Emily: Intern at Lancaster City Council
Emily completed a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics with Chinese at Lancaster University. To gain some experience, she interned for Lancaster City Council for 4 months before her final year of university. During her time at Lancaster, she was also the Student Outreach and Recruitment Officer for 4 months and was a Student Representative for Chinese.
How did you find the recruitment process?
As a mature student, I was determined to make the most of my time at university by seizing every opportunity available. This mindset led me to apply for the internship with Lancaster City Council. Initially, I felt nervous about attending the interview, but my worries quickly faded. Mark and Kate, the interviewers, were exceptionally welcoming and made me feel right at ease. My extensive preparation paid off, boosting my confidence in answering their questions and even posing a few of my own.
The wait for the call about the job offer was nerve-wracking, but the moment I learned I had been successful, I was overjoyed. This internship marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the projects ahead.
What did you do as a Marketing and Events Intern?
I planned and marketed events across the Lancaster and Morecambe district, such as book launches and national schemes, including Heritage Open Days. Also, I was responsible for drafting press releases and devising marketing campaigns for projects involving partnerships between Lancaster University and City Council. I utilised Adobe InDesign software to reach new target audiences through social media campaigns. As a result, I developed my communication and networking skills and became confident in my abilities.
How did you find the work environment?
I have thoroughly enjoyed every project I have worked on so far. The team in the office is exceptionally friendly, and their support has greatly helped me integrate into the group. From day one, I felt welcomed and valued, which has made the experience even more rewarding. The collaborative environment has allowed me to learn from my colleagues and contribute my own ideas, making each project a fulfilling endeavour. The combination of engaging work and a supportive team reinforced my enthusiasm and commitment to the internship.
What did you do as a Student Outreach and Recruitment Officer?
Over the duration of the role, I had the incredible opportunity to spearhead an outreach programme aimed at inspiring students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue higher education at top-ranked universities. This initiative allowed me to engage with a dynamic group of eight Year 12 students, guiding them through the intricacies of applying to university. The journey began with 3 meticulously planned mentoring sessions, each tailored to the students’ unique needs. Through open-ended questions and keen observations of their engagement levels, I ensured that the sessions were interactive and impactful. They delved into crucial topics such as the application process, independent living, and essential study skills. Throughout these sessions, I also took the opportunity to highlight the merits of Lancaster University.
The programme culminated in an exciting conference day at Lancaster University, which was designed to give the students a firsthand experience of university life. They attended lectures and seminars, immersing themselves in the academic environment of the university, providing a sense of what their future could help if they aimed high.