At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data and support AI programmes in a dynamic private equity firm.
- Company: IK Partners, a leading European private equity firm with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training, and insights into the private equity industry.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by working on real data challenges and developing AI solutions.
- Qualifications: Currently enrolled in a degree programme or recent graduate with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
About IK Partners
IK Partners (“IK”) is a European private equity firm focused on investments in the Benelux, DACH, France, Nordics and the UK. Since 1989, IK has raised more than €20 billion of capital and invested in over 200 European companies. IK supports companies with strong underlying potential, partnering with management teams and investors to create robust, well-positioned businesses with excellent long-term prospects.
IK is looking for its new Data Science & AI Intern to support them during a full-time/part-time internship of 5 months from November 2026. The role will be office-based.
The Role
You will work directly with IK's Lead of Data Science & AI in the Operations team, taking on the data and analytical work that sits behind the AI programmes running across IK's portfolio companies. The role is analysis-led. Most of the time will be spent working with data to answer a specific question, with a smaller share on desk research to find and assess data sources. Finished work is delivered as a small set of slides: the analysis, the finding, and a view on what it means. Work is set out in written specs with a defined input and output, and the intern is then given the time to deliver against them. The placement is internal and office-based, and findings are presented back to the Lead of Data Science & AI rather than to portfolio companies or deal teams, so there is no requirement to present externally.
Key Responsibilities
- Analysing operational data from portfolio companies to answer a specific question, for example working out where cost or time actually sits in a process.
- Building ad-hoc bounded solutions, like an AI-powered pipeline to digitise scans of text into digital text on a large scale.
- Finding and evaluating external data sources that can be brought in to strengthen an analysis, and forming a view on how reliable and usable each one is.
- Turning each piece of work into a short set of slides with clear charts and a clear message, and walking through it with the Lead of Data Science & AI.
Job Requirements
Key Competencies
- Intelligent, curious and pragmatic. Someone who wants to understand why a question is being asked, and find a sensible route to a good answer rather than a perfect one.
- Produces analysis that is both clear and accurate. Comfortable with data analysis and basic statistics, and able to run at a defined question independently.
- Comfortable writing Python for data work (vibe-coding fine as long as you understand and can explain how it works), and fluent with AI tools, in particular Claude Cowork.
- Able to present findings in slide form, clearly and simply, to someone who will question them. You will not need to present to PortCo executives directly.
- Able to work to a written spec, manage their own time against it, and flag early when something is unclear or looks wrong.
Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a degree programme, or a recent graduate, with a minimum 2:1 degree classification (or equivalent).
Our Offering
- Dynamic and supportive working environment with on-the-job training provided
- Insight into the workings of a leading European private equity firm
- Opportunity to work with a broad range of colleagues in a diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Data Science & AI Internship 2026 in London employer: IK Partners
IK Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where interns can immerse themselves in the world of responsible investment and sustainability. With a strong focus on employee growth, IK provides valuable hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Interns will benefit from engaging with a diverse team of investment professionals and contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of sustainable finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Science & AI Internship 2026 in London
✨Join Data-Science Meetups
Get yourself along to local data-science meetups or workshops. They're goldmines for networking, and you'll learn from industry pros who might just point you in the direction of internships. Plus, discussing the latest trends with like-minded individuals can really amp up your game.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Check in with your uni's career services since they often have connections with companies looking for interns. They might even organise information sessions with firms, which can be a great chance for you to learn more about potential internships and make some key contacts.
✨Show Off Your Stuff on GitHub
If you're into data science, having a GitHub profile with your projects is essential. Make sure your portfolio is public and showcases your best work! Recruiters love to see your coding skills and problem-solving approach, and it’s a brilliant way to stand out.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the internships listed on our site! It's always a good idea to apply directly through our website because it makes your application easier for our team to find, and you might just catch the hiring manager’s eye by showcasing exactly what you're passionate about in data science.
We think you need these skills to ace Data Science & AI Internship 2026 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:For a data science internship, we want to see those analytical skills shine! List your programming languages, like Python or R, and make sure to highlight any relevant projects or courses you've completed. If you've dabbled with tools like Pandas, NumPy, or machine learning algorithms, don’t hold back – include those in your CV!
Share Your Curiosity in Your Cover Letter:As an intern, your motivation and eagerness to learn are key! In your cover letter, talk about specific data science concepts that excite you and how this internship at IK Partners will help you grow. Share what you hope to achieve and how you plan to tackle real-world data problems - we love enthusiasm!
Include Any Relevant Certifications:If you've earned any certifications, such as from Coursera or DataCamp, make sure to include these in your application. They show us that you're proactive and committed to expanding your data science skillset. This could make a real difference in how we assess your application!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:Remember, as an intern, you don’t need to have decades of experience. Focus on showcasing relevant coursework, personal projects, or even related volunteer work in data science. Keep your CV and cover letter concise but impactful – we appreciate clear and straightforward communication!
How to prepare for a job interview at IK Partners
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
As a data science intern, you might get grilled on your programming skills. Expect to tackle some coding challenges using languages like Python or R. We recommend practising basic algorithms or data manipulation tasks so you can show off your tech skills with confidence.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Prepare to discuss any projects you’ve done, whether in your studies or on your own time. Having a strong portfolio of data analyses or machine learning models will really set you apart. We can use platforms like GitHub to showcase your work to impress IK Partners.
✨Know Your Stats and ML Basics
Brush up on your statistics and machine learning concepts because interviewers love to dig into this! Be ready to explain your understanding of algorithms or how you would approach a given data problem. This will highlight your theoretical background alongside your practical skills.
✨Be Eager to Learn and Adapt
Internships are all about potential and growth. Make sure you convey your eagerness to learn and adapt to new tools or methodologies. Show IK Partners that you’re not just looking for experience, but that you're keen to contribute and grow within the team.
