Corporate Fundraising Intern Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

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

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

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.