Lucy Shaw - Internship Case Study

Geography graduate Lucy Shaw tells us about a paid summer internship she undertook at Mott MacDonald in their environmental and social consultancy team whilst studying at LJMU.

Tell us about your summer internship:

I joined the Mott MacDonald ENS (Environmental and Social Generalist) Team for two months in their Brighton office. I was lucky enough to gain valuable consultant experience working on environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) for international renewable energy projects. I was able to learn all about the role of an environmental consultant and gain inside knowledge and perspective on the renewable energy industry at an international level. My tasks included baseline data interpretation, chapter writing for ESIA’s, scoping reports and business proposals, as well as compiling monitoring from ongoing construction and operational activity at developing projects.

What did you enjoy most?

Learning from all individuals in the team from across the globe. I was lucky enough to work alongside one of the world’s leading consultants of Solar PV operation monitoring and environmental assessment for the world’s largest Solar PV farm in Egypt – an experience I won’t forget! I truly have loved being able to speak to the specialists and understand what they believe the future issues and opportunities will be in the industry… those that I really hope to be a part of in my future career.

Why did you decide to do a summer internship, and what would your tips be for other students about finding one?

I chose to do a summer internship because of my passion for the renewable energy industry, and I knew that the only way to “get my foot in the door” was to push my boundaries and gain relevant experience that industry employers are looking for. There were times when I found the internship quite tough, and I was pushed out of my comfort zone, but it has really helped me to grow both as a student and hopefully as a professional too. My tip for getting an internship or work experience role, would be to put yourself out there as much as possible and send as many emails, CV’s and cover letters as you can to as many different people and employers as possible. What’s the worst that can happen?

How do you feel that the internship has benefitted you?

I truly believe that my internship has shown me exactly what I want to do for my future career, and I am so focussed now on completing the relevant steps to get there as best as I can. My internship experience has been invaluable, and I would thoroughly encourage other students to do the same, I believe it has been just as important as my degree – so just go for it!

Support from the Student Futures team

If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team.  You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries. 

If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch. For more information about the Bathgate Boost Award, visit the Start-up Hub website.

For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.