Name of Student: Mustafa Adamjee 

Job Title: Sustainable Education Assistant 

Company Name: University of Exeter Sustainability 

Description of Organisation:  

The Sustainability Team is working to reduce the carbon and ecological footprint at The University of Exeter, across many areas such as carbon footprinting, energy use, circular economy, sustainable transport, biodiversity, education and research. We are an energetic team who cover many areas of expertise, and value student input in our work. See more here 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

My most significant achievement during the internship was leading a one-on-one session with a module lead, where I successfully integrated sustainability concepts into their course. This experience not only enhanced my communication skills but also boosted my confidence in a professional environment.  

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?  

There was a challenging week during my internship when our line manager fell ill, leaving us without direct supervision. As a result, it became necessary for the intern team to take on the responsibility of project management. We quickly organised ourselves, holding daily calls to coordinate our efforts and check in on the progress of each task. These meetings were essential in maintaining alignment and ensuring that the quality of our work met the high standards our line manager expected. This experience not only strengthened our teamwork and problem-solving skills but also demonstrated our ability to adapt and maintain productivity under pressure. 

What were your reasons for undertaking this internship?   

  • To gain experience and knowledge within a specific occupation or field. 
  • To build new connections 
  • To improve my job prospects by expanding my CV and what I can draw upon in interviews. 
  • To earn money 

As a result of my internshipā€¦  

  • I have improved my communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. 
  • My job prospects have improved by expanding my CV and what I can draw upon in 

 Interviews. 

  • I have learned more about the skills I need and the options available to me in the future.  
  • I have developed specific skills that could help me in the future. 
  • My overall confidence has increased. 

During the internship… 

  • I received learning and development opportunities which could be helpful for my career (e.g., online courses, research development or mentoring). 
  • I was able to complete the tasks assigned to me.  
  • I received regular feedback from my manager/supervisor. 
  • I received sufficient training to undertake the role.  
  • Overall, this internship has been a positive experience. 

Would you recommend this internship scheme to other students? 

I would highly recommend this internship because it offers valuable insights and learning opportunities for students from all course backgrounds. I gained a deeper understanding of how to integrate sustainability into the workforce, which is increasingly important in todayā€™s job market. Additionally, the experience helped me significantly improve my soft skills, particularly in communication and writing, which are essential in any professional setting.