Category Archives: Economics

Research and Evaluation Assistant – YMCA

Access to Internships (A2I), Administration, Business and Management, Charity and Development Work, Economics, Education, Teaching and Research, Psychology, Sociology and Criminology

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

My main responsibilities included: interview volunteers about their experience of volunteering, interview project managers about the role and impact of volunteers in their project, shadow staff members in all departments to gain insight into their roles and how they interact with volunteers, design and run a focus group with a small group of clients to ascertain the impact volunteers have on them, transcribe and summarise interviews, produce a report about the findings of the interviews, outline findings, make recommendations for future work, and, present the report to key staff members.

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

My biggest achievement during this internship was gaining confidence in applying ‘classroom knowledge’ to real life problems and situations. I was able to see the project through from start to finish, which has given me confidence in being able to describe hands on experience in interviewing, research and evaluation.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I was able to complete a project that the employer had wanted to carry out for some time (but had previously been unable to), providing research and evidence that has a multitude of uses. They will be able to use these findings to potentially make changes to their volunteering processes, and as evidence in applying for grants.

What skills were you able to develop through the internship?

Problem solving, leadership, IT

What attributes were you able to develop through the internship?

Perseverance, personal awareness, professionalism

Insight, Intelligence and Communications Intern – Southampton City Council

Access to Internships (A2I), Administration, Business and Management, Economics, English, Law, Management and Consultancy, Philosophy, Politics and Government, Politics and International Relations

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

I conducted a preparatory briefing on the Brexit White Paper which is circulated to senior staff and councillors of Southampton and completed a task concerning the mapping of public sector and third sector services that tackle serious violence in Southampton in order to inform the council’s decision to bid for Serious Violence Strategy funding. I created a local needs assessment that included current statistics regarding violent, knife, and hate crime, domestic abuse, reoffending rates, comparing the data nationally with statistical neighbours and per individual wards. Additionally, the needs assessment included data on looked after children, deprivation areas and school absences to coincide with the strategy’s youth prevention priority. I reviewed an annual report that records the progress of the actions that respond to the Youth Justice Strategy. From this report I deduced whether the action will remain for the forthcoming year or whether full progress had been made and thus a new action would take its place.

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

I realised my potential within the policy team and have definitely decided this is the career for me. Specifically, I actually aided the team with their work, especially with the creation of the local needs assessment and thus my internship was beneficial for everyone!

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I efficiently completed each task quicker than expected thus, freed up the teams work to do other tasks.

What skills were you able to develop through the internship?

Problem solving, strategic planning, focus of goals and outcomes

What attributes were you able to develop through the internship?

Confidence, cultural awareness, logical thinking

eXepert Administrator – University of Exeter Employment Services, Exeter

Administration, Economics, Human Resources, Recruitment and Training, Student Campus Partnership (SCP),

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

As the sole administrator for the eXepert scheme I was responsible for ensuring all student applications were processed and the information was inputted into the relevant databases. I then conducted searches to find suitable alumni for each student. When students then selected the alumni they wished to speak to, I facilitated communication between them.
I was also responsible for marketing the scheme, and I did this in a number of ways. From posting a small descriptive piece in the ‘What’s on’ newsletter, to sending emails to students informing them of the scheme.

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

I enjoyed many aspects of my role and the responsibilities that came with it. It was certainly rewarding helping a vast number of students. I feel my biggest achievement was definitely beating the targets that had been set for the number of applications to the scheme. I was also pleased with how much I learnt about excel. I have definitely acquired skills I will use in future employment, such as excel skills and becoming comfortable speaking to alumni.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I was able to look after the eXepert scheme myself, which allowed my supervisor and manager to focus on other projects. I also improved the spreadsheets used for the scheme which will make it easier to process applications in the future, saving time and resources. I also increased the volume of applications processed in the same period of time, this shows that I have increased the efficiency of the process.

Peer Mentor and Advisor – Business School Career Zone, Exeter

Economics, Education, Teaching and Research, Student Campus Partnership (SCP),

peer

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

The SCP role with the Business School Career Zone was diverse. It included advising WIE students throughout all years and organising and assisting with Careers Cafe sessions and employability workshops. Office-based responsibilities included database creation/organisation and organising employer events and fairs. I have also represented the Careers team at University events, open days, and employer events.

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

I learnt how to create complex forms on the Career Hub booking system, allowing student attendance at events to be tracked fluidly and accurately throughout the term.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

My placement within Technology Consulting gave me the skill set to assist with data/technology problems faced by the team. The work I undertook on the Career Hub booking system greatly improved student attendance tracking at events and significantly reduced the manual work involved with the process.

Did you encounter any problems during the course of your internship and if so, how did you overcome them?

The team were always fantastically supportive and understanding regarding university assignments.  If I ever found balancing working alongside studying they would always support me and reduce my workload.

Economist Intern – Ofcom

Economics,

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

During my internship I assisted with the  Wholesale Local Access Charge Control project,  and spectrum policy.  Working on this project involved collating data and other source material for analysis. I was also responsible for writing a section of the internal economist newsletter created by current graduates. Whilst on my internship I also engaged in networking events and introductory talks.

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

I got the opportunity to engage in two different projects and gained sound background knowledge in a section of what Ofcom does. Also, it was great to see some of the concepts that I learnt from university used in practice.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I was happy that my manager and other colleagues gave me recognition that I contributed in a positive way and helped to lighten their workload.

