Fundraising Research Intern (Business Development) Review

I really enjoyed my work. It was mentally challenging as well as stimulating. My role as Business Development Intern was to research potential opportunities to add to our existing pipeline. I researched opportunities in a variety of sectors which ranged from the Art sector to the Entertainment industry. It was really varied, enjoyable and I received some positive feedback. What's more, I got a sense that my research was really beneficial to my team.

From the day I started my internship my team went out of their way to make me feel like a valued member of the team. The culture at Cancer Research is that everyone is important and there is not a strict hierarchy that can make interns feel underappreciated or inferior to permanent staff. The team always make sure to invite me to team meetings, lunches and huddles and I feel like my voice is heard here. I am familiar with being asked for my recommendations on a topic at Cancer Research and it's nice to be part of a team which really values my input.

My manager is an absolute super star! There is nothing to big or too small I could ask from her. She has given me countless amounts of guidance and has supported me through every aspect of my role. We have weekly catch ups to discuss my progress with my projects, and she has also introduced to me other members of staff across the charity to help me make the most of my time at CRUK. In addition to weekly catch ups, my manager is always just an email or phone call away and has helped me to get settled into my role, but most of all has helped to unlock my full potential allowing me be the best I can be in my role.

At Cancer Research, I have enjoyed the fast paced environment as there is always lots of different things going on all the time. My role really varies. I have three on going projects to work on, but my role also requires me to stay flexible and support my team with things that come up such as supporting with the production of partnership proposals, making prize asks for events and organising, planning and delivering brainstorms. I always have something to do but the work load is manageable. I like to be busy and get great satisfaction when I get things ticked off my to-do list!

I have been given real responsibility from the onset of my placement. From the production of the largest high value partnership proposal my team has produced (and securing the partnership!), to carrying out fundamental research and presenting these findings and my recommendations to the senior mangers. I have been allowed to work independently, and at my own pace. I have had completely autonomy whilst interning and Cancer Research and this has helped to confirm my decision to pursue a career in the Charity sector upon graduating.

I strongly believe that the skills I have developed over the last 12 weeks will be beneficial to my professional, academic and social life. I have learnt important office skills such as how to manage my outlook account and calendar, prioritise work and how to work to short deadlines whilst maintaining consistency and still producing high quality work. In terms of academics the research skills I have gained are invaluable, and going into the final year of my undergraduate degree I will be utilising these new skills daily. In addition I have learnt important life skills such as negotiating with people, working with a range of colleagues from interns, to senior mangers and heads of departments. I have developed a professional persona and I am also more confident in my own abilities as a result of this.

Fun, friendly, motivating and relaxed. I love working here! The offices are newly refurbished and are painted in CRUK branded colours! The bright colours in the office really inspire me and help me to get creative in the mornings and throughout the day! Everyone at CRUK is really friendly and approachable and I have not met one rude person. I love the relaxed atmosphere at CRUK as it allows you to get on with your work and perform to the best of your abilities with no pressure being asserted on you. If your looking for a job with a laid back, relaxed and friendly atmosphere CRUK is for you!

The organisation of my internship was outstanding! The internship was well structured with a formal induction day for interns (followed by informal drinks after work!), regular reviews such as two week review, mid internship review and an end of internship review. These reviews were written and led by us, but gave managers an opportunity to provide important feedback to us. The intern manager was also fantastic in the way that she would maintain regular contact with all interns and also arranged regular intern drinks and fun activities for non-drinkers. Overall a fantastically organised internship which couldn't have been better!

One thing I like the most about CRUK is the amount of personal training and development that is provided. From the CV and Cover Writing day, to PowerPoint Presentation and Excel skills workshops that were provided, CRUK provided excellent training and has really helped to develop my skills further. In addition to this I was introduced to other teams across the charity, allowing me to gain some experience in other departments such as Volunteer Fundraising, and working closely with Corporate Partnerships for example. I was also provided with a mentor, with whom is a senior executive at CRUK. Having a mentor was an excellent way to develop my research skills and she also gave me some invaluable pointers on how to manage my schedule and work load. Personally, when I am choosing potential employers, I look for those who like to invest in the person and care about personal development and CRUK are spot on with this!

I will definitely be applying for the a place on the grad scheme next year in addition to any other entry level jobs that arise. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cancer Research and would love to work here on a permanent basis. In addition, carrying out an internship here will hopefully increase my chances of securing a job and I am hopeful for the future.

The cost of living is quite expensive as the offices are based in Angel. However being a 3 minute walk from Angel tube station it is easy to commute in and out of the city. I am currently commuting from Essex which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes which is not bad at all! Also there are some fantastic places to eat and drink in the area with some reasonable prices too!

Intern drinks after work on a Thursday was fun! Angel is full of cool cocktail bars and pubs avec roof terrace and reasonably priced drinks! In addition the somewhat central location of Angel means that it is not hard to get to other places in London such as Shoreditch. A great nightlife with loads to do for everyone!

Working on the High Value Supporter Partnerships team I was fortunate enough to volunteer at the Sebastian Coe Polo Day, in addition to volunteering at Boodles Boxing Ball and the Emeralds and Ivy Ball in December (after my internship has finished!). I have also been fortunate to volunteer fundraise for the Francis Crick Institute, and provide encouragement to volunteers who abseiled down the Orbit Tower in aid of CRUK! There have been countless amounts of opportunities and activities to get involved in which are all great fun!