Student Case Study: University of Exeter

Degree subject, Education, Teaching and Research, English, Sector, Student Campus Partnership (SCP), , , , ,

Name of Student:  Ayooluwatomi Adesina

Degree Subject: MA Creative Writing

Job Title: SCP 5342 Research Intern

Company Name:  University of Exeter

Type of Internship: Student Campus Partnerships (SCPs)  

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

I was part of a team that analysed and coded extracted data under several categories. I weekly analysed data from the viral #BringBackOurGirls campaign as we looked at the impact of the post-humanitarian advocacy. As a Nigerian, I also offered insight into the political landscape in the region of our research.

What outputs and outcomes did you deliver for your employer?  

Output = A series of interpreted and coded data (viral tweets) on the #BringBackOurGirls campaign from 2014 to 2017.

Outcomes = To be determined by later stage analysis, which was yet to be carried out when concluding this internship.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I had initially joined the research team to translate and analyse data (tweets) in local Nigerian languages. However, a need for more coders on the unit arose, and I decided to pick up a new skill. I learnt how to code and took on this new role in assisting the team, which increased our work output rate.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Organisation
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Decision Making

Attributes Developed:

  • Motivation
  • Creative thinking
  • Independence
  • Work Ethic
  • Professionalism

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector?

“I was attracted to this internship because of the opportunity to be part of a team investigating society’s response to humanitarian issues. This project focused on international and domestic #BringBackOurGirls campaigns. I am pleased by the progress I have made on this project – from analysing and coding tweets to being a part of several brainstorming sessions that shaped different aspects of the project. Aside from improving my collaborative research skills, I had the privilege of working with inspiring lecturers like Dr Stacey Hynd and Dr Elena Gadjanova. They made the experience surreal. Finally, I am grateful for other research interns on the project.”