FAQ – Communications and Outreach Internship

 

1. What type of writing sample is required?

Any essay, paper, or article in English will be considered.

If a communications / outreach product is submitted, any text written as part of the product can be considered (e.g. website copy; social media posts, including captions and comments originating from the candidate; scripts of dialogue written for video products; etc.). If the product was not produced in its entirety by the candidate, please identify the parts that can be attributed to the candidate.

2. What length of writing sample is required?

The writing sample should be at least 500 words. There is no maximum.

If a communications / outreach product is submitted, the total of all sample text should be at least 500 words. There is no maximum. 

3. On what topic must the writing sample be written?

The writing sample can be on any subject. It can be on a specific topic or be general research.

If a communications / outreach product is submitted, it can be on any subject. 

4. What is a transcript of academic records?

A transcript of academic records refers to documentation of a student's permanent academic record, which usually means all courses taken, all grades received, all honours received, and degrees conferred to a student.

5. What is the age criterion?

The HCCH internship programme is open to candidates of all ages. However, given the type of work involved, the internship programme is primarily targeted towards current students and / or recent graduates.

6. Is there a nationality criterion?

The HCCH internship programme is open to candidates of all nationalities. It is not required that applicants be a national of an HCCH Member State.

7. Is there a possibility of being employed at the HCCH after completion of an internship?

Generally, there is not a possibility of being employed at the HCCH after completion of an internship. Any vacancies will be posted on the HCCH website and all those interested, including former or current interns, may apply.

8. In what language should the supporting documents (i.e., letter of motivation, curriculum vitae (CV), academic writing sample, letter of recommendation(s)) be?

All documentation should be submitted in English (with the exception of the transcript of academic records which can be in its original language).

9. From whom should the letter of recommendation come?

Applicants may provide a letter of recommendation from a current or former professor or from a current or former employer or professional contact.

10. Can I submit more than one letter of recommendation?

Yes, more than one letter of recommendation may be submitted.

11. Should I submit the letter of recommendation or should it be submitted by my referee?

The letter of recommendation can be submitted by the candidate at the time of application or separately by the referee. If sent separately, candidates can indicate this on their applications.

12. To whom should the letter of motivation be addressed?

The letter of motivation can commence with “Dear Sir / Madam”, “Dear members of the Internship Committee” or “To whom it may concern”.

13. To which e-mail address should the letter of recommendation be sent if not submitted at the time of application?

The letter of recommendation should be sent to the following e-mail address: internships@hcch.net.

14. When will the outcome of the applications be made known?

All candidates will receive an e-mail informing them of the outcome of their application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a short video interview to assess their qualifications and discuss their availability.

15. To how many days of leave is an HCCH intern entitled?

Interns accumulate 2.5 days of leave for each month worked.

16. Do HCCH interns receive a financial contribution?

The Communications and Outreach Internship is not remunerated. Successful applicants are responsible for any travel costs and expenses for the duration of the internship.

17. Does the HCCH assist interns with visa applications?

The HCCH is not authorised to deal with visa requirements and those interns requiring a visa are responsible for making their own arrangements. However, the HCCH can draw up a letter confirming the internship which can be presented to the relevant authorities in support of any visa application.