Tag Archives: Exeter

Employer Case Study: University of Exeter

Access to Internships (A2I), Education, Teaching and Research, Employer Feedback, Internship Schemes, , , ,

Name of Organisation: University of Exeter

Name of Employer: Siobhan Mitchell

Job Title: Research Fellow

Internship Scheme used:  Access to Internships (A2I) 

Feedback:

“Our intern provided excellent project assistance while working with me. She has worked independently to analyse data and compile a report as part of the GuiDANCE project, making a substantial contribution to the project. As well as this she has developed skills in both quantitative and qualitative analysis and has also been successful in applying for further funding to continue to develop her research skills.

The student has demonstrated perseverance, initiative, and dedication throughout the studentship. She has actively contributed ideas and insights when discussing the research project and has worked hard to develop new skills. Having our intern as part of the team has been a fantastic experience. She has contributed excellent work and has played a role in the overall success of the project.”

Student Case Study: Communications Assistant – UofE

Administration, Advertising, Marketing and PR, Degree subject, Graduate Business Partnership (GBP), Internship Schemes, , , ,

Name of Student:  Ayooluwatomi Adesina

Degree Subject:  MA Creative Writing

Job Title: GBP 5836 Communications Assistant

Company Name:  University of Exeter

Type of Internship:  Graduate Business Partnership (GBP)

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

During my internship, I worked within the University’s Press Office, with a specific focus on celebrating student achievement within the medical school.

In this time, I created a range of visual content for social media channels and campus screens to communicate with the students.

I was also responsible for writing newsletters and reviewing press-releases. I also monitored social media channels and worked with the team to develop strategies to increase brand awareness.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I think my biggest achievement was moving from an intern to a full time staff within two-three months of being in the role. Thanks to a supportive team, I had learned the ropes pretty quickly and made a decent impression within the team. I was also trained on preparing for interviews which I used in my day-to-day role conversing with students to share their achievements, and academics in publicising research. This built tremendous confidence and articulation which was useful when I interviewed for my new role and I was given the job.

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?

My first challenge was learning how to write “corporately”. As a creative writer, I had a lot of flexibility in my writing style, but corporate writing has a different structure to it. I later learnt how to adapt my creativity to this structure so I could churn out news stories with more panache. My line manager was very patient with me and ensured that I got the hang of it, whilst not losing my flair. I’m pleased to have grown in that task as I’ve added an extra layer of skill in my current role.

Skills Learnt: 

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

Attributes Developed:

  • Logical thinking
  • Creative thinking
  • Independence
  • Work Ethic
  • Professionalism

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

I’d say summarise my experience as “From Intern to Full staff”. This is my second time an intern with the University. The first was an SCP role when I was a Masters’ student in 2020 and I’m grateful for opportunities like this to grow and expand my skills.

Student Case Study: Ask An Alum (UofE)

Administration, Advertising, Marketing and PR, Degree subject, Education, Teaching and Research, English, Internship Schemes, Student Campus Partnership (SCP), , , ,

 

Name of Student:  Emily Im

Degree Subject:  English

Job Title: SCP 5520 Ask An Alum Administrator

Company Name:  University of Exeter

Type of Internship:  Student Campus Partnerships (SCPs)  

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

My main responsibility was to manage and record Ask An Alum applications and then connect students and graduates with alumni who could give them careers advice. I also searched and inputted data from Raiser’s Edge onto Microsoft Excel, produced and scheduled social media marketing material to promote Ask An Alum, and wrote copy advertising Ask An Alum for the careers newsletter.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I helped connect over 60 alumni with students and graduates who applied for Ask An Alum.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Organisation
  • Customer Service

Attributes Developed:

  • Logical thinking
  • Confidence
  • Independence

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

I had a brilliant time as Ask An Alum Administrator for the University’s Employability team. My three lovely managers gave me support and guidance when needed but also welcomed my own ideas. There was a lot of data inputting involved but I had the opportunity to be creative too when working on the marketing side of things. The internship as a whole has helped me develop the skills I need for the future and boosted my confidence. Therefore, it was a worthwhile experience.

