A short guide to internships
This guide does not aim to provide a comprehensive overview of every opportunity available to physics students at the University of Vienna for starting internships. Instead, it focuses on offering practical suggestions for planning an internship.
What is an Internship?
An internship is a work experience opportunity for students or recent graduates. It is typically designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in a specific field or industry, bridging the gap between academic studies and professional work.
In the MA Physics program you are able to do an internship and receive ECTS credits for it. For more information please refer to the MA Physics Curriculum that can be found at the SSC Physics Webpage.
What Do You Want from an Internship?
There are many reasons to pursue an internship during your studies. These often fall between two objectives: Exploring and Specializing.
- Exploring: If your goal is to explore potential careers, think broadly about fields that interest you and identify companies or research groups working in those areas. The key here is deep self-reflection on your interests and openness to new experiences.
- Specializing: If you have already found your focus, specialization is the next step. In this case, you need to research your chosen field, identify relevant companies, research groups, or individuals, and seek opportunities to work with them.
Most students will find their motivations lie somewhere between these two extremes. For example, you may want to intern with a company working in a field related to your bachelor’s thesis or explore industry work to decide between pursuing a PhD or entering the private sector. What matters is that you carefully consider your possibilities and goals.
Beyond choosing tasks and the type of internship, two other crucial factors are time and remuneration. You need to know:
- When the internship will take place (e.g., summer, during the semester).
- How much time you have to dedicate to it.
The question of pay depends on personal circumstances but may be a decisive factor when selecting an internship.
How Do You Find an Internship?
Landing your dream internship can be challenging due to factors like limited hosting capacity, scheduling conflicts, or not being offered a suitable position. To improve your chances, a solid plan is essential.
- Leverage Your Network: Start by sharing your intention to find an internship with your social networks, both in-person and online. Many opportunities arise through people you know.
- Use Online Tools: Searching on Google or asking an AI assistant can help locate specific opportunities. Once you identify leads, revisit your network to see if anyone has relevant connections.
- Seek University Support: Professors and researchers at the University of Vienna are often willing to help with guidance or recommendation letters. Additionally, services like Uniport or Alma Mentoring can provide valuable support.
- Explore Online Communities: Platforms like Reddit or topical forums are great for advice and internship opportunities. On LinkedIn, you can identify companies of interest and connect with professionals currently holding positions you aspire to.
- Use the Alumni Company List: Physik Alumni has been working on a list of possible employers for physicists, both based on current jobs of former students and companies who have hired physicists in the past. Please write to us if you have any suggestions for the list!
| Company Name | Website | Physics-Related Tags |
|---|---|---|
| Accenture (IT Consulting) | www.accenture.com | IT Systems, Quantum Computing, Data Science |
| Acmit (Biomedical Engineering) | www.acmit.at | Biomedical Physics, Imaging Technologies, Medical Devices |
| AIT | www.ait.ac.at | Applied Physics, Renewable Energy, Materials Science |
| Alpitronic | www.alpitronic.it | Power Electronics, Renewable Energy, Charging Systems |
| Anyline | www.anyline.com | Optical Character Recognition, Signal Processing, Machine Learning |
| APG (Austrian Power Grid) | www.apg.at | Electromagnetic Fields, Power Grids, Energy Transmission |
| ASML (Netherlands) | www.asml.com | Lithography, Semiconductor Physics, Optics |
| Beyond Gravity | www.ruag.com | Space Physics, Satellite Technology, Aerodynamics |
| Beyond Gravity Austria GmbH | www.ruag.com | Space Technology, Satellite Systems, Astrophysics |
| Borealis | www.borealisgroup.com | Polymer Science, Chemical Physics, Material Science |
| Bosch | www.bosch.com | Sensor Technology, Automotive Engineering, Electronics |
| Bundesrechenzentrum | www.brz.gv.at | Data Science, Computational Physics, System Engineering |
| Cegelec | www.cegelec.com | Industrial Engineering, Electrical Systems, Control Systems |
| Citibanamex | www.banamex.com | Financial Modeling, Data Science, Simulation |
| Collini Holding | www.collini.eu | Material Coatings, Surface Engineering, Corrosion Science |
