Public Affairs and Campaigning Review

I really enjoyed it. The tasks were varied and interesting. I got experience of a wide range of areas within the internship. The work felt worthwhile because they fed into the work of Cancer Research UK. Although I was given some admin tasks (a part of most jobs), I was also given tasks that were more challenging and rewarding.

Very valued. They were all friendly and very welcoming,. They were keen to involve the interns in the social activities among colleagues, as well as asking us to go for lunch with them during work. Several members of staff were willing to spend time talking with me about their careers and give me advice for the future.

I was very supported. In addition to intern buddies and the mentors that were available, each intern had a dedicated line manager. My line manager met with me to discuss how things were going daily during my first fortnight. After that, our half-hour one-to-one were weekly. There were also longer reviews after 2-weeks, 6-weeks and 12-weeks, where we could discuss how things were going. She would also check up on me regularly. She ensured I was being given interesting tasks. She ensured I was given a task in policy that I was interested in, even though that was outside of our area (Public Affairs and Campaigning).

I was always given enough to do but it was never too much.

I was given tasks that were important but I was never leading a project. I was given deadlines for important tasks that contributed to Cancer Research UK’s work, but they made it clear that they were there to support me and help me if I found that it was too much

I developed skills in public affairs and campaigning that will be very useful in my future career. The range of tasks given to me meant that I developed specific skills such as campaigning as well as general office skills. I don’t know if they will necessarily help me in my degree, but they will enable me to get to grips with a future job more quickly.

Very friendly. People occasionally chatted at their desk but it didn’t interfere with their work. It could be busy (in an interesting way) when something big was happening. Sometimes, people would offer you tea or coffee and cake. Of there was a birthday, people would gather around and sing happy birthday.

Very well organised. There was an intern coordinator responsible for ensuring that we were getting the most out of the internship, as well as the buddy schemes and the mentor schemes. The support system was systematic and well organised. There were informative welcome sessions to familiarise you with Cancer Research UK’s work. There were also social activities organised by the interns.

Very much. The line manager did personal development work with me, making sure that I worked on valuable skills for work. There were also workshops on CVs, presentational skills and LinkedIn. Colleagues looked over my CV and shared their tips. They also gave me advice about interviews and how to answer job application questions.

Very. I enjoyed working here and could see myself here in the future. They offer grad scheme that is relatively well-paid for the sector. The work would be enjoyable and I would be certain to develop professionally in such a supportive and professional environment, as well as being involved in challenging and worthwhile work. However, jobs are very competitive at cancer research UK, so there is no guarantee of anything.

The interns organised activities among themselves and my colleagues invited me to drinks and other social activities.

It's London. Unfortunately, this internship is currently unpaid and accommodation is very expensive here, as is the general cost of living. Until they start paying interns, which they are planning to do next year, you really need to already have accommodation in London or have significant funds to be able to survive.

Not really a nightlife person, but it's London, so I imagine so.

There are various clubs such as running and yoga available in work, although I wasn't personally involved. The interns also arranged some social activities, such as a pub quiz and a trip to the Wimbledon championships. More generally, there are opportunities to do a range of activities in London, not all of them expensive. There are plenty of free activities (museums, parks, etc ) in London.