Student Case Study: Exeter Chiefs

Graduate Business Partnership (GBP), Internship Schemes, Sport and Health Sciences, , , ,

Name of Student:  Daniel Johnstone

Degree Subject:  Exercise and sport sciences with professional placement year

Job Title: Strength and Conditioning Intern

Company Name:  Exeter Chiefs

Type of Internship:  Graduate Business Partnership (GBP)

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

Supplementation management
GPS monitoring
Gym and exercise assistance
Setting up equipment for rugby training and beach sessions

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

Working in an Elite sport team, preparing them for in season!

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?

Yes there was, but taking time to relax and think before rushing into anything. Think logically and using initiative is what I’ve learnt.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Persuasion
  • Enterprise
  • Focus on Goals and Outcomes

Attributes Developed:

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Confidence
  • Motivation

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

An incredible experience at Exeter Chiefs, exploring the world of elite rugby and the processes which help build and construct the spirit behind the mighty Exe men, both physically and mentally. A world of great preseason trips to the marine base of Lympstone where the lads and myself were pushed to our limits. Some trips which enhance team bonding were incredible to be apart of and goes to show why these are so important in elite rugby and other team sports. I have learnt many different approaches to gym work and loading related processes which help sport clubs tick to enhance recovery but also aid the brute force needed in prime condition for match fit purposes. Also it was great expanding my network and building great relationships the staff, and some world class athletes. I was offered an extension and will be remaining in the internship until end of season, then returning to university as 3rd year undergrad.

Employer Case Study: University of Exeter – DMLC, HUMS

Advertising, Marketing and PR, Employer Feedback, Internship Schemes, Student Campus Partnership (SCP), , , ,

Name of Organisation: University of Exeter – DMLC, HUMS,

Name of Employer: Isabel Santafe

Job Title: Lecturer in Hispanic Studies

Internship Scheme used: Student Campus Partnership (SCP) | Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter

Feedback:

“The student contributed to the dissemination of our research project both through social media and conferences and our intern developed confidence in the creation of engaging and effective social media content.

It has been a great experience to have the student as part of our CartasVivas Research Project and has given us a very useful insight on student engagement. It was refreshing to have a younger team member with new creative ideas. We have supported her to develop confidence, new multimedia skills and a more proactive attitude to work.”

Student Case Study: University of Exeter

Access to Internships (A2I), Biosciences, Internship Schemes, , , ,

Name of Student: Laura Dougherty

Degree Subject: MSci Biochemistry

Type of Internship: Access to Internships (A2I)

Company Name: University of Exeter

Job Title: Research Assistant

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

I planned and ran many immunoassay tests, predominantly ELISAs. I also produced and purified samples from several pathogenic fungi, which will be used for further testing.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I produced high quality data which will be used to help make tests for the diagnosis of several deadly fungal infections. I feel a great sense of achievement to have contributed to such a worthwhile project.

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?

The results of one of my larger tests was unexpected. I successfully investigated the cause and had identified that one of the elements used was degrading over time. This is important for the group I was working with to be aware of as they will adjust their experiments going forward.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Organisation
  • Decision Making
  • Networking
  • Report writing

Attributes Developed:

  • Initiative
  • Perseverance
  • Professionalism
  • Confidence
  • Logical thinking

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

“My internship experience was really worthwhile. I worked with a group who were developing better tests for several deadly fungal infections. I have gained a lot of experience and confidence, particularly in planning and running experiments independently. I also developed my analytical and problem-solving skills. I produced high quality results and gained useful team-working experience. I received professional support throughout my internship and really enjoyed my time working as part of this group and feel like I have a better grasp of how I wish to progress my career.”

