Frequently asked questions

Here we can answer any questions about the experiences you may have. If your question isn’t on the list - please contact support by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.

What is this Micro Internship all about?

This programme gives you the chance to step into the shoes of a consultant working with a real client, while learning how to use AI as a professional tool. You’ll explore how businesses identify problems, develop solutions, and communicate recommendations, just like real consultants do, while seeing how AI can enhance research, analysis, and creativity.

It’s short, hands-on, and built to help you gain practical experience and both future-ready digital and industry-relevant skills without needing to be on-site.

Who is this Micro Internship for?

It’s designed for university students who want to:

Understand how consulting and business problem-solving work in practice.
Build transferable skills like communication, research, and analysis.
Create a portfolio piece to show employers.
Learn how AI and technology are reshaping work.

No prior experience in business or consulting is required – just curiosity and motivation to learn.

Do I need to pay to access the Micro Internship?

No – the AI Consulting Micro Internship is free to access. To take part, you’ll need to apply for access via the opportunity on Handshake (if it’s still open). If your application is successful, you’ll receive a unique licence code and step-by-step instructions on how to get started.

What will I actually do during the Micro Internship?

You’ll go through a mixture of videos, activities, reflections, tutorials, and a final project, where you:

Learn how organisations identify and solve complex problems.
Analyse a real client brief from an established company with a local presence in the Liverpool area.
Develop a written proposal and presentation recommending a solution.
Reflect on your experience and how you’ve developed as a problem-solver.

Everything is done online, independently, and at your own pace in line with the release of the Onboarding, Week 1&2 content, and Week 3&4 content.

What’s the main outcome of completing this Micro Internship?

By the end, you’ll have:

A professional-level consulting proposal and presentation.
Hands-on experience working on a genuine business challenge.
A certificate of completion to showcase on LinkedIn or your CV.
A better understanding of how to approach real-world business problems using AI.

You’ll also develop valuable skills in critical thinking, creativity and professional communication.

Will I be paid for completing the Micro Internship?

No – this is not a paid opportunity. The purpose of this experience is to give you real-world critical thinking and problem solving experience, and improve your skills.

Can I be reimbursed for purchasing software/additional items to support me in my work during this Micro Internship?

There will be no reimbursement for purchasing software/additional items. You should have access to a computer and network through The University of Liverpool, and the suggested platforms throughout this AI Consulting Micro Internship are free to access.

Can I complete more than one business brief?

You can only submit ONE proposal as part of this AI Consulting Micro Internship.

How do I access the Micro Internship?

You’ll complete everything online via the Springpod learning platform. Simply log in with your registered details – your modules, videos, and activities will appear in order.

I have trouble logging in / can’t access certain pages. What should I do?

If you have trouble logging into the AI Consulting Micro Internship, or struggle accessing certain pages throughout, please raise a support ticket through the chat bot at the bottom-right corner of your screen.

A member of the Springpod Support Team will get back to you as soon as possible. If your query relates specifically to your university account or Handshake, you can also contact the University of Liverpool Careers and Employability Team at careers@liverpool.ac.uk.

My licence code doesn’t work when trying to access. What should I do?

If your licence code isn’t working, please raise the issue via the chat bot on the platform and include your full licence code in the message.

The Springpod Team will verify your details and get you back up and running as quickly as possible.

Do I need to download anything?

No – everything is browser-based. However, you might want to use Canva or PowerPoint for your final presentation, and you can download templates provided in the course. You will also need to use the AI tool, Copilot.

How long does it take to complete?

You should take 40 hours in total to complete the AI Consulting Micro Internship (inclusive of independent work on the proposal), but you can work at your own pace.

Can I take breaks and come back later?

Yes! Your progress is saved automatically, so you can stop and return at any time without losing your place.

When should I expect feedback on my written report and creative brief?

You will receive feedback on your written report and creative brief before the Networking & Celebration Event, which is due to take place at The University of Liverpool on Wednesday 28th January

How will I receive feedback on my written report and creative brief?

Your feedback will be in the form of a small report, and will be scored in reference to a standardised rubric

What skills will I gain from this Micro Internship?

You’ll build core employability and consulting skills, including:

Problem-solving and critical analysis
Research and data interpretation
Creativity and innovation
Communication and presentation
Use of AI tools responsibly in a business context
Time management and professional writing

These are exactly the skills employers look for in graduate roles.

How can I use this experience in future job applications?

You can:

Add the Micro Internship to your CV and LinkedIn profile
Mention it in applications or interviews as real-world consulting experience
Use your proposal or presentation as a portfolio example to demonstrate your thinking, design, and problem-solving approach

Employers love candidates who can show how they’ve applied theory to practice. This experience helps you do exactly that. If you'd like to discuss how you can use this experience further in future job applications, visit the Career Studio at The University of Liverpool, and one of the Career Coaches will be able to help.

Will I get a certificate?

Yes! Once you complete all modules and submit your final proposal, you’ll receive a certificate of completion. It’s a great way to prove your commitment and capability to future employers.

Do I need to work in a team?

No – this Micro Internship is designed to be completed independently.

What do I need to submit at the end?

You’ll submit:

A written proposal (around 1,000 words)
A visual presentation (in Canva or PowerPoint)

Together, these show your full understanding of the client’s problem and your proposed solution. The written proposal makes up 50% of your overall grade. The visual presentation also makes up 50% of your final grade.

What if I’m unsure about my proposal or presentation?

Don’t worry – the modules in Parts 3&4 should walk you through exactly what’s expected, with clear templates to follow. You can also seek advice from a trusted academic, your peers or other suitable contacts within your university network.

Can I still complete the course if I’m short on time?

Yes – it’s flexible. You can complete the modules whenever you like before the closing date.

Is there a contact for the company whose brief I have chosen so I can discuss my ideas in more detail before submitting?

We cannot provide contact details for companies involved in this AI Consulting Micro Internship.

Can I message or follow the company on social media for research purposes?

You may follow social media for research purposes, but you cannot reach out to contacts at the organisation during the AI Consulting Micro Internship.

Can I submit beyond Friday 28th November?

No – Friday 28th November is the final deadline for submitting your proposals.

What happens after I complete the Micro Internship?

You’ll get access to next steps and career guidance, including how to discuss your experience in applications, interviews, or networking conversations.

You may also be able to connect with the partner organisation through career events or follow-up opportunities.

Will this help me get a job or internship?

While completing the programme doesn’t guarantee a job, it strengthens your CV and gives you practical experience to stand out from other applicants. Many students use it as a stepping stone to internships, placements, or graduate roles.

By participating, does this fast-track me in any future applications with the client companies involved?

Participating in this AI Consulting Micro Internship does not guarantee any sort of fast-track in any future applications with the client companies involved.

Can I share my work publicly?

You can share your completion certificate on LinkedIn and other professional platforms, and we would encourage you to do that. We would, however, not encourage sharing the details of your proposals/work publicly, The best way to share this would be to evidence your recent work experience in job applications and at interviews.

What’s the biggest tip for success?

Treat it like a real client project - because, essentially, it is. Be curious, professional, and creative. And remember, it’s about learning how to think like a consultant, not just ticking off activities.

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