Every summer, we welcome the next generation of professionals through our partnership and internship programme with Career Ready.
At our Manchester Universal Square office, five interns joined us from local colleges, including Pendleton Sixth Form College and Eccles Sixth Form College in Salford, and Oldham College. The interns had also been supported by Kaplan mentors throughout the year.
At Kaplan London Borough High Street, two interns joined the team from Stepney All Saints School and George Greens School for a four-week placement, supported by dedicated Kaplan mentors.
Alongside the interns, we also supported other sixth form and college students through mentoring:
- One additional mentee, from St Thomas the Apostle College in London, guided by a Kaplan mentor.
- Another mentee, from Grace Academy in Solihull, Birmingham, who worked with their Kaplan mentor to explore career pathways and professional development.
At Kaplan, our interns don’t just watch from the side lines - they play an active role. From tackling real customer enquiries to contributing marketing ideas and shadowing colleagues, they get a true insight into what makes Kaplan a great place to learn and grow.
Let’s take a closer look at their journey, in their own words.
Building connections from day one
Our Career Ready interns had an intensive first week that balanced comprehensive training with the excitement of meeting new people.
One Career Ready intern reflected on this crucial start:
"Our first week was intense with training, yet enjoyable, thanks to regular breaks and icebreakers. We met various Kaplan teams, student services, publishing, logistics, systems and projects, and marketing, gaining insightful behind-the-scenes perspectives that helped us consider career paths."
Rather than overwhelming our interns with information, we aimed to create a programme that balanced learning with relationship-building activities. The broad exposure to other teams helped them understand how different departments collaborate and the various skills required in each area.
Gaining real-world insights through team shadowing
This experience underscored the importance of soft skills like empathy, patience, and clear communication in professional environments. Team members like Louis and Alex also took time to mentor interns, explaining processes and answering questions to ensure a deeper understanding.
One intern observed:
“We got to see how they respond to learners and handle difficult situations. It showed us how much of a difference a patient and supportive attitude can make."
Hands-on learning: Responding to real learner enquiries
Moving beyond observation, the interns took on genuine responsibilities within the student services team. This progression from watching to doing marked a significant step in their professional development.
Before handling real enquiries, the interns received thorough training from team members Joshua and Sam. This preparation ensured they felt confident and capable when responding to actual student emails.
One intern described the experience:
"During our time at Kaplan, we had a brilliant opportunity to answer a lot of real emails in Student Services. The team was really supportive and helped us whenever we needed it.
Overall, this was a really fun experience, and it expanded all of our skills in different aspects."
Creative challenges: Exploring the world of marketing
The interns had an exciting opportunity to spend a full day with the marketing team, gaining insights into how different departments operate and applying their learning in a creative, hands-on way.
The day kicked off with an introduction to marketing principles from Kaplan’s Director of Marketing, Lindsay, followed by observing a real team meeting. One intern shared:
"After gaining an insight into how the team works, we got a chance to try it for ourselves by creating a proposal on AAT Digital Marketing campaign and presenting it to everyone, even getting great feedback."
The experience reflected Kaplan’s commitment to treating interns as valuable contributors, with constructive feedback helping them grow. The day wrapped up with Product Marketing’s Ellen sharing her role and encouraging fresh perspectives, showcasing the impact of innovative ideas on established teams.
Professional skills development workshops
Career Ready interns also participated in three professional development workshops led by Nici and Kur, focusing on presentation skills, teamwork, and time management. One intern shared:
"I picked up practical tools like how to structure a presentation with purpose, work better with different personality types, and manage my time and energy to stay productive without feeling burnt out."
These interactive sessions provided practical skills for both workplace success and personal growth.
Mentorship that makes a difference
The interns gained valuable mentorship from team members, with Husnain Arshad making a notable impact:
"I'm deeply grateful to Husnain for his invaluable insights into student services, clarifying organisational structure and daily operations crucial for effective student support, including well-being and academic success processes."
This guidance provided more than task instruction, offering a deeper understanding of how departments align with Kaplan's mission. The recognition from interns highlights the lasting value of mentorship, which often extends beyond the internship period.
Building skills for future success
The Kaplan and Career Ready internship programme equipped interns with both technical and soft skills, from email management to presentation delivery.
Through observation, participation, and reflection, interns gained a deeper understanding of roles and practical approaches, preparing them to adapt their skills to different situations. Beyond technical abilities, the programme emphasised understanding professional environments, building relationships, and fostering confidence to contribute to teams.
Creating lasting impact beyond four weeks
We caught up with Nicola Day-Coiley, Partnerships Lead (England) at Career Ready, who further assured us of the programme’s transformative impact:
"These opportunities are, quite literally, life-transforming for them as they begin to think about their careers, and I can see that their time at Kaplan has been an impactful one."
Well-structured internships like this help young people explore career possibilities, build confidence, and gain valuable skills they carry forward. Many interns return as employees or maintain connections that support their growth. For Kaplan, it’s a chance to nurture future talent while benefiting from their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
Empowering tomorrow's professionals today
The Career Ready internship programme at Kaplan is more than work experience - it’s an investment in young talent. Through structured learning, hands-on tasks, and mentorship, our five interns grew from nervous newcomers to confident contributors, uncovering abilities they didn’t know they had.
As they move forward, they take with them new skills and confidence to thrive in professional environments. This programme shows how investing in young talent not only transforms lives but also brings lasting value to organisations.