Cancer Information Development Intern Review

I really enjoyed interning with Macmillan, it is a great charity and I was given some really interesting projects to work on. The whole department were so friendly and there is a great work ethos.

100% felt valued by everyone that I worked with. Colleagues always showed appreciation for any way that I assisted them, and would always offer help and advice if needed. I was invited to staff lunches and meetings whilst there, so felt fully immersed within the team. I was given a lovely leaving party with a card and gift on my last day.

My line manager was incredibly helpful and always available for support. At the beginning of each week we had a one-to-one to ensure I was happy with what I was doing, and to check if there were any other projects or opportunities I wanted to get involved with. I would always sit near to my line manager, or if she wasn't in the office, she was always available via email.

I worked at my own pace. There were always various tasks to be getting on with, and it was only towards the end of my internship that I felt the need to ask for more work because I was finishing things. Other colleagues would often email me asking if I wanted to assist them, and this was completely up to me depending on my workload. It was generally a relaxed working atmosphere, although I'm sure if I was a full-time member of staff, there would have been a heavier workload.

Most of the tasks I was given were assisting projects, and the work I did was nearly always proofed before being completed, such as writing a blog or editing a document on inDesign. However, I was given free rein of the department's Twitter account, and was asked for my suggestions on various projects.

Before I completed the Macmillan internship, I was working in a retail role, having struggled to find a graduate job since leaving university. The internship enabled me to enhance my degree skills and add the experience to my CV. I have since gained employment in a really exciting role, and I genuinely believe I wouldn't have achieved this without the Macmillan experience.

Generally the office is quiet, lots of colleagues had their headphones in whilst working. The easiest way to contact someone would be to email them, even if they sat nearby to you (which I did feel a little strange doing at first!) Having said that, it is a friendly department and there were often staff events, like communal lunches or leaving/birthday/maternity gatherings in the staff kitchen.

The whole internship was very well organised. After initially applying, I received an email confirming my application was being reviewed. I was then invited to interview, and offered the internship on the same day. Before starting, I had regular email communication with my line manager, so I felt confident that any questions or concerns could be answered. Macmillan were flexible with my start date, which was put back due to a 4 week notice period with my (then) current employer. There was an intern induction day for the whole group before we started, which allowed me to meet other interns and learn more about what to expect from the 12 weeks. On my first day, I had a meeting with the overall intern manager as well as my line manager, where I was asked what I hoped to gain from the internship. I was also offered an independent mentor if I felt necessary. I had weekly meetings with my line manager, and had a work plan put in place for me. There was an 'intern wrap up day' towards the end of the 12 weeks, which included a CV skills session and future careers advice. The whole internship was seamlessly organised and my line manager was incredibly efficient in making sure I was happy with what I was doing.

I was constantly asked what skills I wanted to learn or develop. One of my main objectives was to be proficient in using the inDesign software package. I was given a lot of time and support to help me learn. I was also invited on several 'lunch and learns', which are lunchtime seminars offered by specific departments to the whole charity. I attended a meeting on lowering literacy levels, with other colleagues in my department. This was very beneficial for me and I was very appreciative that I was invited to attend.

I think it is very competitive to work for Macmillan Cancer Support, and I can see why. I did apply for a role within the charity (in a different department) and attended an interview, but unfortunately wasn't successful. I was then offered a role outside of the organisation which I happily accepted, otherwise I would have continued applying for Macmillan roles. I would definitely consider working for Macmillan in the future if a relevant role came up, because it is a great charity with a really good work ethos. Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

I think this was probably one of the only downfalls of the internship. I met the other interns on the induction day before starting, and sadly didn't see any of them again until the wrap-up day. I know that some of the interns became friendly, but as there were no other interns in my department, I didn't really have a chance to get to know them. Besides the two events mentioned, there were no organised intern meet-ups whilst I was there, so I think this is definitely something that could be improved for those who wanted more of a social scene.

Obviously Vauxhall is in London, so it is not a cheap area to be. I lived outside of London and commuted in, so I can't really comment on living costs. Vauxhall has some nice little independent cafes for lunch, which were reasonably priced. There was also a good choice of supermarkets nearby.

I didn't actually go on a night out in Vauxhall, but I know that is does have a fair few clubs and bars, including a 24 hour club?! Vauxhall is well covered by public transport, so you are never too far from a good selection of places to go.

There were always volunteer opportunities, such as helping out at the London Marathon or assisting on an information bus. I think I saw a poster for a lunchtime yoga class held in the building.