SDIP Intern Review

I worked in the Futures and Innovation team at the Department for Transport. My job's central aspect was researching SMEs aligned with the department's strategies and creating a list of the top 20 SMEs in the UK to be developed for the second permanent secretary. I also helped to do some research for the Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department for Transport, which went into a presentation delivered at the Institute for Civil Engineers.

Developed research skills and industry transportation industry knowledge. Developed leadership skills by leading a workshop of civil servants up to the senior level to produce the Top 20 SMEs list. Developed communication skills with both key stakeholders and senior employees. Developed my ability to work under pressure, as I had one particular task that was changed from being due in two weeks to being due in one hour and therefore, I had to have a significant change of strategy, change my schedule and produce a quality piece of work that was to be presented by the second permanent secretary.

Yes, I was responsible for working on a task requested by the second permanent secretary. As well as working on a presentation to be delivered by the Cheif Scientific Officer.

There was a lot of support and guidance from my line manager and the wider team. There was also a lot of help from the SDIP central team, who ran different development sessions and trips. I was also given clear goals from the beginning of the internship and had progress meetings to ensure that I was meeting them.

The culture was absolutely brilliant, they were very respectful of the religious obligations that I had to fulfil during the day and also allowed me to plan my weekly schedule in a way that allowed me to go to Friday prayers. Furthermore, there were countless opportunities to socialise, including staff networks that put on different events for employees to gain a more rounded world view, new skills and even for relaxation (someone even went to a wellbeing pottery making workshop while I was there, I didn't do that though).

I loved the placement and would love to return to work for the department following my graduation. The whole experience was invaluable and has given me a wealth of knowledge and skills to take back to university and forward into my future career. Furthermore, the team went above and beyond to ensure that I got the most out of the opportunity and were supportive.

Yes

Look at the civil service behaviours and write down how your experience aligns with those behaviours; this helped me during my interview. Also, you don't have to limit your answers to university or work experiences; for example, I gave an answer using boxing to explain how I'd overcome challenges.