How many Internship Programmes does Mountbatten run?
Two.  One in New York City and one in London - both last a full 12 months.  Mountbatten only deals with its own programmes - it has no links with other programmes of any kind.  Mountbatten does not operate short internships, such as summer internships, or internships suitable for graduation requirements.  Mountbatten does not offer sandwich placements.

Can candidates arrange their own internships?
No.  However, if you feel you have a particularly good case for developing an internship with a company you are appropriately connected with, you should discuss the matter with the Mountbatten staff.  If deemed suitable, our staff will follow-up (on its own terms).  You should be aware that such leads rarely develop into internships.

Where are the internships?
In September 2006, we had 277 internships.  Some 230 of these were in New York City, in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.  Of those outside the city, 15 were in New Jersey, 1 in Tarrytown, New York, and 32 in Stamford or Greenwich Connecticut.  As a rule, the Programme accepts internships based on their perceived suitability.  Location is a secondary issue, providing the daily commute is acceptable.  2 hours door-to-door is the maximum commute we typically accept.  If your sponsor is currently located in New York City you should be aware that some established companies are leaving the city for the environs - such a move could possibly be decided after you have accepted your internship and could happen in mid-internship.  You must be prepared to cope with such a move.

What are the nationality requirements?
For our New York Programme, citizens or passport holders from NAFTA countries (i.e. USA, Canada and Mexico) are NOT eligible.  Otherwise there are no specific nationality requirements but you must meet our English language requirements which tend to favour citizens of English speaking countries.  See Eligibility page.

What are the language requirements?
Our Programmes are not designed for people who wish to learn English.  Your spoken and written English should already be of a sufficiently high standard to allow you to start work immediately in a fast-paced New York office environment.

Are candidates ever accepted onto the Programme without an interview?
Never.

Where do interviews take place?
For internships in New York, we have three main interviewing centres - London, Bangkok and Sydney.  Virtually all candidates are interviewed in one of these three centres.  Exceptions to this practice are only made for candidates from India - if scheduling permits, and the numbers warrant, our recruiter may make ad hoc arrangements to interview these candidates only, in Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore.

When do interviews take place?
Interviews are normally held in May/June for internships beginning in September, and in October/November for internships beginning in March.

When should I apply?
See APPLICATION DEADLINES on the Eligibility page for details.

Am I still eligible for Mountbatten if I have previously visited the USA under another J1 visa?
It depends.  See Eligibility for details.

How competitive is the selection procedure?
Normally about 85% of applications (statistics from Sept 2005 Intake) go through from the application to the interview stage.  The rest may be deferred or rejected based on individual criteria.  Your application will be selected for the face to face interview with Mountbatten if you meet the following prerequisites:

• you have met all the eligibility criteria listed on the website
• your three references have met our standards

If at the interview you convince us that you are properly motivated for, and committed to, the Programme, that you can cope with its rigours for a full year, and you have indeed met all our criteria, then historically speaking your chance of being accepted is high.

How is the placement of interns carried out?
The face to face interview with Mountbatten consists of a group interview and a personal interview.  During the personal interview, we give you the opportunity to tell us what industries you want to work in as well as the ideal roles you would like.  We also make a note of what you absolutely would not wish to do.  We take into consideration your education and work skills and then try to match you to the placements that are on offer during the placement cycle in question.  This means that we will send your profile pack (comprising your CV, personal statement, photo and a profile that we write about you) to potential matches (i.e. sponsor companies) along with profile packs of 3 - 5 other candidates.  The sponsor company will decide whom to interview and we get in touch with these chosen candidates to set up a telephone interview.

This process continues until all placements are completed, which is normally about three weeks before the fly date for your intake.  At the end of the placement cycle those who are not placed (typically about 5 - 10% depending on the intake) are given the choice of deferring to the next intake or getting a refund of their initial deposit (provided they have not unreasonably turned down a placement) and withdrawing from the Programme.

What if I want an internship in a particular field only?
We always try to get interns more or less what they want - however we are constrained by the requirements of our sponsor companies and so there can be no guarantees.  The more flexible you are, the better your chances of getting to New York in the first intake you apply for.  It also depends on the area / field you are looking for a placement in.  Some industries are easier than others - this varies from intake to intake.

How do I pay?
Payment of all fees should be by cheque (or money order) made payable to Mountbatten Internship Programme.  We do not accept cash or credit cards.  We do not normally accept wire transfers but we will make exceptions for candidates living outside the UK who have no reasonable means of procuring a sterling cheque or money order - such payment must first be agreed with the London office.