If you’re an international student living in Madrid or planning to study here, there’s one essential part of your experience that can define your career path: an internship. Whether you’re enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme, an internship in Madrid is not only requirement for many university degrees – including those at the European School of Economics (ESE) – but also a stepping stone into the professional world of Europe’s fifth-largest economy.

But how do you find an internship in Madrid as an international student? What legal requirements are involved? And where do you start looking? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through:

  • Why Madrid is a top destination for internships in business and finance
  • How internships are integrated into ESE’s curriculum
  • Platforms and strategies to find an internship
  • Key legal documents and processes (NIE, TIE, internship agreements)
  • How ESE Madrid supports you throughout the process
  • What ESE Madrid students say about their internship experiences

Why Madrid?

Madrid is more than just Spain’s capital – it’s a financial, cultural, and entrepreneurial hub that hosts the headquarters of many international companies, major Spanish banks, consultancies, and tech startups. Interning in Madrid offers international students a chance to:

  • Work in English or Spanish-speaking environments
  • Gain access to comapnies with global operations
  • Experience a multicultural European business culture
  • Expand their professional network in the EU market

Sectors like finance, marketing, hospitality, consulting, and real estate are particularly active in Madrid, making it a prime city for students of business and economics.

Internship in Madrid

Internships at the European School of Economics (ESE)

At ESE, internships are not just encouraged – they’re embedded in the programme. Every student is required to complete at least one internship during their Bachelor’s or Master’s course. This is part of ESE’s vision of offering a pragmatic, real-world education that blends academic knowledge with professional development.

The ESE Madrid Internship Department provides:

  • One-on-one coaching to define your career interests
  • CV and cover letter workshops
  • Direct connections to ESE partner companies in Spain and abroad
  • Assistance in setting up internship agreements and documentation
  • Interview preparation and follow-up

Internships are typically part-time (20 hours/week), especially during class terms, but full-time placements are possible during summer or break periods.

In addition to full-degree programmes, ESE offers a highly sought-after portfolio of Short Courses that include an internship experience. These three-month intensive programmes cover areas such as Fashion & Luxury Management, Marketing, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.

What sets ESE apart is the uniquely tailored structure and strong professional relevance of our Short Course + Internship model. In just a few months, students gain focused, hands-on experience and direct access to the working world – making it an unmatched opportunity for career changers, recent graduates, and anyone seeking a global learning experience in a short, intensive format.

When I began searching for an internship, I felt truly unsure about the direction to take. It was only after months of meetings, reflection, and discussion that—thanks to ESE’s support—I finally found a path that truly felt like mine.

Today, just a few days before my departure for Tokyo, I know that this experience wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a school that, from the very beginning, has guided me through every step of this journey.

Elisa Polemi, Business Administration

Where to Find Internships in Madrid: Top Platforms & Strategies

Here are the best tools and methods to secure an internship in Madrid:

  1. LinkedIn: Filter for “Internship” + “Madrid” under Jobs. You can also connect directly with recruiters
  2. StudentJoB Spain: Offers part-time and internship positions across Spain.
  3. Glassdoor and Indeed Spain: Good for filtering by company, sector, and duration.
  4. Europe Language Jobs: Specialises in multilingual internships and jobs.
  5. ErasmusIntern.org: For EU and exchange students seeking funded internships.
  6. Company website: Many large firms list internships on their own Careers page (e.g. Santander, BBVA, Deloitte, Telefónica).
  7. ESE Career Office: Exclusive offers shared directly with enrolled students/

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for listings – reach out directly to comoanies with a short pitch and your CV. Many internships, especially in Spain, are filled through proactive networking.

Legal Requirements: What You Need to Intern in Madrid

To legally interns in Spain, especially as a non-EU student, you’ll need to comply with certain regulations:

  1. NIE/TIE: All students must hold a valid NIE (EU citizens) or TIE (Non-EU residents). For non-EU students, the TIE serves as your official residency card.
  2. Convenio de Prácticas (Internship Agreement): This is a tripartite agreement between the students, the company, and the university. ESE will help you prepare and sign this document, which is mandatory in Spain for legal internships.
  3. Insurance: Your student health insurance must cover you during your internship. Most policies do, but it’s important to double-check.
  4. Part-Time Work Limitations: If you’re a non-EU student, internships must be copmatible with your visa conditions (typically up to 20 hours/week during term time).

For full legal guidance, visit the official website of Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.

How ESE Madrid Helps You Succeed

At ESE Madrid, our Internship Department works closely with you from day one. You’ll be guided through the entire process:

  • Choosing your sector and identifying ideas companies
  • Preparing your CV, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio (if applicable)
  • Securing interviews and signing your convenio
  • Managing documentation, timelines, and legal compliance

We also host career development workshops and guest speaker events, giving students insight into Madrid’s business landscape and hiring culture.

Many of our students have interned at a top-tier firms such as Deloitte, CBRE, EY, Minsait, Reale Seguros, and withing fast-growing startups based in the city’s vibrant coworking spaces.

My internship was the beginning of my professional path. It led me to understand what working life is really like, pushed me to overcome myself, and gave me the opportunity to start my first job. Currently, I am working at a financial and business club, closely with the CEO, also managing public relations, sales, and the commercial department.

ESE helped me find my professional path thanks to their internship department and personalized recommendations based on my skills, preferences, and dreams. Without a doubt, studying at ESE is the dream college experience. While you get the chance to change campuses around Europe, you also meet incredible people from all over the world. It’s a unique experience to create new memories, make friends, and start your professional life.

- Fernanda Ramos Araiza, Business Administration.

Final Tips for International Students

  • Start searching early (3+ months before your desired start date)
  • Keep your CV clear, concise, and translated if needed
  • Learn basic Spanish business vocabulary, even if your internship is in English
  • Make us of ESE’s resources – we are here to help!

 

Securing an internship in Madrid as an international student is one of the best decisions you can make to enhance your academic and professional profile. With the supports of ESE Madrid, the right documents in place, and a proactive approach, you’ll gain invaluable experience that will shape your global career.

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