How to find an internship in Luxembourg
Work placements are an essential part of university education. It's very important to think carefully about where you do them, because these experiences must be in line with your professional interests. If this is your first time looking for an internship, read this article.
Internships are designed to complement your studies, allowing you to learn while you work. Like any job, they can be paid. In Luxembourg, remuneration for work placements is regulated and must be at least 30% of the minimum wage for an unskilled worker. Important: work placements of 4 weeks or less are unpaid.
Internships during studies in the Grand Duchy
If you are a university student, an internship is often an integral part of your studies. Many students have to choose a company to complete their internship, and it's very likely that you will too.
But before we get into where and how to find them, there are a few things you need to know, such as the different types of internships and the regulations that govern them.
Aside from internships, you can also get a student job during your free time or vacation. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, we recommend you check out our dedicated page.
Work placements are an important part of university studies for many reasons. They're not just a random addition to academic programs. First and foremost, they provide hands-on experience, letting students put theoretical knowledge into practice in a real-world setting. This helps them better understand the subjects they're studying in class and the practical skills that come with them. Plus, they help students develop key interpersonal and professional skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in any career.
- Internships also help students to explore and confirm their career interests, guiding them in their future decisions. Exposure to the realities of the business world helps to confirm or re-evaluate their taste for a profession.
- Internships are a great way to network and make valuable connections with professionals and potential employers, which can be really beneficial when you're looking for a job after graduation.
- On top of that, internships often meet academic and professional requirements. In many fields, you have to complete an internship to get a degree or certification.
It's important to know the difference between an educational internship and a student job. Internships are different from student jobs because they offer information, guidance, and training. The goal is to provide education, not finance.
Remunerated labour
In a student job, you work for your employer to get paid during or outside of school breaks. The employer can hire a student under a student contract or a fixed-term contract to cover for staff on leave or to help with extra work.
Just a heads-up: it's not allowed to assign internship placement students to tasks that are the same as what a regular employee would do. The Labour Code says that students on work placements can't replace permanent staff or cover for someone who's away, or be used to deal with short-term workloads. On top of that, the student on a work placement should have a tutor who can support, guide and advise them throughout the placement.
There are two kinds of internships in Luxembourg: voluntary and compulsory.
There are many different occasions when you need to do a university internship. Here are the most common.
When curriculum calls
When the final-year is near
When you need to take a part
When you need it for profession
Regulations applicable to internships by law
In Luxembourg, work placements are governed by the common Labour Code mostly in articles L. 152-1 à L. 152-17. Here are some of the important points to consider in the context of the regulations.
Internship work agreement
An internship agreement must be signed by the intern, the internship tutor and, where applicable, the educational establishment.
The internship agreement must include:
- Activities assigned to the trainee,
- The start and end dates of the internship and the maximum weekly attendance time,
- Terms and conditions of leave and absence,
- Compensation for trainees, if any,
- Assigned tutor at the workplace,
- Any benefits available to the trainee and the social protection scheme, particularly accident insurance,
- The terms and conditions for terminating the placement agreement unilaterally or by mutual agreement before the end of the internship.
Where to find an internship in Luxembourg
Now that we've gone over why internships are important, the different types of internships and other key info, let's move on to something you've been asking about.
Here are a few ideas, links and tips for looking for internships in the Grand Duchy.
Many universities in Luxembourg have departments that help students find work placements and jobs. Checking in with these departments can get you access to some great offers and personalised advice. If your university doesn't have a specific office for this, it's probably someone in your faculty who's in charge of it.
Contact
In University of Luxembourg, if you study there, you an contact Career Centre by visiting their website or contacting their manager, Romain RAUX (romain.raux@uni.lu, (+352) 46 66 44 51 10).
Online job portals are a great way to search the job market. You can filter offers based on different criteria, like the type of contract (fixed-term, permanent, internship). You can also use filters to narrow down your search by sector or location.
Among the various websites, some offer services at international or European level, while others are local, offering services only or mainly in Luxembourg. Some mix the two worlds by being international platforms but having separate portals for each country.
🧑💻 International websites for internship search
🇱🇺 Portails luxembourgeois
Many universities put on job fairs where students can chat with company reps about internships. For instance, the University of Luxembourg's job fair for 2024 is happening on September 27th 2024.
You can also check out other job fairs, even if they're not specifically geared towards student placements. One of the main job fairs in Luxembourg is happening on March 28, 2025 at Luxexpo The Box.
Many companies publish internship offers in the careers section of their websites. Identifying companies of interest and consulting their pages regularly can be fruitful.
