Jack's Graphic Design Internship with Lowestoft College

I chose to redesign Lowestoft College’s website from the UEA internship’s. I wanted to do this to gain web design and user experience skills so that I could apply for a specific job within the educational technology industry, boost the portfolio of my small start-up web design business (www.webhostcreative.com), and to spend a summer working by the seaside eating ice-cream on my lunch break.

From the start of the internship I was given a lot of responsibility and was treated like a member of staff rather than just an intern. I was made to feel welcome and people respected me as a professional as well as a graduate.

Within the first week I had set out my project plan, arranged meetings, set up a focus group, created initial draft web designs and also played in the local derby football match between Lowestoft College and Yarmouth College. I helped them win 7 – 3. I knew from this point onwards that if the internship continued, as it had been it would be a fantastic 3 months and it was.

By the end of the first month I presented my website plan to over 200 staff members in a meeting. I spent some good time preparing a very visual and entertaining presentation and this was rewarded by a standing ovation at the end. I believe I reassured them that the site was in good hands.

I spent the next 2 months working hard on my design work, responding to the feedback from staff and working alongside the other intern who helped with the development of the site.

Some of the highlights were working with some very friendly members of staff, overseeing and leading the website’s design, presenting and consultation, learning new technical skills setting up a photo-shoot and photographing the local Lowestoft Mayor and local MP, and winning the £50 raffle prize with my £1 raffle ticket at the staff summer party!

During the internship I applied for a job at a company called ‘Tribal Technology’ as a junior designer which I was successful with. This was greatly helped by the experience that I had gained through doing this UEA internship. I don’t believe I would have got the job without it. To summarise my internship I would say it has been, career strengthening, skill boosting, really great for my CV and interview prospects but above all very enjoyable!

Jack Alex Stewart

Graphic Designer

www.jackalcreative.co.uk

Patrick's Internship with the School of Nursing Sciences, UEA -- Weeks 1 & 2

My first day working at the UEA School of Nursing began with a general introduction (meeting people in the office, setting up my IT account) as well as meeting the two other interns to find out about their projects and experiences so far. I began my research into dementia care almost immediately; the research consisted of internet-based searches, note-taking and some telephone calls. Within a couple of days I had scheduled an important meeting to be held in Cambridge, so that I could chat with a key contact relating to the project. This meeting required me to plan ahead in terms of what I was aiming to get from the discussion, as well as organising transportation to and from the meeting.

As to be expected with a research task, there's a wealth of information out there and, at two weeks in, it's a case of drawing on the stand-out points from what I've discovered. So far it's been an interesting experience and I'm pleased to be assisting with a prominent issue such as dementia care, which affects many people in the UK and worldwide.

Rachel's Sales and Marketing Internship with Anglia DNA Services -- Week 1

How did you feel about the internship leading up to the start?

I felt nervous, but very excited to be working for one of the first members of the EDP’s ‘Future 50’ businesses.

What was your first day like?

My first day was very enjoyable. I met all the members of the team, who were friendly and welcoming, had a tour of the company and discussed what the goals of the internship would be.

What have you been up to in your first week?

I have completed a variety of research tasks and explored new communications channels and marketing initiatives. I have utilised and improved the skills that I had learned from my MSc in Marketing.

Has your experience of your first week been what you expected?

It has excelled expectations so far.

What have you enjoyed the most about your first week?

I have revelled in the responsibility given to me from the start of the internship and have found each task the company has set me particularly interesting.

How do you think the next few weeks will be?

An exciting new challenge!