| Commonsun (PV Anlagen) | www.commonsun.at | Solar Energy, Photovoltaics, Energy Systems |
| Contextflow (Radiology startup) | www.contextflow.com | Medical Imaging, Signal Processing, Radiation Physics |
| D-Fine (Consultant) | www.d-fine.com | Data Science, Physics Simulations, Financial Modeling |
| DeepMind | www.deepmind.com | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Quantum Algorithms |
| Deliveroo | www.deliveroo.co.uk | Logistics Optimization, Data Analytics, Machine Learning |
| Dioptex (Linz, Eye Surgery) | www.dioptex.com | Optics, Laser Technology, Medical Physics |
| e.venture consulting | www.eventure.ch | Data Science, Simulation, Financial Modeling |
| EFS Business Consulting | www.efs.at | Simulation, Optimization, Data Analytics |
| Eisenführ Speiser | www.eisenfuhr.com | Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Tech Consulting |
| Ekey (Linz) | www.ekey.net | Biometric Systems, Signal Processing, Electronic Engineering |
| Elektrobit | www.elektrobit.com | Embedded Systems, Signal Processing, Telecommunications |
| eleQtron | https://eleqtron.com/en/ | Quantum Computing, Ion Traps, Photonics |
| Emporia Telecom (Linz) | www.emporia.at | Telecommunications, Signal Processing, Device Physics |
| Eralytics (Petro) | www.eralytics.com | Analytical Physics, Petroleum Engineering, Sensor Technology |
| FFG | www.ffg.at | Research Funding, Scientific Research, Technology Development |
| FFG | www.ffg.at | Research Funding, Technology Innovation, Applied Science |
| FH Technikum Wien | www.technikum-wien.at | Engineering Physics, Research, STEM Education |
| Fronius | www.fronius.com | Energy Systems, Photovoltaics, Power Electronics |
| GETec Microscopy | www.getec.com | Electron Microscopy, Nanotechnology, Imaging Science |
| GKN Hydrogen | www.gkn.com | Hydrogen Technology, Renewable Energy, Electrochemistry |
| Global Cooling | www.globalcooling.com | Cryogenics, Thermodynamics, Energy Efficiency |
| HM Revenue & Customs | www.gov.uk/hmrc | Data Analytics, Predictive Modeling, Simulation |
| Huawei | www.huawei.com | Telecommunications, Electromagnetism, Quantum Technologies |
| Huawei | www.huawei.com | Telecommunications, Electromagnetism, Quantum Technology |
| IBM | www.ibm.com | Quantum Computing, Data Analytics, Supercomputing |
| IBM (IT) | www.ibm.com/at | Quantum Computing, Data Analytics, Supercomputing |
| IIASA (Applied System Analysis) | www.iiasa.ac.at | Systems Theory, Statistical Physics, Environmental Physics |
| ImageBiopsy Lab | www.imagebiopsy.com | Medical Imaging, Radiology, Data Science |
| IMS Nanofabrication | www.ims.co.at | Nanotechnology, Semiconductor Physics, Electron Beam Lithography |
| Infineon | www.infineon.com | Semiconductor Physics, Power Electronics, Nanotechnology |
| Innotonix (Photonics) | www.innotonix.com | Photonics, Laser Physics, Quantum Optics |
| Isomorphic Labs | https://www.isomorphiclabs.com/ | Computational Biology, Quantum Physics, Drug Discovery |
| IST Austria | www.ist.ac.at | Theoretical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Research Institutions |
| Klinik Donaustadt | N/A | Medical Physics, Radiology, Imaging |
| Lithoz | www.lithoz.com | 3D Printing, Ceramics, Material Science |
| Machine Learning Reply | www.reply.com | Machine Learning, Data Analytics, AI |
| Magna (Wien, St. Valentin) | www.magna.com | Automotive Engineering, Electromagnetism, Control Systems |
| Math.Tec | www.mathtec.at | Data Modeling, Mathematical Physics, Computational Physics |
| MBO Services | https://www.quastify.com/ | Quantum Mechanics, Machine Learning, Chemical Modeling |
| McKinsey | www.mckinsey.com | Strategy Consulting, Data Analysis, Predictive Modeling |
| Melecs EWS GmbH | www.melecs.com | Electromagnetism, Circuit Design, Semiconductor Physics |
| MetGIS GmbH | www.metgis.com | Meteorology, Geophysics, Climate Models |
| Montfort Laser | www.montfortlaser.com | Laser Physics, Optoelectronics, Precision Engineering |
| Mosttech | https://www.mosttech.at/ | Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, Advanced Manufacturing |
| NASA | www.nasa.gov | Space Science, Astrophysics, Engineering Physics |
| Nexperia | www.nexperia.com | Semiconductor Physics, Power Electronics, Nanotechnology |
| Novomatic | www.novomatic.com | Signal Processing, Electronics, Digital Systems |
| ÖAW (PhD Stipendium) | www.oeaw.ac.at | Theoretical Physics, Research Funding, Scientific Exploration |
| ÖBB | www.oebb.at | Transportation Physics, Optimization, Engineering Systems |
| ÖBV | www.oebv.com | Insurance Analytics, Risk Modeling, Statistical Physics |
| Oxford Instruments | www.oxinst.com | Cryogenics, Nanotechnology, Quantum Technology |
| Plasmateria GmbH | https://www.plasmateria.com/ | Plasma Physics, Surface Engineering, Material Science |
| Polytec | www.polytec.com | Optical Metrology, Vibration Analysis, Signal Processing |
| Prewave | www.prewave.ai | Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Predictive Analysis |
