14 Oct 2025
October is Black History Month. It is a time to celebrate and reflect on the heritage, culture and achievements of Black communities. Throughout the month, Republic is hosting many exciting events that recognise the contributions of Black professionals and entrepreneurs in our society.
Black History Month also serves as a reminder of the importance of creating diverse workplaces and equal chances for people from underrepresented backgrounds. This blog shares opportunities you won’t want to miss, featuring organisations that celebrate diversity and create opportunities for Black and underrepresented students and graduates.
Career Development Opportunities for Students and Graduates
10,000 Black Interns Programme
DIVERSE
The 10,000 Interns Foundation delivers a UK-wide initiative offering paid internships of at least six weeks to Black students and graduates across a wide range of sectors. The programme addresses the underrepresentation of Black talent in the workplace by partnering with many of the UK’s largest companies. By creating meaningful work experience opportunities, the programme helps students and graduate talent to thrive, while supporting businesses to become more inclusive and equitable. This year, 1,500 paid internships are available with over 500 employers involved, offering roles in 40 workstreams across 35 sectors, including HR, Law, Data and Media.
Applications are open now. To apply, choose three workstreams that interest you and submit a tailored cover letter for each one, along with a single CV. You will then be matched with suitable organisations that may invite you to interview. Internships will begin in summer 2026.
DIVERSE was launched to support Black, ethnically diverse, and young people from low-income backgrounds into employment. It builds a community of young professionals through events, courses, workshops and career guides, and also features a job search tool with opportunities from partner companies that value diversity in the workforce.
Their next event is Meet the Employers: Careers Fair on Friday, 10 October, where you can network with companies including Red Bull, M&S, and Warner Bros.
The Race at Work Charter
Migrant Leaders Development Programme
The charter is a growing network of over 1,100 businesses committed to improving equality of opportunity in the workplace. By signing up, organisations pledge to take meaningful action through seven key commitments, including leadership accountability, inclusive recruitment, and supporting career progression for diverse talent. You can find a full list of signatory employers on their website.
Referring to the charter in your cover letter or during an interview can be a powerful way to demonstrate why an organisation appeals to you.
The Migrant Leaders Development Programme is a free opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25. It is designed to support youths from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in Britain.
Through the programme, you can access online learning modules, take part in workshops, and gain one-to-one mentoring from senior professionals in top organisations. Big names such as NatWest, KPMG and BP also offer opportunities for internships and work experience.
Students from first or second-generation migrant backgrounds, as well as young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who are not migrants, are eligible.
Black Undergrad
Bright Network Social Mobility Matters 2025
Black Undergrad is the first undergraduate community in the UK created for students of African and Caribbean heritage. It offers exclusive networking events, mentoring opportunities, resources and a supportive space to connect with like-minded students.
The community is all about growing networks, sharing experiences and empowering Black students across the UK.
This virtual event, hosted by Bright Network, is designed to help first and second-year students succeed, regardless of their background. It features panel talks, skills sessions and networking opportunities with leading companies committed to social mobility. You will also learn how to build a CV that helps you stand out as a candidate.
Developing Your Career
From internships and mentoring to workshops and supportive communities, numerous great opportunities are available to students and graduates this Black History Month and beyond, all working towards making our workforce more diverse and inclusive. Remember to reach out to your university’s careers service for feedback on your CV and applications so that you can put your best application forward.
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