Fernanda's Research and Marketing Internship with Norfolk Network

On the road: the Norfolk Network

My journey to and with the Norfolk Network (NN) was filled with learning and excitement. At the first event, I felt catapulted into a world I knew little about: the world of business and business relationships. Nevertheless, I had a warm welcome to the Network and as soon as I had realized the immensity of the opportunity I was being offered, I felt really privileged to work within such a stimulating and entrepreneurial environment and to have access to ambitious and talented business people from all sectors.

 

The internship involved taking forward two projects. The first was to research the finer profile of the membership of the NN while the second was to evaluate the UEA sponsorship of the NN. As a result, I gained so much insight and knowledge of the SME culture and witnessed how education and enterprises play a vital role in generating wealth and prosperity in the local economy. One of the most important “eureka moments”, was the realization that a specific degree does not limit one’s career path. It was as though my visual field had suddenly amplified in relation to employment and careers. I know now that there are a myriad of different professions that are available, I only need to look closely.

During the fast course of 12 weeks, I was able to apply some of the skills learnt whilst studying for my degree as well as sharpening and developing new employability skills. Little by little, I started to see that other experiences (which I had mistakenly taken for granted) were also helping me along the way – organizing a youth event and performing at the local church, living amidst different cultures, traditions and industries – all of these had taught me something invaluable.

 

The NN taught me how relationships, quality and brand are important but, most importantly, how all encapsulate one vital element: hard work. To quote Edison, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration”, in other words, without a lot of hard work, a great business idea can almost mean nothing at all.  I see this reflected in the NN, in its members and sponsors; all the partnerships that were established and continue to thrive through a great vision and lots of concentrated effort.

 

Finally, I would like to thank the UEA careers and graduate internship team who gave me support applying and during the internship; many thanks the NN team for giving me this opportunity and leading me through my personal development; and, thanks to the member base of the NN for inspiring me. Finally, my journey in the role of a ‘graduate research and marketing intern’ has reached its end, but to quote one great band, “all ends with beginnings”!