Early Diversity Internship Programme Review

Not only was I able to network and hear about other civil servants experiences on the fast stream programme, I was also able to gather an insight into the benefits and enjoyment that comes from working within the civil service. Alongside this, I was able to partake in some work-experience activities, such as writing a brief, and undertaking research, allowing me to gather a better understanding of the type of work expected of a civil servant, and whether this was something I enjoyed. Those who I spoke to during the shadowing experience, were all highly passionate about their work within the service and the civil service as an employer, which only strengthened my interest to work within the public sector, and more notably, for the civil service.

In the beginning not so much. This was because we were supposed to be assigned somebody to shadow for the duration of the week, however, there was a small number of us who had not be informed. This meant that when the time came for everybody to go off to their departments and civil servant, we were still confused about what was happening. It turned out they did not have enough staff members for interns. However, the staff member I did shadow was very kind in allowing me to join his group after finding out I had not been allocated a staff member, which improved my experience. Yet, if he was not to have done this, I would have had to sit around and waste the valuable time of the programme while something else was arranged.

The main source of guidance and support was given through guest speakers, giving us an insight into their experiences, while answering our questions on their experience and general civil service related questions. I also got support from the fast streamer I was shadowing, who was very friendly and open to answering any questions I had and giving me advice on application processes etc.

The main focus was on our networking skills, with multiple opportunities to network with fellow interns and senior civil servants from a range of departments. We were able to put into practice the skills and advice given to us throughout the programme, which has made me more confident and comfortable about being in such networking situations in the future. During my shadowing experience, I was able to develop my research, briefing and presenting skills when undertaking a project, which will come in hand during the course of my degree and in future employment scenarios.

I do not feel as if the programme was highly organised, in particular, because of the confusion around the who I was meant to be shadowing. Up until the time allocated for this activity, I had still not been informed on who I was supposed to shadow and the arrangement of me joining another group was unorganised and unthought through. Although it is not in your control on how many fast streamers come forward to partake in the shadowing, the arrangement could have been dealt with better. During the opening ceremony, there could have been more focus on the fast stream programme, so speaking to existing fast streamers, compared to established and high-level civil servants. Although it was insightful hearing about their work and experience, I believe we would have benefited more from hearing about the fast stream, as this is the current path we are on.

Everybody was very positive during the week, from fellow interns to event organisers, to civil servants we bumped into working. This positive atmosphere was heightened by the positive and passionate talks we were given from existing civil servants and the open and friendly manner in which those within the buildings we were in greeted us. This created a very comfortable atmosphere, which I believe is one of the benefits to working within the civil service.

There was not much focus on personal training and development, but more on understanding the civil service so we could decide whether we wanted to apply for the SDIP and fast stream graduate programme. The main development we got was from the networking skills session, and shadowing a fast streamer to understand day to day life as a civil servant or fast streamer.

Those that we spoke to throughout the programme were very useful in giving us the information we needed on understanding what it would be like to work within the civil service. They spoke to us about personal experience, opportunities for promotions and moving within different departments, pay and other benefits (such as flexible hours), the culture and social aspect and why they enjoyed working within the public sector as opposed to the private sector.

We were able to speak to current civil servants and fast streamers to ask them about life as a civil servant. Not only did I learn more about the different departments there are to work within, opportunities for promotions and secondments, but I also got an idea of the culture and ethos, benefits package and overall satisfaction.

We were able to speak to current civil servants and fast streamers to ask them about life as a civil servant. Not only did I learn more about the different departments there are to work within, opportunities for promotions and secondments, but I also got an idea of the culture and ethos, benefits package and overall satisfaction. Learning more about the graduate programme was very useful as it gives you a fast pass to the civil service and top roles.

We were reimbursed for travel, lunch and accommodation (if required). We had to pay the first £10 of expenses and then the rest was to be reimbursed. We were not paid during the experience.

There were ample opportunities to network, starting from the very first event networking with fellow interns before the opening ceremony. After this, we had a skills workshop in networking where we were able to learn some tips, get thinking about or network, and then work on communicating with others. We also networked with other staff members throughout, in particular, during our shadowing sessions where we met lots of other civil servants and were able to find out about their experiences and opinions on the civil service.

There were ample opportunities to network, starting from the very first event networking with fellow interns before the opening ceremony. After this, we had a skills workshop in networking where we were able to learn some tips, get thinking about or network, and then work on communicating with others. We also networked with other staff members throughout, in particular, during our shadowing sessions where we met lots of other civil servants and were able to find out about their experiences and opinions on the civil service.

Briefly. We were informed about socials that take place every other week for fast streamers, where different streams get together.

Yes. I think it is useful in deciding whether the civil service is a career you can see yourself in. This helps when deciding whether to apply to the SDIP and eventually the fast stream programme, or job within the civil service. It gives you an insight into the day to day life and duties of a civil service, culture and atmosphere, and the chance to network with a wide range of people from those your age/peers to professionals.