How do internships and work experience, such as volunteering, give students a taste of the environment in which they hope to be employed? How do they provide pathways between educational institutions and the workplace? This paper reports on a qualitative research study about the initial professional learning experiences of individuals newly recruited by collecting institutions such as archives, galleries, libraries, and museums. It included investigation into work-based learning experiences, including internships or practicum placements, paid work, and student volunteer activities. The article highlights reflections of internships and student work experience. The findings are of interest to: educators organising internships; collecting institutions hosting or employing students in a paid or unpaid capacity; and individuals preparing for employment in collecting institutions. (Contains 1 table.)