Employer Case Study: University of Exeter

Art History and Visual Culture, Employer Feedback, Internship Schemes, Student Campus Partnership (SCP), , , ,

Name of Organisation: University of Exeter

Name of Employer: Fabrizio Nevola

Job Title: Prof Art History and Visual Culture

Internship Scheme used: Student Campus Partnership (SCP) | Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter

Feedback:

“Interns worked as part of the interpretation team as part of a RAMM pop-up exhibition on the High Street. These were public-facing roles and I thin they all developed skills in making the research in the show more accessible to audiences. They also ended up having to align to the objectives of the organisers – around a public consultation – more than they had perhaps expected.

It has been really good to be able to bring students into active roles in the dissemination of research through this internship opportunity. I think this was a valuable experience for them to work with our local community and museum and develop skills in working with the public.”

 

Employer Case Study: University of Exeter

Administration, Advertising, Marketing and PR, Employer Feedback, Graduate Business Partnership (GBP), Internship Schemes, , , ,

Name of Organisation: University of Exeter

Name of Employer: Lucie

Job Title: Head of Communications and Marketing

Internship Scheme used: Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) , 

Feedback:

“Our intern managed our Humanities social media accounts and did a great job of improving the quality frequency and reach of our content. Creating a ‘Global Toolkit’ resource for use during international trips

Would definitely recommend the internship scheme through the university. I’ve used in several times now and have ended up with some brilliant candidates who hit the ground running and were able to bring a fresh perspective to tasks and projects.”

Employer Case Study: Department of Modern Languages & Cultures, University of Exeter

Education, Teaching and Research, Employer Feedback, Internship Schemes, Language and Translation, Student Campus Partnership (SCP), , , ,

Name of Organisation: Department of Modern Languages & Cultures, University of Exeter

Name of Employer: Hugh Roberts

Job Title: Professor of French

Internship Scheme used: Student Campus Partnership (SCP) | Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter

Feedback:

“Following an initial with Dr Lizzy Williamson (in Digital Humanities) and me, our intern produced a sample in TEI/xml (text encoding) of a poem and related trial record of a research project I’ve been working on. Subsequently, she also produced a style sheet that will allow us to develop a digital edition further and for Digital Humanities to produce a prototype website.

The student produced all aspects of the TEI/xml sample from inception to completion. This is highly specialized work and a significant achievement. It means she has proven herself as a programmer for Digital Humanities and other initiatives.

This was a great opportunity for our intern to learn more about TEI/xml following her introduction to it in Oxford in the summer. It will also allow me to demonstrate the viability of the digital elements of the research project in subsequent research grant bids.”

Employer Case Study: University of Exeter, College Operations

Administration, Education, Teaching and Research, Employer Feedback, Graduate Business Partnership (GBP), Internship Schemes, , , ,

Name of Organisation: University of Exeter, College Operations

Name of Employer: Sarah Miller

Job Title: Project Resource coordinator, Response Team

Internship Scheme used: Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) , 

Feedback:

“Initially our intern was going to assigned basic administration duties (such as contacting students to chase for information and forms, internet research on entry requirements etc. However, it became apparent that the student could be trusted with a greater level of responsibility and was assigned his own Field Trips to organise. This involves liaising with the academics on trip requirements and keeping them updated on progress, consulting with providers, collating student data, using University procurement procedures and finance systems to secure travel arrangements, liaising with DCO’s for large purchases, arranging insurance, preparing data packs and circulating to key stakeholders. Trip support whilst the groups are out in the field.

He has been brilliant and we couldn’t have asked for better. He has made a huge difference to what the team has been able to achieve and our stress levels. He is also highly regarded by the academics and Sam Hughes, who he has been working on a couple of trips for, has said how brilliant he has been to work with.

Our intern is going to be very much missed not just by those of use working on field trips but also the wider SEAS team and all those he has been interacting with. I have said this many times – he has exceeded our expectations and been critical to the trips he has been working on going ahead.”