Internship Review at Macmillan Cancer Support

The Role

Role Description

Responsible for the Employee Engagement programme for the Boots + Macmillan partnership - a pioneering service led partnership.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

This was a really fun and varied role. I learned a variety of skills from technical skills, such as Excel experience, database management and Milestones for project management purposes. As well as useful 'office skills', such as appropriate use of language in the workplace, how to interact professionally with colleagues and clients, punctuality, time and workload management, etc.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

From the minute I started, I felt welcomed by my team and was included in a number of internal and external meetings. My colleagues always showed appreciation for the time and effort I put in, by verbally communicating how grateful they were for my in put.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I participated in fortnightly 1-1 meetings with my supervisor who was extremely attentive and organised. Together we worked out weekly and overall objectives, which helped motivate me and get lots of work done. My supervisor also helped me with internal job applications and took me through a mock interview to help get me a job at Macmillan.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I had lots of different tasks, such as supporting corporate employees in their fundraising and volunteering efforts, data management, letter writing, attending fundraising events, report writing, writing copy for the coporate newsletter, as well as a whole host of other tasks. I never felt inundated with work, and at times could have had more work to get my teeth in to. Although the ball was in my court really, because had I asked for more work, I'm sure I would have got it.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given the big responsibility of handling the employee engagement aspect of the large corporate partnership with Boots. Boots have 70,000 employees who we are trying to engage in the partnership, which is a huge responsibility. I achieved all of my objectives so feel pleased I was given that opportunity.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I learned valuable skills that will help me get a job, such as database maintenance, Milestones for project management, a better working knowledge of all the Microsoft packages, including Outlook for calendar and meeting management, letter writing, processing corporate donations, including how to process Gift Aid. I improved the way I communicate with colleagues and clients, being sure to always interact with a positive mental attitude. This experience has been great for me, because it's been a fantastic platform for me to learn valuable skills at my own pace.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone was really friendly, invited me for afterwork drinks, and there were plenty of birthdays...so lots of cake, which was nice.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very organised! When I started I was given useful and informative information booklets about the Boot + Macmillan partnership so far, which brought me up to speed. I was given the opportunity to work with my supervisor to agree on objectives to be achieved during my internship, and we met regularly to check how whether targets were being met.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I had the opportunity to do an internship swap with another department of my choosing, I offered to do work for other departments to gain more experience. I was able to take time out of my internship to attend fun events, such as fundraising EXPO at Heathrow airport, collecting at Harrods and an event at Boots head office in Nottingham. These experience gave me a greater understanding of the partnership and allowed me to interact with clients in a variety of settings which improved my confidence.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• National Travel

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I have gone for two jobs while I've been here, got shortlisted, but missedout on both of them. The competition is fierce. It's a very well run charity, has a good reputation and is doing lots of great work to help people with cancer, so it's understandable. I've found that my second interview was much better because of the support I received by my supervisor. I've applied for two more jobs here, and I'm hoping to get one of them. We'll see...

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Yes! I worked with one other intern in my department and we got along really well. We were in a similar situation, as we were both looking for work, so we talked to each other about where we were looking, application styles, etc. It was nice to know someone else was in the same boat. I'm sure we will stay in touch and give each other regular updates about how we're getting on.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

My luch and travel expenses were paid for, and there were lots of good value eateries in the area, so that aspect was fine.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Occassionally I would go for a drink with work colleagues, but most of the time I went home after work.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Yes! When I started they were doing fun activities during the luch break as part of the 'Get Moving ' campaign. I took part in fitness in the park, outdoor yoga, zumba classes and walks.

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?

I did an internship at Mind, but the one at Macmillan was far better. I'd say that if you want to invest in an internship, make sure you work with a company/charity that is well run and sucessful. I know you can't always choose, but it will have an effect on how much you get out of it.

Review 11/19 for Macmillan Cancer Support

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