Internship Review at Cancer Research UK

The Role

Role Description

Since joining the Policy and Public Affairs Directorate at Cancer Research UK I have had numerous invaluable opportunities to learn about the ways in which charities seek to influence the decision-making processes of government. This has ranged from attending seminars on lobbying select committees to drafting policy statements on European Union legislation such as the EU Clinical Trials Directive.

During my internship I have worked on a variety of projects across the Directorate including amongst others: monitoring the impact of the health, research and science policies of the new coalition government, producing case studies on partnerships such as the UKCMRI, and writing briefings for MPs on innovative screening methods.

I have also attended Select Committee meetings in Westminster on policy relevant issues for Cancer Research UK and have witnessed how relationships are built with ministers and politicians across the political spectrum throughout the UK. This has been particularly interesting in light of the new coalition government and the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

Currently I am aiding colleagues in preparing for several Cancer Research UK events that will be held at Westminster and at the Liberal Democrat, Conservative and Labour party conferences later this year.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It has been a really interesting and enlightening internship through which I have gained numerous transferable skills and knowledge. I have had a wide variety of tasks entrusted to me which has allowed me to constantly feel intellectually stimulated.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I have a really friendly team which was incredibly welcoming, organising one on one induction sessions, team building days out and social after-work events.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was allocated a mentor who has managed my workload and with whom I have a weekly meeting to ensure that everything is going well. She has been invaluable during my time here and I feel she would resolve any problems if I were to have any.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Generally I was pretty busy, but not enough to feel rushed off my feet. It was almost perfect. I only had a couple of days where I needed more work.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I really feel as though I was given a great amount of responsibility - much more than I had expected. This was a lovely surprised and has made me feel an integral part of the team (even when performing administrative/more elementary duties).

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

Whilst I am not sure the skills I gained will help my degree studies, they will undoubtedly help me in all future careers and, perhaps more importantly, in job applications.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The office was very friendly and generally relaxed, though as with all policy offices I have experienced working in, I think it had a more serious feel to it than other offices within the organisation. It suited me perfectly as if an office is too noisy, I sometimes find it hard to concentrate.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

From start to finish we have been in constant contact with the Internship Executive and with our mentors. Fantastic organisation and support has been provided.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As with any internship, it is unlikely that interns will receive much training/personal development training. We did however received CV and interview skills training which I felt was quite beneficial.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

• There were no perks with this internship

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I would love to work for the charity again. My office was very welcoming and the work that it undertakes is fascinating. Working for this organisation would provide me with numerous opportunities for personal development (as a staff member) and several perks such as subsidised travel etc... It also has very competitive salaries considering it is a third sector employer.

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It was average. The interns did tend to socialise together at lunchtime but it was mostly limited to that. I have experienced much better social scenes in other placement environments between placement students/interns.

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

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

Incredibily expensive - central london is not a good place for unpaid volunteers to live!

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I am sure it was pretty good but I didnt have much opportunity to explore it as I was unpaid and on a very tight budget.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There were many volunteering opportunities provided by the charity as well as all the activities that London has to offer - again, being unpaid meant that I didnt indulge in many of these.

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?

It is an incredibly worthwhile experience - apply!

Review 113/113 for Cancer Research UK

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