| Primetals (Linz) | www.primetals.com | Metallurgy, Materials Science, Thermodynamics |
| Qtlabs | https://www.qtlabs.at/ | Quantum Communication, Photonics, Cryptography |
| Quantum Industries | https://www.quantum-industries.eu/ | Quantum Computing, Photonics, Data Security |
| Quastify | https://www.quastify.com/ | Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Data Analysis |
| ReProteinall S.L. | https://www.reproteinall.com/ | Biotechnology, Protein Engineering, Genetic Physics |
| Samsung Electronics Austria | www.samsung.com/at | Quantum Dots, Semiconductor Physics, Display Technologies |
| Siemens | www.siemens.com | Industrial Engineering, Power Systems, Electromagnetic Fields |
| Siemens Energy | www.siemens-energy.com | Renewable Energy, Power Systems, Electrical Engineering |
| Silana (Robotics Wien) | www.silana.com | Robotics, Control Systems, Electromagnetism |
| Silicon Austria Labs | www.silicon-austria-labs.com | Semiconductor Physics, Microelectronics, Photonics |
| Sound Solutions Austria | https://www.sound-solutions-austria.com/ | Acoustics, Wave Propagation, Sound Engineering |
| Straumann Group | www.straumann.com | Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Imaging |
| SURF | www.surf.nl | Supercomputing, Data Science, Quantum Research |
| SurTec Group | www.surtec.com | Surface Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry |
| T-Systems Austria (T-Mobile Technik) | www.t-systems.com/at | Telecommunications, Signal Processing, Data Transmission |
| TDK (Deutschlandsberg) | www.tdk.com | Electronics, Magnetics, Material Science |
| Team Technology Management | www.teamtm.com | Engineering Consulting, Project Management, Data Analysis |
| The Cyprus Institute | www.cyi.ac.cy | Climate Science, Renewable Energy, Environmental Physics |
| ThermoFisher Scientific | www.thermofisher.com | Analytical Physics, Microscopy, Mass Spectrometry |
| Traktionssysteme Austria | www.tsa.at | Electromagnetics, Motor Design, Power Systems |
| TriLite Technologies | www.trilite-tech.com | Display Technologies, Optoelectronics, Photonics |
| TTTech | www.tttech.com | Embedded Systems, Safety-Critical Systems, Automation |
| TU Career Center | www.tucareer.com | Physics Research, Academic Career, Engineering Physics |
| Unilever | www.unilever.com | Data Science, Optimization, Material Science |
| UpNano | www.upnano.at | Nanotechnology, 3D Printing, Photonics |
| Upnano (3D Lithography Startup) | www.upnano.at | Nanotechnology, Photonics, 3D Printing |
| Verbund | www.verbund.com | Renewable Energy, Hydro Power, Electrical Engineering |
| VitreaLab | www.vitrealab.com | Display Technology, Quantum Dots, Photonics |
| Volksbank | www.volksbank.com | Financial Physics, Risk Modeling, Data Analytics |
| Weldmetrix | https://www.weldmetrix.com/ | Materials Science, Welding Physics, Structural Integrity |
| Xarion Laser Acoustics | www.xarion.com | Laser Technology, Acoustics, Optics |
| ZAMG | www.zamg.ac.at | Meteorology, Geophysics, Atmospheric Physics |
| Zeiss | www.zeiss.com | Optics, Microscopy, Imaging Technology |
| Zone14 | https://zone14.ai/en/ | Data Science, Signal Processing, Artificial Intelligence |
| Zukunftsakademie Mostviertel | www.zukunftsakademie.at | STEM Education, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics |
| Zurich Versicherung | www.zurich.com | Risk Analysis, Financial Physics, Data Science |
Organizational Tips for Internship Applications
How you organize your search depends on how you found the opportunity. For informal contacts (e.g., local research groups), a call or an email might suffice. However, for most cases, you need a systematic approach. This why a great tool is to create a spreadsheet:
- List companies, institutions, or programs you are interested in.
- Write information on them, such as sector type, website, or specific positions.
- Track application details, deadlines, and contacts.
- Share the spreadsheet with peers to collaborate on finding opportunities, broadening your search, and reducing individual effort.
- Save your list—companies that reject you now may be open to internships in the future.
How to Contact an Employer
If you are applying to a structured internship program, carefully read and follow all application requirements. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
For non-structured internships, be prepared for rejection. Companies and institutions may not directly benefit from hosting interns in the short term, and resources can be limited.
Key tips for communication:
- Keep your emails professional, concise, and polite.
- If your first inquiry goes unanswered, wait one week before sending a follow-up. One reminder is sufficient.
- Maintain professionalism even in rejection—today’s “no” could become tomorrow’s “yes.”
By following these suggestions and staying organized, you will maximize your chances of finding an internship that aligns with your goals and helps you grow professionally.