Name of Student: Hebe Dennison
Job Title: Circular Economy Intern
Company Name: University of Exeter Sustainability Team
Description of Organisation:
Based within the Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services Division, the Sustainability Team is a major contributor to delivering on the University’s Strategy 2030 commitment to ‘lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.’ The team has responsibility for delivering on the University’s net zero and environmental net gain targets and this role will be support the delivery of sustainability education commitments.
What was your biggest achievement on your internship?
Played a key role in the success of the Gift It Reuse It initiative, where 8546 items were donated with nearly 8,000 items finding new homes during Arrivals Week 2024.
Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?
The scale of my main project was not known at the beginning of my internship, which meant that I had then had to adjust the plan accordingly to fit with challenges that cropped up.
The remaining items that were not repurposed at the start of term are now in a new permanent Reuse Shop in Clysdedale House.
What were your reasons for undertaking this internship?
- To gain experience and knowledge within a specific occupation or field.
- 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 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 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.
- Overall, this internship has been a positive experience.
Would you recommend this internship scheme to other students?
I really enjoyed my internship, and appreciated all the support I received. I would definitely recommend this internship scheme, as it is a great opportunity to expand your experience and have a flexible role that works with university studying.