Name of Student: Thomas Young
Job Title: Case Study Critic/Research Intern
Company Name: University of Exeter
Description of Organisation:
The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, South West England. It is one of the top 150 universities in the world and ranked among the top 15 universities in the United Kingdom. The university offers exciting courses in beautiful and historic surroundings. It is a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group of leading research universities
What was your biggest achievement on your internship?
While I didn’t necessarily have one final project, I built a portfolio that demonstrates how I refined my report-writing skills over time.
Were there any challenges during your internship and if so, how did you overcome these?
It was my first time engaging with an intellectually-based occupation (i.e. not fast-food/retail) so it was a bit nerve-wracking to understand what was expected of me. I learned how to develop a healthy relationship with my boss/mentor to clarify my role and learn more effectively.
What, if anything, could be improved about your overall experience completing this internship?
I probably could have taken the initiative a little more when engaging with assignments. While I did the work assigned to me and helped provide feedback with bigger projects, I did not end up leading any.
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
- To start my career after graduating
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 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 received regular feedback from my manager/supervisor.
- I received regular feedback from my manager/supervisor.
- Overall, this internship has been a positive experience.
Would you recommend this internship scheme to other students?
Yes, I would recommend this scheme to other students.
Do you have any other comments you would like to make about your experience using this scheme?
I am so glad the scheme existed for this project. I would have happily volunteered my time for this project, but being able to get paid has been helpful.