My internship at University Alliance was incredible. When application season arrived, like many English students, I felt apprehensive about future career prospects, unsure of which roles my degree would prepare me for, and only had a vague idea of what I wanted to do post-graduation. The only things I was certain of at the time were that I wanted to make a difference, work in social activism, and enjoy my job.
When I was allocated to University Alliance and researched the organisation, I immediately connected with its mission. During my interview, I felt an even deeper connection with the people. I had been nervous beforehand—my hairdresser had cancelled last minute, leaving me with messy hair that I had to cover with a hat. I worried it would seem unprofessional. However, my nerves eased instantly when Laura, who would later become my supervisor, complimented my hat.
From that moment, the interview felt more like a conversation than a formal assessment, and I genuinely felt that my interviewers were interested in everything I had to say. This experience solidified my decision to choose UA over another internship offer that clashed. UA seemed like the perfect place to grow and explore a career I might truly love.
As a PR and Communications Intern at UA, I worked on a range of projects, from handling A-level results day communications and press opportunities to providing commentary on Labour’s new policies and assisting with the Alliance Awards. I joined at a particularly exciting time, with the government transition keeping the communications team constantly on their toes. The fast-paced environment was both challenging and rewarding. Since the communications team was relatively small (just four of us), I had the opportunity to learn on the job and take on a wide range of responsibilities.
During my internship, one of the projects I took ownership of was managing UA’s social media in the lead-up to the Alliance Awards. Having such independence on a major project was incredibly fulfilling, especially when I saw the positive feedback. I also loved preparing for and attending the awards ceremony itself. The process was dynamic, engaging, and fast-paced, and by the night of the event, seeing the culmination of all our hard work was incredibly rewarding.
I developed so many skills during my time at UA—both professionally and personally. My organisational and administrative abilities improved significantly, and I developed a level of professionalism that I didn’t have before. Whether it was refining the tone of my emails, learning how to set up meetings efficiently, or responding to queries with clarity and confidence, my workplace etiquette improved tremendously.
My social media expertise also expanded considerably. Before my internship, I had only basic proficiency in Canva and other graphic design tools. However, by the time I returned to university, I had gained enough confidence to design all the graphics for my own magazine, which I launched shortly after my internship ended.
Additionally, my understanding of event organisation improved significantly. Observing my team put together the Alliance Awards taught me valuable lessons, from how sponsorships operate to the importance of even the smallest details, like setting up banners. The role encouraged me to take initiative, collaborate effectively, and enhance my interpersonal skills.
Since completing my internship, I have often said that this experience helped me grow both professionally and personally. Before joining UA, I struggled with social anxiety and worried about how I would navigate a workplace where I had to interact with new people constantly. I had never been someone who voiced my suggestions, asked questions when I was confused, or participated in group discussions for fear of making mistakes.
Now, I am more social than ever, even bordering on extroverted! I founded my own magazine, where I serve as editor-in-chief, a role that demands leadership, management, and a wide range of skills I wouldn’t have believed myself capable of before. I am certain that none of this would have been possible without my growth at UA.
At UA, I found myself speaking up, engaging with my colleagues, and taking on tasks outside of my comfort zone. This transformation was only possible because I worked with such an incredible team. Everyone at UA was kind, patient, and welcoming. They treated me as a valued member of staff, actively sought my opinions, and respected my contributions even when I was hesitant to share them. The opportunity pushed me to be the best version of myself, and for that, I will always be grateful.
For anyone considering their first internship, I cannot recommend UA highly enough. It is a dream workplace.
