship, economics, soft skills, and preparation for entering the job market in Slovakia.
Developing soft skills
Even if you haven’t secured an internship in your field of study, there are still plenty of opportunities to develop your soft skills. For instance, working at the well-known McDonald’s chain can teach you valuable lessons in teamwork, responsibility, and management. Similarly, a position at a hotel reception can enhance your communication skills, build your resilience under pressure, help you understand the diverse needs of customers, and enable you to solve problems swiftly.
These experiences not only boost your self-confidence but also prepare you for future job opportunities,
Volunteering
Engaging in volunteer programmes can enhance your reputation with potential employers and serve as a noteworthy addition to your resume. Volunteering demonstrates your initiative, interest in social issues, and ability to work in diverse environments.
It often presents challenges that require flexibility, responsibility, and adaptability, all of which contribute significantly to your personal growth and self-confidence—qualities that are highly valued in the workplace.
Moreover, volunteering provides practical experience that can be comparable to what a student would gain during an internship, making it a beneficial choice for your career development.
Volunteering programmes also offer an excellent opportunity to network. You can connect with individuals from various fields and build a network that may assist you in securing an internship or job. Many organisations value volunteer work and actively seek candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in community and social issues.
Volunteer in Europe 🇪🇺 | Top 10 Programs 2025 | Volunteer World
Volunteering Activities | Youth Portal
Conclusion
The key takeaway is to be proactive in your search for internships and to seize every opportunity available. Internships enable you to explore various career paths, give you a competitive edge, and ultimately help you secure a job that aligns with your ambitions and interests.
This article was produced as part of the Pathways initiative supported by UNICEF. For more information about the project, please visit UNICEF’s digital one–stop-shop: https://akodobrezesi.sk/ua/