Name of Student: Izzy Smith
Job Title: Charity and Development Assistant
Job Summary:
My role included supporting the charity development team in the growth and delivery of the fundraising calendar events and developing the relationship between University of Exeter Women’s Football and Exeter City Community Trust.
What was your biggest achievement on your internship?
I made an 18 page fundraising pack for Exeter City Community Trust fundraising participants to guide them when raising money for us, which included impact, fundraising journey & checklist, events, fundraising ideas, how to setup fundraising page, incentive reward scheme, safety, and ECCT contacts. This improved my digital/creative skills and had real-world relevance.
Were there any challenges during your internship and if so, how did you overcome these?
Balancing my time with university and other responsibilities for example I am club captain of Exeter Uni Women’s Football, meaning it was a lot to balance but I think I dealt with this well.
How has the A2i scheme helped you in taking the next steps in your career?
My internship has given me a long period of experience in a field of work that really interests me. I am looking to go into sport/football development or operations, therefore doing an internship in Charity & Development at Exeter City Community Trust has been perfect for me. My role included supporting the charity development team in the growth and delivery of the fundraising calendar events and developing the relationship between University of Exeter Women’s Football and Exeter City Community Trust. I have really enjoyed this experience and gained valuable experience and insight into the organisation, understanding that the charity has so many opportunities for the community not just within football. It has also given me an experience of working in a workplace environment, something that stands out when applying for opportunities as a graduate student. It has also indicated to me the type of work I enjoy and want to go into and get more experience in.
What advice would you give to other students to ensure they gain as much as possible from their A2i internship?
To gain as much as possible from your internship I would recommend going into it with an open mind and confidence. It may feel daunting to go into a workplace knowing you are the least experienced/youngest person there, but you will be supported and people will want to help you to get the most out of it. No question is a silly question especially when you are new to the company. Having an open mind will be useful as you may complete tasks you don’t enjoy as much as others, but this will help develop an idea of what you want your career to look like.
What advice would you give to a student who is looking to create their own A2i internship?
If you are unsure whether to do an internship, do it. It will be an amazing experience to develop skills and experience for your CV, but also a great personal challenge. It adds a new challenge alongside completing your degree and will give you a better idea of your ideal career path. It is also a great way to make connections and meet new people in a different circle to your university degree. If you are wondering if you will be able to commit to an internship alongside your studies, I would say not to worry because you can complete the hours gradually. My manager was very flexible and understanding when I had a heavier week of university deadlines and when I was home from university. They want to benefit young people and share positive experiences of their company as much as you want to learn from it. The A2I team are very informative and useful so can help you find an internship that suits you – if you don’t ask you don’t get.
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.