Fay is a business and management student from Brunel University who recently completed an undergraduate internship as a project manager for CA Support Services
Project Management was always something I enjoyed, and I realised after assisting and managing a variety of projects at university, that this was certainly a field I wanted to expand my knowledge in.
I saw the internship programme on Step as an amazing opportunity to finally put into practice all I had learnt in my studies. Lecturers would often mention the importance of hands on work experience and the value it holds for employers, and starting this internship only further reinforced what they had said. Although it was an industry I was not acquainted with, I saw it as a challenge to gain experience whilst learning the ins and outs of an unfamiliar sector.
I
n the run up to the internship I unsure of what to expect and was quite nervous after having been told in the interview that I would essentially be thrown into the Lion’s Den. Once it started, my nerves were instantly calmed as I realised the friendly nature of the company and the relationship between the employees and the clients. I was able to showcase and develop my skills in an environment that I felt comfortable in. On the other hand this did not change the fact that there were times when it could be very hectic, which truly tested my ability to maintain a positive and calm attitude in a chaotic environment.
I was also given the opportunity to provide my feedback and take part in the planning and implementation of exciting new projects. It was a very enjoyable experience but as with any there were one or two bumps in the road, the whole ‘dealing with the crocodiles nearest to the boat’ approach was something not mentioned in the textbooks, but was a reflection of what goes on in the real business world.
Ultimately, this experience has been an enjoyable and valuable one, and I will continue encouraging others to get as much work experience as they can. I now feel more confident about my future and I can now go into my final year with a better understanding of what I am studying towards.
I would like to thank the Step team for providing me with this amazing opportunity and a special thanks to my account manager Diane who was extremely helpful and friendly throughout the entire process.
Fay