I can only speak from my own experience, but here goes: 1. A lot of graduate internship schemes in the UK are partly funded by the universities themselves for

I can only speak from my own experience, but here goes: 1. A lot of graduate internship schemes in the UK are partly funded by the universities themselves for graduates from their undergraduate courses. This makes getting one on the back of a MSc a bit more tricky. Either way, I'd go with the advice already here, and look for a full-time job if you can. There's plenty of advice already here for finding the sort of companies you'd want to work for, all I can say is that it's a decision that you shouldn't rush, but don't take too long on either. Spend some spare time over a week looking over companies and see where you'd like to work, then send out some cover letters. 2. It's really not necessary. That time would be better spent in a job. If you want to work on a personal project there's nothing stopping you from doing so while you're applying for jobs. 3. Build a list of the places where you want to work, and just apply there. Outside of my first job, every job I've landed was without a formal ad being placed. Honestly, don't worry too much about your chances of getting hired. There is lots of work out there for those that are willing.