We’re proud to support the 10,000 Black Interns (10KBI) initiative for the third year running.
We work with 10KBI to provide more opportunities for underrepresented talent by offering a variety of paid internships through the programme.
What is 10,000 Black Interns?
10,000 Black Interns is a programme designed to match Black students and recent graduates with paid summer internships.
It was started after its founders noticed a lack of diversity in the London Investment Management industry. This inspired them to create what was then called the “100 Interns” initiative.
The initiative was a huge success and led to a nationwide pledge to “reframe recruitment” in other non-diverse industries to give young Black talent the opportunity to thrive.
Excitingly, it’s now reached the milestone of 10,000 interns! As of 2025, thousands of people have been granted internships through 10KBI, making it the UK’s fastest growing pipeline of Black talent ever.
What’s the application process like?
Applicants can expect to be spoiled for choice when applying for an internship. There are more than 35 sectors including architecture, law, education and sales, to name just a few!
Applicants can choose up to three sectors and apply by writing a short, detailed description explaining why they would make a brilliant intern in that specific industry.
Along with your CV, that’s all you need to apply.
Then it’s over to the companies looking for interns who will review all the applications they receive and decide who they want to interview.
10KBI doesn’t leave you to go through this process unequipped – they give every applicant the chance to attend exciting, educational webinars.
So, even if you don’t land an internship, you still get the opportunity to attend CV-writing workshops and job interview classes – it’s a win-win!
Find out how you can apply through the 10,000 Black Interns website.
My own internship through 10KBI
I’ve just finished my internship which I was lucky enough to land through the 10KBI programme – at OneFamily!
As the PR and Content intern, I was tasked with writing internal and external articles, contacting customers and journalists and analysing market research.
The application process
I applied to 10KBI in October 2024 – about 15 minutes before the deadline! After being unsuccessful when I applied the previous year, I debated whether to even reapply for the programme a year later, but I’m very glad that I did.
Before starting at OneFamily, I had no financial, marketing or PR experience, which often surprises people.
Inspired by my love for writing creatively and my interest in learning something new, I chose marketing on the 10KBI application, but with my lack of experience, I wasn’t really expecting to land an opportunity in this sector.
But, excitingly, I was invited to an interview for Brighton-based financial services company, OneFamily!
I also didn’t speak the language of finance, but I quickly found out that OneFamily recognised this as a strength which put me in a unique position. I was able to get into the mind of customers and see things from a different perspective.
After two interviews and a short writing task, I was delighted to be offered the internship!
I debated whether to even apply for the programme, but I’m very glad I did
What did I do as a PR and Content intern?
Every day is different when you’re a part of OneFamily’s marketing team. I was incredibly fortunate to gather experience in the SEO, PR and internal communications teams.
Throughout my internship I learnt how to contact journalists and pitch interesting stories, developed a new, more professional writing style, worked on the website, analysed data and even contacted the winners of a recent OneFamily competition!
The fact this internship has given me the knowledge to take essential financial first steps is an incredible addition to the experience
How has my internship helped me?
It’s been an absolute pleasure working here at OneFamily. I’ve felt like a valued and listened-to member of the team throughout my internship.
Even though I’m the one learning, the team involved me and asked for my opinions, making it clear that they also benefited from me being on board.
As well as the many transferrable skills I’ve gained, I also found an unexpected bonus.
Having open conversations about personal finance has led me to reevaluate my own relationship with money and, as a result, I’ve opened my first savings account! I even convinced family members to do the same.
The fact this internship has given me the knowledge to take essential financial first steps is an incredible addition to the experience.
I’m leaving OneFamily with excellent experience to put on my CV and invaluable financial knowledge I can use in my day-to-day life.
10KBI gave me this opportunity but OneFamily gave me this experience.
In my opinion, it’s exceptional that initiatives like 10,000 Black Interns exist, spotlighting young Black talent across a wide variety of workstreams. The initiative’s mission is admirable, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found it during a period of uncertainty.
Without this programme, I wouldn’t have found this internship and had this incredible experience.
10KBI gave me this opportunity but OneFamily gave me this experience
How you can find your own internship with 10KBI
Applications for 10KBI open in the autumn every year. OneFamily is one of 1000+ organisations who admirably pledge to hire interns through the 10KBI programme each summer.
If you’re looking for your own opportunity, keep an eye on the 10KBI website to be the first to know when the next round of applications opens.
An exciting new experience might be waiting around the corner - good luck!
