Cameron: Zero Waste Europe - Communications Intern

Why did you choose to do an SEI?

SEI offered a unique opportunity to acquire paid work experience in industries that often only offer unpaid opportunities. It was a fantastic opportunity to work for a non-profit organisation and the internship was mutually beneficial; the charity got an unpaid intern for eight weeks whilst you got a paid internship, so you really felt like you were adding value to the charity. It was an opportunity to build new skills whilst also doing something valuable and working for a good cause. It was an opportunity to build new skills whilst also doing something valuable and working for a good cause.

Give a brief snapshot of your role:

  • Building a website from scratch using a content management system.
  • Creating social media accounts from scratch and building a follower base with high engagement.
  • Researched and wrote articles for the blog, and organised interviews with interesting people.

What were the most enjoyable aspects of your role?

For most internships, it is the people you meet with their knowledge, advice and guidance. However, what I enjoyed most was the pride I got when I finished my internship. I could look at all I had done - the website, articles, social media - and reflect on how much I had achieved in such a short space of time. I was also offered a permanent paid job at the charity which really boosted my confidence and made me think that I had really added value. Overall, I enjoyed feeling like I had added value to the charity and not just made cups of tea and spoke to various people; I developed new skills and could come away feeling proud of what I had achieved.

Did you have any worries or concerns before your internship? Were these overcome and if so how?

To be honest, not really. At the end of the day, all you can do is your best. It's a chance for you to develop skills in a unique environment.

What did you gain most from the role in terms of insights and skills?

The most important thing I learnt from the internship was that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Before my internship, I would never have thought that I could have made a website by myself - I have no ICT background or experience in Web Design. I have used WordPress before extensively as a contributor but less so in terms of the actual design element. But I learnt on the job - I read articles online, watched tutorial videos, asked questions to people in the office. Thus, I became far more independent and proactive, and learnt to push myself and develop new skills.

Do you have any words of wisdom for future interns?

The eight weeks will fly by so make the most of every opportunity - go to the extra events on offer, be that SEI workshops offered by the Careers department or after work drinks. I went all the way down to London which was a fantastic experience. Don't be nervous or shy - do your best, be confident and enjoy the eight weeks. Push yourself but remember that at the end of the day, as long as you do your best, then you can hold your head high.