The Luxembourg government and its institutions can offer internship programmes for university students, particularly in the fields of public administration and politics. The Luxembourg government has a page dedicated to this subject.
How to apply for an internship?
Knowing where to look for an internship is key, but it's only part of the process. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to help you apply effectively and find a great internship in Luxembourg.
- Plan your search for internships
As soon as you know when you'll have to do your work placements, get started on your search. It's usually a good idea to start looking for placements about three or four months before you need to start them.
- Define your goals and preferences
Before you start your search, make sure you know what you're looking for and what you like. figure out what areas or industries you're interested in, as well as the type of experience you'd like to gain. Decide how long you want to do the placement and whether it fits in with your other commitments, like your studies or other personal responsibilities.
If the placement is part of your course, it might have a set length and you'll have to finish it at a certain point. On the other hand, if you choose to do a placement at the end of your studies, you may be able to choose how long you do it for. It's also a good idea to think about where in Luxembourg you'd like to be based.
- Prepare your papers in advance
This includes a well-structured, professional CV that highlights your skills, experience and academic achievements. Don't limit yourself to including only your studies. Voluntary activities can be useful if they are linked to your career path.
Write a cover letter for each application that shows why you're interested in the company and how you can contribute. Get letters of recommendation from professors or former employers, as well as any relevant certificates to support your application. Also, make use of the resources your university offers, such as CV reviews and personal advice.
- Search and spot opportunities
To get started, take a look at some of the different places you can find opportunities. Your university's careers and employment offices are a great place to start. They can give you the lowdown on available placements and offer advice. Many universities have partnerships with companies, so they can offer you exclusive opportunities. And don't forget to check out the methods from the last section too, to give yourself the best chance.
- Apply to several places
Once you've found some internship opportunities, make your CV and cover letter for each one, highlighting the skills and experience you have that are relevant to the position. Make sure you meet the application deadlines and send your applications well in advance.
- Send out unsolicited applications
Even if a company hasn't posted any internship openings, they might still be interested in your application. Send your CV and a well-written cover letter to the head of recruitment or human resources at the company you're interested in. Be sure to show your genuine interest in the company and explain how you could contribute to its success.
- Keep track of your applications
If you've sent in your application for a work placement or an unsolicited application and haven't heard back, feel free to drop them a quick line to make sure they got it. It's not uncommon for employers to get a lot of applications, so yours might get lost in the shuffle. This will show the company you're still interested and motivated. Be polite, but don't be afraid to follow up.
- Prepare for interviews
If you are selected for an interview, prepare yourself by researching information about the company and the specific job. Familiarise yourself with common interview questions and think of concrete examples to illustrate your skills and experience. If possible, do mock interviews with friends, family or career advisers to improve your confidence and performance.
💡 During the interview, adopt a positive and professional attitude. Listen carefully to the questions, answer clearly and concisely, and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Use concrete examples to support your answers and relate your skills and experience to the position.
- Follow up and reflect after interviews
After the interview, send a thank you email to the interviewer. Thank them for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the job and mention a specific aspect of the interview or the company that you particularly appreciated. This gesture demonstrates your professionalism and can help you stand out from other candidates.
Think about what you did well and what you could do better. This self-assessment will help you improve for future interviews. If you receive feedback from the interviewer, use it constructively to develop yourself further.
- Wait for a reply and continue to apply
While you're waiting to hear back after the interview, keep an eye out for other internship opportunities. Be proactive and don't put all your eggs in one basket. This'll up your chances and help you stay calm while you're waiting to hear back.
Don't be overwhelmed
It might seem like it takes a while to get an internship, but it's really more about planning than applying. So be brave and start planning your internship today.
It might seem tricky to find an internship in Luxembourg, but with a bit of planning and a proactive approach, it can be a great opportunity. By following the advice and steps we've laid out, you'll be all set to find an internship that's a good fit for your goals and career path.
If you invest fully in your internship search and choose wisely, you can make the most of this experience and potentially set yourself up for some great career opportunities down the road. And don't forget that an apprenticeship in Luxembourg is not just about getting a degree. It's also a great way to set yourself up for success in your future career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are internships in Luxembourg paid?
What are the current regulations on internships in Luxembourg?
How do I get a response to my application for a training placement?
Source: luxembourg.public.lu, csl.lu, fr.indeed.com, legilux.public.lu, uni.lu, uni.lu, en.moovijob.com, en.moovijob.com, govjobs.public.lu, uni.lu
We took photos from these sources: Magnet.me on Unsplash