Conservation Intern Review
by Umphafa Private Nature Reserve
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
4.8
-
The Company
4.5
-
The Culture
4.4
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
An unbelievable experience. I learnt so much in so many different areas and there was always something exciting and amazing going on! Just incredible!
Very much say. It was always re-enforced how valuable interns were in keeping the reserve running.
I was trained properly in everything I did and every aspect was clearly explained to me and why we were doing it.
Sometimes emergencies cropped up and needed attending to so the schedule would change slightly but it I couldn't help myself with that there was always something else for me to get on with if I asked.
I was there for three months so over my time developed quite a good understanding of the projects and was trusted with more responsibility than when I started. There's a lot to learn though so a project coordinator was usually there to give guidance.
It really gave me a great insight into where I want to go with my career and gave me the skills and experience I needed to land my first job! At interview my employer was really impressed by the work I had done and the experience I had gained.
The Company
Well, my office was an enormous nature reserve but the accommodation was really comfortable and I made some friends for life.
Very well. Everything was planned out in advance and we always had plenty to keep us busy. Sometimes plans would change due to certain emergencies but this is to be expected with this type of work.
The staff couldn't have given any more effort to see that I was trained properly. If there was ever anything I didn't know I could always ask.
International Travel
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
There are some posts that come up from time to time but they are quite competitive. Staff there had plenty of contacts though and helped a couple of people I interned with to find work afterwards.
The Culture
Amazing! It was all so much fun and made some friends for life.
Couldn't believe how cheap it was compared to the UK! Had dinner out a few times and it was a fraction of what you would pay back home.
We mostly stayed on the reserve with the other interns and staff but that was always fun, having braais and sitting around the fire. The Colenso club was really good fun, lots of friendly locals.
Outside of the reserve there were a few places to go and see but it's quite isolated. Loved going to see the carnivore sanctuary and playing with cheetah. It was just nice to spend time on the reserve though and practice my photography.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Environmental Science, Science
January 2014
