Line Manager: Emma Norman (Learning and Pilots Manager)
Pathways Programme: Pathways to Professional Services in Higher Education
Summary of Department: The Experimentation and Innovation team fuels Exeter’s learning innovation engine – running agile experiments with emergent technologies, pedagogies, frameworks, and methodologies and then translating these learnings into realistic pilots for operational scaling. We drive the innovation pipeline, from small scale speculative experimentation to institution-wide major strategic initiative piloting and scaling. We use the power of emergent technologies with our knowledge of changes in higher education and expertise in designing and deploying effective pedagogy, to drive sector-leading innovation. Our service includes the Exeter Education Incubator and our Global Classrooms initiatives, including our flagship partnership with QS, Future17.
How did hosting an intern via the Professional Pathways programme benefit you and your organisation/department?
“Our team works to support Exeter’s vision of creating a distinctive, sustainable and inclusive undergraduate experience. As part of this work, the University is developing opportunities for students to build a sense of community and belonging, engage with the University’s “fairer, greener, healthier” mission, and develop confidence in their own academic voice and self-efficacy.
Following a pilot of activities designed to support student transition and belonging, we recruited two interns to help transform these principles into practical resources that academic colleagues could use in their teaching. Rather than simply asking them to assist with the project, we positioned them as experts in the student experience.
Drawing on their own experiences and insights gathered through a peer research project completed during their training week, the interns developed a resource that helps colleagues embed these principles within their teaching. They also created accompanying guidance to support staff in adapting the activities for different contexts and disciplines.
The result was a resource shaped by authentic student perspectives that has since been included within wider support materials provided to colleagues across the University. The interns’ work will therefore continue to benefit future cohorts of students by helping staff create learning environments that foster belonging, confidence and engagement from the very start of their university journey.
What struck me most was how often they challenged assumptions and brought perspectives that staff alone might not have considered. Their contribution strengthened the project and reminded us of the importance of co-creating educational experiences with students rather than simply designing them for students.”
How was your experience of hosting a Pathways intern?
“Hosting the interns was an overwhelmingly positive experience and reinforced how valuable flexible opportunities can be for widening participation and accessibility.
Although I work primarily on campus, I offered the internship in person, hybrid or fully remote formats. I felt it was important that students could choose an arrangement that suited their circumstances, whether that involved caring responsibilities, travel considerations or simply personal preference. Both interns ultimately chose to work remotely.
One intern completed the 35 hours across a single week, while the other spread their hours across a fortnight. This required a degree of flexibility in supervision, but it also demonstrated that meaningful and productive internships can take many different forms.
To support them, I created a shared document before they started which outlined working patterns, preferred communication methods, key contacts and meeting schedules. I also included information about who they would be meeting and how those individuals connected to the project. Having started new roles myself in the past, I know how overwhelming it can be to meet lots of people and navigate unfamiliar structures, so I wanted to make those first few days as straightforward as possible.
Regular check-ins through Teams messages and meetings helped maintain momentum despite our different schedules. I also met with each intern individually at the end of the placement to reflect on their experience, discuss what they had learned and explore how the internship might influence their future career plans.
My main piece of advice for anyone managing a remote intern would be to be present and visible. Don’t assume students know how your organisation works or who everyone is. Providing clear information, regular opportunities for questions and structured touchpoints can make a huge difference to a student’s confidence and ability to contribute effectively.”
Why would you recommend hosting an intern via Professional Pathways?
“I think most of us remember how difficult it can be to take those first steps into the workplace. Gaining experience is often essential for securing future opportunities, yet acquiring that experience can be one of the biggest barriers facing students and graduates.
Professional Pathways helps address this challenge by providing students with meaningful opportunities to explore careers, develop professional skills and gain confidence in a workplace environment. It allows them to test whether a particular sector or role is right for them, while building experiences they can draw upon in future applications and interviews.
From an employer’s perspective, the benefits are equally significant. Interns bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and a willingness to challenge established ways of thinking. In our case, student insight was not just beneficial, it was essential to the success of the project.
Personally, I found the experience incredibly rewarding. Supporting two talented and passionate individuals at the beginning of their career journeys was a privilege, and seeing their confidence grow over such a short period was one of the most satisfying aspects of the project. Their contribution made a genuine difference to our work, and I would encourage any colleague considering hosting a Professional Pathways intern to take the opportunity. Not only will you gain valuable support on a project, but you’ll also play a small part in helping students take their next step towards a fulfilling career.”