So, what do you do after your degree? You’ve worked hard, you got the result you were aiming for (fingers crossed), and then – what? Some people go straight into graduate careers or further study, others have different but equally valid ambitions to travel, or just finally start making some money. Although there’s nothing wrong with post-uni decisiveness, I found myself taking a more cautious approach; I ultimately want to take up further study but I’m not sure when, where, or even what specific subject I want to go for! So in my attempt to toe the line between a broad set of potential options and something worthwhile on my CV, I came across this internship!
Now, I don’t think this applies to all subjects but university-based graduate internships in the sciences are fairly unusual: opportunities to gain experience outside of a science degree typically occur during a year in industry or a summer placement. Both of these are excellent opportunities, but I think a lot of undergrads would pursue them more actively were they aware that (for many established programs at least) the summer between second and third year are the last chance to gain this sort of experience. Despite getting a decent degree it’s been tough going; I’ve been to several interviews for jobs I’m looking to for experience, and been subsequently turned down because of my lack of experience! It can feel like a bit of a catch-22 at times, but an internship provides a great solution for both sides of the employment coin: you gain solid experience, a valuable insight into a working environment and hopefully a bit of cash, while your employer can reap the benefits of your unbridled enthusiasm without having to commit to a salaried contract (which in this current economic climate are not always an attractive option).
I’ve agreed to blog about my internship experience in order to provide a first-hand account of what it’s like to be a graduate intern. I’m working in science (specifically in environmental microbiology) so this may be somewhat tilted towards the more scientific end of the internship spectrum, but never fear: I’m going to try my best to discuss things in general terms so any prospective intern can take something away from it. At least, that’s the idea.
The first thing I’ve been asked to do by the UEA Internship Programme Team (who, by the way, are excellent, efficient, lovely and not at all going to read this) is answer a quick Q&A about my first week as an intern. Unfortunately, I’ve been so busy enjoying myself that I’ve only now got round to answering them, at the end of my first fortnight.
How did you feel about the internship leading up to the start?
The time between me applying for the internship and being offered the position was pretty short, so I didn’t have a chance to build up too much anxiety. I thought the subject matter was interesting and knew that it would be beneficial for me in terms of my CV and confirming (or questioning) my desire to choose a path of further study and research, but like most employed situations I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of day-to-day responsibilities, colleagues and the like. So I’d say I was expectant, but not worried. More excited!
What was your first day like?
Quite leisurely, actually, though I’m not sure if I’m supposed to say that! I met the team I’d be working with in the School of Biological Sciences and UEA’s biomass plant facility, and we talked over a coffee about what my role was going to be during the 8 weeks. I was pleasantly surprised by how much free rein I was to be given; this was a real research process that I was being a part of, exactly what I wanted. I’d definitely advise anybody looking to do an internship (science or otherwise) to look for one where you’re given a decent amount of creative control and input. Not only does it look better on your CV, it’s also a lot more fun.
What have you been up to in your first two weeks?
I’ve been doing all sorts of experiments to get some helpful bugs to grow in my power plant wastewater samples (bioreactors are excellent – think mad scientist meets meccano), and I’ve also been learning how a working lab operates. Whereas the former has been very interesting indeed, I’d say that the latter is certainly more transferable when it comes to my future career. Workplace experience is a skill in itself and very important too, especially if it’s in the same or a similar field to the one you’re doing an internship in.
Has your experience of your first two weeks been what you expected?
Not really, but then I wasn’t sure what to expect. I think the most notable thing that differed from my expectations was my relative independence; you’re not a student any more so other people are trusting you to be responsible, as you would be in a contracted job. That’s certainly not to say I haven’t received generous amounts of help and instruction; the specialised nature of scientific work means a lot of it requires figuring out before you charge in. I’m sure other internship and placement schemes are a lot more structured, but I think if you’re up to it a more challenging and responsible role can be much more rewarding.
What have you enjoyed the most about your first two weeks?
Apart from fiddling around with the bioreactor, a real highlight today was getting some results! The first big development was on Thursday this week; we got some bacterial growth under certain conditions. This has produced a whole lot of new work to be done, but it’s a positive step towards a real contribution to the university. That’s what makes this internship really worthwhile, I think; knowing what you’re doing could make a difference. I’d definitely recommend it.
How do you think the next few weeks will be?
As I said above, the developments this week have definitely opened up a lot of avenues and I’m certain the next few weeks (and the rest of the internship, in fact) will be extremely busy. But I’m looking forward to it; I’m going to be learning some new techniques next week to get some good data and fill in some important pieces of the puzzle this project is proving to be. But you’ll have to wait until my next post in a fortnight’s time to hear about that.
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