Field practice
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As internships become increasingly popular, the term is used more flexibly, but normally, internships are fairly structured, formal work placements. They are far more common in larger companies with a significant annual graduate intake. Firms often use them as an extended interview process to spot future graduate recruits, so interns may have opportunities to work on real projects and gain a good insight into the firm and role. Internships are normally aimed at current students and often take place during summer vacations for a set period, often 6 - 12 weeks long. Positions are normally paid, except in some charitable and political organisations. Hours are normally full time, although some opportunities to work part time during term time may arise.