I really enjoyed my internship within the University of Exeter. I am a mature student with previous work experience, however this was all gained within the private sector. I really enjoyed the new environment, enthusiasm for the cause shown by the staff, and rewarding work.

What were your main roles and responsibilities during the course of your internship?

Responding to alumni volunteering offers, recording their offers and volunteering actions on Raisers Edge database, amending alumni’s details and data consent information on Raisers Edge database, and recording student’s family and friends form details onto an Excel spreadsheet.

What would you say was your biggest achievement over the course of your internship?

When I began my internship the online AUF query contained alumni offers dating back to August. These had to be input into Raisers Edge, and if consent was held, a pre-formatted email had to be sent to the alumni. I learnt the system quickly and set up ‘sticky notes’ on my desktop with the text so that I could promptly input the text. I was able to work through these meticulously and effectively so that I had more free time to offer to help others in the office when my workload was quieter.

 What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I produced emails and input data in a systematic yet fast manner. Therefore I was able to help with more tasks such as inputting Alumni Relation Officer’s emails/tasks/actions onto Raisers Edge for them.

What skills were you able to develop through the internship?

Customer service, organisation, focus on goals and outcomes

 What attributes were you able to develop through the internship?

Perseverance, motivation, work ethic