PR & Communications Officer Review

It was the perfect placement. I loved my time at the Football Foundation - I didn't want to leave!

One of the best things about the placement was that I never really felt like 'the intern'. From the start, everyone was really helpful and in time I became a trusted and well-respected colleague. Everyone is really friendly which makes for a fantastic work environment. I always looked forward to going to work and that was a lot to do with my colleagues.

As part of a small team I worked closely with my line manager which was fantastic. He was a brilliant teacher and always willing to offer guidance and advice, passing on knowledge throughout the year and steadily increasing my responsibilities giving me a real experience of work. Career development opportunities were regular throughout the placement which makes the Football Foundation placement stand out from the many others out there. The experience afforded to you will undoubtedly enhance your career; you aren't hidden away from big events just because you are an 'intern'. You are a key member of the External Relations team which is great credit to the Communications Manager.

Everyone in the organisation has a fairly heavy workload due to the nature of the charity's work and I was certainly never twiddling my thumbs! Although certain times of year are busier than others, the day-to-day balance was just right. There was always something to do or to prepare for.

The responsibility given to you is something that many of your peers on placement at bigger organisations will probably not experience. Again, being treated as an employee and colleague rather than an 'intern' means that as you find your feet in the job and demonstrate your capabilities, the responsibility given to you will steadily increase. The opportunity is there for you to grab if you want to! During the first few months of my placement I was given tasks to do. Towards the end I was leading certain PR activity and constructing the monthly e-newsletter which is sent out to over 50,000 industry, government, sport and media contacts.

The on-the-job training as well as the courses I completed were brilliant and extremely beneficial to both the work I carried out at the Football Foundation and in helping me to secure work experience placements after leaving.

There is a great atmosphere in the office and everyone is really hard-working. There is a shared passion for the work the Football Foundation does which is reflected in the culture of the organisation. Everyone is professional but the day-to-day work environment is also fairly relaxed.

Extremely well organised. There is a clear personal and professional development programme in place.

During my time at the Football Foundation I attended a number of training courses. If there is a course available which will improve your skills and improve your performance at work you are encouraged to attend.

Career opportunities after graduation are limited purely because of the size of the organisation and the department - but don't let that put you off! The contacts you make as well as the skills you develop will be invaluable, setting you up perfectly for a career in the industry if you want to pursue one.

Brilliant organised socials during the summer and at Christmas as well as occasional, informal drinks after work with everyone, not just other interns.

Central London is expensive, end of!

Amazing! Whether going to the pub or dancing the night away is more your scene, there are so many places to discover in central London.

Yes. I organised a couple of 7-a-side football matches and London is a fantastic hub of activity 24/7 so you are bound to find something to get involved in.