Name of Student: Hamza Khan
Job Title: Research Assistant
Job Summary:
Social Mobility Research Intern Conducted research into how FTSE 100 companies and the South West’s 25 largest employers assess and promote social mobility in their recruitment practices. Analyzed publicly available data, diversity and inclusion reports, and corporate strategies to evaluate the extent and effectiveness of social mobility initiatives. Produced findings to support strategic recommendations for improving equitable hiring processes.
What was your biggest achievement on your internship?
One of my biggest achievements during the internship was presenting my findings to the charity’s commissioners on how major employers—including FTSE 100 companies and the South West’s largest firms—can invest in recruiting a more socially diverse workforce. I was particularly proud of this because I was able to clearly demonstrate not just where companies are falling short, but also why improving social mobility in recruitment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also a smart strategy for long-term UK economic growth. Seeing how the commissioners engaged with my insights and discussed how they could shape future policy or advocacy work made it a standout moment for me.
Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?
Yes, one of the main challenges I faced during the internship was time management. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the workload, especially when trying to balance internship responsibilities alongside other commitments. However, I overcame this by being proactive in communicating with my colleagues about my capacity and seeking support when needed. I also learned to delegate tasks where appropriate and adopted a more flexible working approach, which helped me manage my time more effectively and stay on top of key deadlines without compromising the quality of my work.
Would you recommend this internship scheme to other students?
Yes, I would recommend the scheme to other students.
My A2i internship really boosted my confidence in presenting and inspired me to push for greater accessibility and equity in the workplace, it’s an experience that’s shaped both my skills and my passion for inclusive recruitment.
If you would like to find out more about the A2i scheme, you can contact the team via a2i@exeter.ac.uk, or you can also visit the student and employer facing webpages here.