Checkpoint #1: START

So August has started off very exciting and very busy – just how I like it! There have been a number of big changes in my life since I last blogged ranging from personal changes to more exciting and positive opportunities – today I’ll be sharing an adventure I have just begun: starting my placement and becoming an official intern (with a badge and everything!)

As I have previously mentioned in other posts, I have been actively searching for months throughout my second year at university for a “Year in Industry” placement. After countless interviews including video, telephone and in person around the UK, I managed to secure one closer than I thought – at my university!

I wanted to document my time as the first placement intern at the university and what better way to do it through my blog! I also intend to inspire other students who may be wondering throughout their studies if a placement year is worth the extra year in a chosen degree course. In short: of course, it is. I’m sure the benefits (in terms of experience and skills) will become more evident throughout these “checkpoint” posts which I intend to post every couple of months.

A week of interning

As with every first week in any job or placement, it’s all about transitioning into the new working environment and meeting colleagues (who have been very welcoming since day one!)

Despite it being quiet at this time of year at university with it being summer, everyone is always on their feet with something to do or actively looking for somewhere they can offer their assistance to which as you know, is the working culture that I admire and feel fit to work in.

It has already been very hands-on with great opportunities from the minute I sat down and officially started, I was given a breadth of tasks to do and meetings to attend.

I think one of the most interesting things I’ve experienced so far as an intern, is seeing what the university is like in the eyes of staff rather than as a student. This has excited me in my possible input in student experience that could potentially help current and future students on aspects of university life.

Being the first ever student to also have a staff identity and first student intern across the university, I feel really fortunate to be taking part in this year out placement and plan on getting a lot out of my time here in terms of career and personal development.

So far I am enjoying myself, colleagues are great and extremely supportive, I’ve done a range of activities across the university including – almost to my surprise – some coding which I didn’t think I’d get to do here! The rich experience I’ve been exposed to (marketing, communications, business development) in just seven days has really surprised me, I’m really looking forward for the year ahead!

It’s going to feel quite strange working full time for the next year for me and having weekends off because my routine has been for the past year: studying week days then working weekends. But I’m eager to adapt to this fresh new working environment and routine as a staff of the university, rather than as a student. ?

Hope you all enjoy your weekend!

There is no substitute for hard work.
– Thomas A. Edison

Thomas A. Edison