End of Life Care Intern Review

I was suprised at how varied and interesting the role was. I was given a number of projects that were really interesting and given total control from start to finish on one in particular. My main project taught me a number of skills as I conducted an evaluation which I planned, conducted (phoning and interviewing volunteers) before analysing the data myself. The other projects I worked on introduced me to other areas of the charity and I felt like the team really valued my personal interests and development.

Very much so. I felt like my role was very important but they understand that as a part-time intern I had other commitments outside of Macmillan and would remember and check up on my work/life/studying balance. I felt like everybody in the office was very interested in what my future goals were and wanted to gain experiences I felt were valuable. Other members of staff would often set up inductions with specific people they thought I would benefit from speaking to.

My line manager was very supportive and really fun to work with. I quickly felt very comfortable and felt I could approach people for help at anytime. In addition, I also had a mentor outside my department who I could be more frank with and there was also an internships manager who offered is continuous feedback opportunities and support.

It varied, and it also depended on my own initiaive to seek out responsibility but I think this is a realistic representation of a real job. I was given specific project jobs and offered opportunities throughout. With extra jobs I was always given the opportunity to decline if I was too busy with my own project and when my project slowed down I found it easy to find extra work for myself.

Lots! I was treated just like any other member of the team. My team was relatively small and I never felt any less important because I was an intern. Most significantly, I remember being invited to a straegy meeting and being asked to work in a group with the Head of Department in a mindmapping session. I thought I was just turning up to take notes for them! My own project was dictated by myself and I was very much left to manage my own timetable once I was shown how to use anything as everyone else is also busy.

Very much so, I feel like my degree is very applicable. The team often asked me for input from my own university work. I was asked what skills I wanted to develop in my first meeting with my line manager and mentor and wrote a list of my objectives and aims. Throughout the internship they helped facilitate opportunities to achieve these skills.

Friendly! Definitely varies by the floor you sit on though as some have to be quieter than others (Macmillan Support Line's floor for instance etc.). Free drinks and a communal kitchen that often has other freebies in it. Lots of cake shared about. We had monthly elevenses with lots of cake and bonding between teams on the floor. Felt very able to make new connections and everyone would introduce people. Very normal to talk to new people.

Great. I applied and was called for interview with details. The date was changed later but they were very apologetic and worked around my schedule instead. Told I would hear in one week and found out earlier by a phone call which was nice. I had an individual induction with my team then a big induction with all the interns. Confusing at first because the organisation is so vast, but people were very understanding and you quickly get to grips with it.

Offered all the training / lunch and learn / external training events staff get as well. I was looking at a conference related to the project I was doing and they offered to pay for it if I wanted to go. More than that, people invested a lot of time. I asked someone a question about their role and they went for lunch with me instead and explained their project and career path to me. You definitely need to make your own opportunities as they don't throw these at you, but if you ask and show willing and enthusiasm, people were very responsive. I was also told to say if any of my projects were boring/felt useless and told I should be doing things that weren't interesting or relevant.

Good. Personally, I had already secured a job elsewhere following the internship, but I there are lots of internal vacancies that are usually sent to interns to apply for. My line manager was an intern and the intern before me was hired so I felt very aware it was a possibility. I'm planning to stay in touch and they have an alumni LinkedIn page. Of course, it is still very competitive even internally.

Yup, an intern acted as social sec and organised regular drinks / lunches. Lots of people commute and work different days though so it's hard to organise. I felt like I had a pretty social experience though, but you have to make the effort at first to organise lunches with people etc.

London is expensive but they paid for my travel/lunch expenses. I live here already.

Couple of pubs/bars opposite the office that people regularly go to which is handy! Lots of people head over on birthdays/leaving drinks etc. A cool floating bar on the river too. Also, wine o'clock in the office every Friday evening.

Netball/football/softball team, lunchtime yoga and pilates, fundraising pub quizzes and karaoke ~2 weeks and more. Stand to watch London Marathon etc. at special events. My team went out street fundraising one day together.