Name of Student: Eleanor
Job Title: Research Assistant
Job Summary:
We at ChYMe research the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people, with the aim of developing evidence-based policy and practice, to improve the lives of children/young people and the communities around them.
What was your biggest achievement on your internship?
Growing in confidence! I produced research on SENCo teacher’s confidence, evaluation of the ADHD toolkit intervention created by the lead researchers, went to meetings and regional conferences, carried out research in schools and community centres. I collaborated with researchers at the University of Bristol and Newcastle in Suicide research in young people. I even helped facilitate young people focus groups on sensitive topics such as Suicide and Self Injury in schools and their experiences seeking help. The department were wonderful, so welcoming and quick to include me in and share their projects with me.
Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?
At times I struggled feeling out of my depth as I undertook an internship in a different field than my degree, but my supervisor (s) were brilliant at uplifting me and simplifying what initially seemed like quite daunting projects.
As a result of my internship…
- 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 future.
- My overall confidence has increased.
Other comments about the scheme:
“It was amazing- I feel so so greatful and lucky! Thank you for awarding Dr. Russell with the internal employer award, she truly deserves it for her training of young researchers in the scheme year after year.”
Would you recommend this internship scheme to other students?
Yes, I would recommend the scheme to other students.
If you would like to find out more about the A2i scheme, you can contact the team via a2i@exeter.ac.uk. You can also visit the student and employer facing webpages here.