Regional Marketing Intern Review

I really enjoyed the placement. I was trusted with tasks and given opportunities to be creative and use my initiative. The only way it could have been improved is to have had more of an insight into what the Marketing Manager actually does (as this is the desired job to go onto from the internship). Some of the tasks were quite long and repetitive - which probably gave me a good experience of doing the actual job, but for an internship it may have been more beneficial in gaining experience to do less of each task but to do more tasks, so that on my CV I could say that I've experienced more things.

The team respected all interns and wanted us to have our say. During meetings they would always ask questions, sometimes it felt like I knew so little/had been in the charity for such a small amount of time, that there was no way that I could input anything useful. However, it was nice to be asked and considered and even at those times, the team really did want to hear my thoughts!

Managers were fantastic and they kept in contact weekly. Sometimes it was tricky because it is home based, which makes it a little tricky or awkward to ask the little questions to check you are doing the right thing. Although, when you did ask the team always tried to get back to you as soon as possible. If you collected a few questions together my AMM was more than happy for me to ring and go through them. My happiness and satisfaction in the internship was clearly important to her and she has been really supportive in helping me apply for jobs within the company.

There was lots of work to do. However as it is a part-time internship, it is very dependent on the individual to how many other commitments we have. The tasks were quite flexible and the successful result depended on how much time and effort you put into the task. All tasks were achievable but on weeks when I lacked time, it was more difficult to excel on the task.

A good amount of responsibility. All the tasks I was given to do, I was briefed and then trusted to carry out to the best of my ability. My strengths and weaknesses were noticed and I was only given help if I asked for it or if my AMM noticed that I could do with it. We were only given tasks which were achievable, which is really good but it may be nice to have been guided through some more difficult jobs,

I've developed skills I did not previously have in other jobs or education. The skills I believe I can add to my CV are: events planning and management, deployment of volunteers and supporters, creative thinking, using initiative, social media skills (including analysis), using TOV and SWAT analysis, team work, leadership skills, communication, negotiation and email skills. So hopefully it will better prepare me for future employment!

The general atmosphere in the office was brilliant! Everyone had a really positive outlook, clearly loved their jobs, and believed in what they were doing for the charity. All opinions were voiced in a praising way and any improvements were suggested in a general way to move forward. Each member of staff trusted the others to be doing their job well, and all members of staff were welcoming and supportive to new-comers.

Really well organised. We were always given a new task when we felt ready and had the option of extension tasks too. Most of our duties were the same as the other interns, which was good for supporting each other. On the other hand it would have been good to have tailored tasks to suit our interests. This being said, I was given some additional tasks towards the end of the internship that others were not given. So this seems to be what develops once the manager knows you better!

The charity very much invested in my development. We had a formal 2 week review, mid-placement review and end of placement review. These reviews were quite handy for reflecting on the experience and helping us move forward and keep progressing. I was always asked what I wanted to do or learn. Unfortunately, I came from having no understanding of marketing, so I wasn't sure what jobs were an option. However this was encouraged and for someone who knows exactly what they want to accomplish Cancer Research UK have developed a fantastic and supportive environment where an individual is given the time and coaching to reach their potential. Additionally, the charity as a whole is wonderful at letting you know what other opportunities and jobs are coming up.

I would love the opportunity to stay in the organisation and fully intend on applying to an upcoming jobs. The organisation has made me feel wanted, valued and has allowed me to succeed in what I do. Sadly, many of the jobs are based in London and I am not able to relocate. If a relevant job came up in my region I would jump at it! I believe the organisation would provide me with the training and support that I would need.

At times it was difficult to create a good social scene among the team and other interns due to this being based at home. Other interns had university or jobs which increased this difficultly, The other interns who were dedicated to the internship became great friends and although there haven't been planned events for us to attend, they are people who I would like to socialize with. Likewise, I would like to meet any of the team in a social setting and would like to stay in touch.

I did not move for the internship so my cost of living stayed the same. I pay around £450 for rent and bills and £100 for food each month as minimum outgoings. This may be quite a lot for some people and I was prepared for having no income for the 3 months. The cost of petrol (for the internship) would have been substantial as it was a regional position, although this was reimbursed at a generous rate per mile. Furthermore, lunch was reimbursed at £4 per day out. As the internship was part-time, an additional part-time job would just about cover the cost of living.

I did not move for the job, however I live near Bristol which has a thriving social and night life scene due to having a university and attracting many young professionals. The regional placement purposefully chose candidates already based in the region and so this doesn't really apply. Luckily the regional placements allow people to remain living with friends or family, alternatively you could easily move to an area with more night life.

There weren't really any opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work, although I am sure in different teams there would have been.. as this is very dependent on individuals and how sociable each individual would like to be. The work itself was good because it was really varied and we ended up here, there and everywhere! The meetings were also in varied locations, normally somewhere relaxed such as coffee lounges or someones homes with sweet treats.