Amy's Campaign Communications and Marketing Internship with Norwich for Jobs -- Week 1

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

I was excited about making a real difference to help get young Norwich working. I was also eager to develop my communication and professional skills and start a full time, paid internship.

What was your first day like?

I went straight to a Young Person’s panel meeting. I had been to the previous meeting before I started my internship but I was a bit nervous about this one because I was an employee not a volunteer. I learnt more about some of the challenges that young jobseekers face and the support available to them from Norwich based training providers. We also discussed how we can engage more young people with the campaign through publicising events, resources and the Young Person’s panel meetings through social media. 

Back in the office, I was introduced to the friendly team that I am working with and many more Department of Work and Pension employees working in different departments of the large Jobcentre Plus. 

What have you been up to each day in your first week?

I’ve been learning how to use various marketing spreadsheets, refreshing my knowledge of excel.

I’ve been to several meetings with inspirational business leaders who are keen to support young people into work in Norwich, developing my minute-taking skills.

I’ve replied to emails from local businesses who want to support the campaign, ensuring that I communicate in a professional and enthusiastic manner. 

I’ve drafted a short article for publication in the Federation of Small Businesses’ Regional Voice magazine and arranged to send out a marketing email to the Norfolk Federation of Small Businesses which I hope will enable us to engage with more employers to support the campaign.

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

It’s been similar to what I expected but there is probably more multi-tasking involved. I have definitely gained a greater understanding of why securing a commitment from local businesses is not as straightforward as I had thought and the importance of clear and targeted communication. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your first week?

I’ve been very fortunate to have a dedicated young person who has been working on the campaign since the start to guide me through my work. I’ve enjoyed meeting Chloe Smith and her team, Jobcentre Plus staff, business leaders, and young people who are eager to work together to halve youth unemployment in Norwich.

How do you think the next few weeks will be?

Norwich For Jobs has ambitious plans to encourage more local businesses to commit jobs, apprenticeships and work experience opportunities for young people so I will be busy preparing to launch a new marketing campaign. I’m going to continue to follow up communication with employers who have already expressed an interest in pledging their support to the campaign, over the phone as well as by email. I hope to develop my confidence and ability to professionally engage with business leaders.