Internship Review at British Red Cross

The Role

Role Description

I was working with the Schools and Community Education department, researching how the organisation engages with young volunteers across its different areas and services. Day to day, this meant planning, carrying out and writing up a research project independently, with guidance from my supervisor but largely working alone. I wrote research plans, carried out background research, contacted and interviewed staff, analysed the data, and wrote up a final report and material to communicate my findings.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

One of the better placements I've done, a good balance of responsibility and support, a nice place to work, and a great and worthwhile organisation that I enjoyed being a part of.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very welcoming, a nice team.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I felt well supported by my supervisor, but given enough freedom and responsibility to gain from my placement and make it more challenging.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Initially not that busy, but once I got stuck into my project I had plenty to do, and was actually worried my work would run over and I'd have to extend the placement

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I had real ownership of my own project, with the freedom to take it in the direction I wanted, while consulting and working with the supervisors.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I did have the opportunity to develop existing skills and to do further training.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

People were friendly and helpful, but there was little socialising outside of work time.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Initially I didn't feel that well informed, but overall the placement was well organised in terms of desk space, role description, having expenses reimbursed etc.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Good opportunities for personal developement in terms of First Aid training, intern induction, and the opportunity to develop my skills and understanding of the recruitment process by sitting on a recruitment panel and observing a separate recruitment day.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Working from home

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I would be very happy to work with the BRC again in the future, depending on the opportunities available. The organisation were helpful in publicising potential opportunities, and I do have access to internal applications as an intern alumni.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

In the office people were sociable and friendly-eating lunch together etc, but outside of office hours there were few social opportunities.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Central London is expensive, nothing to do with the organisation though, and the canteen was subsidised which was helpful, and tea and coffee were free.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I lived close by so didn't socialise much around where I worked.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There were some opportunities, but I think it would depend on the department, how long your placement was and where you were based-the BRC has offices all around the UK, I was based at UKO which is probably the biggest.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

The BRC is a great place to work, a fantastic organisation that does important work and I felt good about being a part of. The atmosphere was welcoming and friendly, although there weren't many social opportunities outside of work hours.

Review 11/19 for British Red Cross

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