Fern A.
About me
| Fern A. | |
| Politics | |
| Politics with International Relations | |
| Undergraduate | |
| 2015 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Internship | |
| University of York Centre of Global Programmes | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Education | |
| 2014 | |
| 2015 |
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A day in the life of a Internship in the United Kingdom
My career history
Prior to working as an intern at the Centre of Global Programmes I spent a year working in Uganda with 'Project Trust'. In Uganda I worked in a primary school and health clinic. During my time at university I spent second year studying abroad in Canada where I volunteered at a homeless shelter and also in a community cooperative style cafe.
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Since finishing both the internship and my degree at York I am now about to go and work for a Non-Government Organisation in East Africa for a year. Following this I hope to go on to study for a Masters and then work with refugees long term.
My advice to students considering work
Take any opportunity that is given to you alongside your degree, even if you're not sure it will directly help you at the time. Also try to do things that not everyone else is doing to help you stand out to future employers. Through studying abroad I was able to work at the Centre for Global Programmes as an intern which in turn has helped me get work now that I have graduated.
I think getting experience in an international setting really helps whether it be through studying abroad or volunteering as lots of employers seem to be starting to look for it by the time you have finished university. It also helps you stand out from the crowd!
My advice about working in my industry
I think getting experience in an international setting really helps whether it be through studying abroad or volunteering as lots of employers seem to be starting to look for it by the time you have finished university. It also helps you stand out from the crowd!
What I do
While working as an intern, my tasks varied hugely. Some days I spent working in the Study Abroad Office where I assisted with administration tasks; preparing welcome packs for incoming summer school students, working in Google suites, planning and organising cultural activities for students or helping visiting students book trips around the UK. Other days I might be out of the office; going to airports to meet incoming students, giving campus tours, going on trips around Yorkshire with the students to places such as Fountains Abbey, bowling, laser tag, local schools etc. Alongside this I spent a weekend in London with students where they went to art galleries, museums and the theatre. I also spent time in classrooms with students helping them improve their English and at a weekly informal conversational afternoon open to anyone looking to improve their English speaking skills.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Extracurricular skills:
The main skills I was able to use in this job was working in an international setting with people from across three continents. I was able to develop research skills through planning and organising cultural trips and activities for incoming international students. Through liaising with visitors to the university, student societies and people across York I was able to improve my communication skills. I also developed a wide range of administration skills.
What I like most
What I liked most about the job was being able to meet and speak to people from all over the world. During the summer I spent working as an intern I met people from China, Japan, U.S.A., Azerbaijan, Spain, Russia, Italy and France. It was interesting hearing about other cultures and also trying to learn words in other languages.
What I like least
Working in the office was what I least enjoyed, particularly carrying out tasks such as photocopying and creating certificates and forms on the computer. However, I have since found being able to prove I have used these tasks in a professional setting has helped with getting further work.
Next steps...
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