Lauren Russell - Discovery Internship Case Study
Second year Forensic Psychology and Criminal Justice student Lauren Russell tells us about her Discovery Internship as a Charity Support Officer Intern at Torrington Drive Community Association.
Why did you want to do a Discovery Internship?
To gain valuable real world applicable experience in my field of interest. To broaden my skillset through such a new experience and to gain valuable connections.
Where did you find out about the internship?
One of the Unitemps team advertised the role in a lecture.
Describe the role you are undertaking and your main duties:
Main duties were to maintain the site during the day, make sure training programmes were running smoothly, and the facilities were all working. To contribute from the initial stages of planning to the execution of festive events: this included helping set up, checking stock supplies, speaking to the community to provoke interest in the event and ensuring everyone was catered for on the day in terms of making sure the food support bags were packed properly, and that everyone received one.
What did the application and selection process involve, and how did you prepare for each stage?
Application involved a cover letter and application form. I took my application to a CV Café in the Student Life Building to look over. To write my application, I looked at my applicable skills on my CV and weaved them to suit the job profile. Then, there was an in-person interview. I used the STAR technique I was taught in a module to help produce thoughtful answers.
What help and support did you access from the Student Futures team?
Student Futures advertised the position to me initially, and the members of staff did forward me an interview help booklet that included common questions that could come up. This was really helpful and increased my confidence approaching the interview.
What relevant work experience / skills / volunteering / Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?
I had 3 years of customer service experience in retail, which explained my problem-solving and communication skills. I also have a history of charity support running in high school which contributes to my time management and presenting skills.
What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?
Volunteer where you can, take opportunities that will individualize your application from others. As much as grades can contribute it’s about the ambition behind them which is shown in commitments in and outside of education.
Would you do anything differently in terms of your employability if you were a first-year student again?
No I’m happy I was able to secure my internship when I did and I was able to work my part time job alongside this and complete my studies. It’s set me up to not be trying to cram volunteering into my 3rd year as I want to completely focus on my assignments.
Is there any other advice or experiences you would like to mention not covered by the other questions?
This internship provided me with great experience in a classroom setting and I enjoyed my time doing 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, or 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.