Did you encounter any problems during the course of your internship and if so, how did you overcome them?

At first I had problems absorbing the amount of background information on the projects and encountered many technical acronyms that I have not heard of before. This required a bit more patience – studying and figuring things out by myself – but also asking questions.

Marketing Intern – Twisted Halo Drinks

Access to Internships (A2I), Advertising, Marketing and PR, Economics, Hospitality and Event Management,

drink

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

From the day I started I was took on responsibility within the team and was given ownership of my own projects. I set up a brand ambassador programme for the company, and began recruitment and promotion of the scheme on social media. While doing this, I also reached out and contacted many smaller scale bloggers, and ordinary people who would be engaged in sampling the drink and sharing with their friends. I was in contact with many businesses regarding collaborations for competitions, pop ups and event ideas. In addition, there were many ad-hoc duties around the office: organising couriers, creating photo and video content, serving the drink at events, managing stock logistics and researching data for use on infographics.

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

My biggest achievement from the internship was learning that this is definitely the industry and company I am passionate about, and would love to go into after University. I now know I enjoy the dynamic start-up environment, working with a group of people I have similar interests with, and brand management within the health product sector. As a result of my work during the time at the company, I have been offered a part-time job, working remotely for the company while I am at University.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

As a result of my internship, I have increased brand awareness and following through social media engagement from those I have contacted, as well as creating photograph and video content for our social media channels. Also from the contacts I made, as a result we will be present at London Fashion Week and upcoming Influencer Events. Furthermore, a recent investor to the company has commented on the brand ambassador scheme, and how crucial it will be in the future growth of the business.

Project Leader – BizDef Ltd

Economics, Employer Feedback, Politics and Government,

Cornwall, UoE Internships, University of Exeter Internships, SCP, SBP, GBP, A2I

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

My role was to carry out background research needed to support an application for Government funding into a new project.

BizDef is a South East Cornwall based research and development consultancy specialising in new forms of energy. A small privately funded business, it aimed to grow and expand its staff base. As part of its business growth strategy, I was taken on to carry out market research, and review literature into renewable energy, supply markets and the economics of climate change. The results of the research formed part of a Proof of Concept report which was used to apply for a vital research and development grant application for a new product.

“Sara’s enthusiasm to make a difference in her work appealed to the company’s own ethos and her research has taken us closer to achieving funding and beginning Phase 2 in the product’s development” – Line Manager

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Renewables Assistant – JHWalter LLP

Business and Management, Economics, Employer Feedback, Real Estate and Property,

Universtiy of Exeter Internships, UoE Internships, SCP, SBP, GBP, A2I

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

Analysis of opportunities for renewable energy investment including wind, biogas and PV. Research on certain technologies as well as policy change.  Consultation with a variety of statutory and non-statutory bodies. Drafting reports on constraints, feasibility and potential for a range of projects.

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

I developed my communication skills through contact with clients and colleagues within the Renewable Energy Team. I furthered my competence in several software systems. I developed skills in Microsoft Office, particularly in Excel through looking at the financial viability of various projects; working out payback periods and returns on investment. I learnt how to structure and present reports for clients and how these differ to a typical university report. Promap software was used for mapping and looking at the feasibility of projects. I recognised the importance of working in a tight timeframe. Often clients want timely and informative answers which are hard to give when waiting on information from third parties. I soon realised the importance of putting pressure on these third parties and following up calls with emails etc. to give more timely responses to clients and provide a better service.  I am sure the skills I have developed and lessons I have learnt will be applied in my future career.

“Sam proved to be a fast learner and  capable analyst and report writer. He provided valued support to the Renewables and Planning team during a very busy period of business development and showed ability to deal with new problems” – Consultant, JHWalter LLP 

Client Service Executive – Channel Advantage

Advertising, Marketing and PR, Economics, Employer Feedback,

Universtiy of Exeter Internships, UoE Internships, SCP, SBP, GBP, A2I

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

I spent most of my time working on the Huawei account as a Client Service Executive, although I did spend some time working on the Intel, Panasonic and Sonos accounts. I was tasked with designing various leaflets, business cards and merchandise for Huawei, Sonos and Intel.

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

I think my time at Channel Advantage was very beneficial to me. It helped me to develop my skills in a number of different areas including data analysis, management and marketing in general.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

During my internship, I was given significant responsibility throughout, including managing a team of promoters at a high-profile event for MPs and delegates in Westminster and organising and conducting training for a team to promote Huawei on Oxford Street. I was also instrumental in setting up a full time team and a tactical team of territory sales managers for Huawei.

“Henry proved himself as a valuable member of the team and we were delighted when he agreed to continue working for Channel Advantage for the remainder of the summer break!” – Client Service Manager, Channel Advantage

Summer Intern – Institute of Economic Affairs

Economics, Education, Teaching and Research, Employer Feedback,

Universtiy of Exeter Internships, UoE Internships, SCP, SBP, GBP, A2I

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

Working for the IEA involved writing my own research project on a topic of my choice and supervised by one of the senior research staff. I also attended lectures and seminars, contributed towards debates and discussions

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

I feel that having completed this internship, I have a more informed career plan than I did before. I have learned really useful employability skills such as problem solving and teamwork and collaboration.

“Alex was an important part of our Summer Programme and made a valuable contribution to the Institute’s work” – Line Manager