Community Support was a new concept last year. My role was introduced from this. Having an intern enabled this concept to be developed. Having never experienced an intern before, I did not know what to expect. I found it very insightful having an intern. It was interesting to have a team member that could focus their full attention on a specific project. Maisie was keen to learn, motivated, punctual, and passionate about the subject matter. She was a pleasure to have in the office and quickly settled in.
Maisie was given the unusual opportunity to reflect on two huge areas of my role.
She was able to develop clear and precise outcomes from extensive research and data analysis.
Work included surveys, meetings with stakeholders and structuring of new forms. Outcomes were recorded in a very comprehensive report. Some have been implemented while others still need to be worked on.
Maisie helped deliver:
- a well-being dashboard
- guidelines for the additional requirements form
- a new website page for students with additional requirements
- improved language on forms
Maisie brought new perspectives to these areas, drawing on her own experience of being a neurodiverse student. There were benefits of all this work to many stakeholders:
- myself, by making tasks more efficient
- students, by improving communication
- departments, through more detailed data analysis
- team members, from increased knowledge
Maisie had the student at the heart of all her work. She was keen to break down barriers for students and enable them to have the most positive student experience they could through the project objectives. The right project for the right intern can be invaluable.
Maisie and I established a trusting and positive work relationship, which in turn resulted in a hugely successful internship.
I would recommend the internship programme to any department.
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