Hi I'm Martha. I completed the Bath Insights internship programme this summer working with the pre-sessional team in Skills.
When I started my first year at university, I wasn't sure what my career would look like. I thought becoming a policy advisor might suit me, but my heart wasn't set on it, and I was feeling a bit lost about what to aim for.
By the second semester, I was determined to explore as many opportunities as possible to gain experience and learn more about myself. That's when I applied for the Bath Insights Internship. It sounded like an incredible chance to gain professional experience, develop new skills, and strengthen my future applications.
What I didn't realise at the time was just how much this internship would influence my career decisions and help me secure my dream placement as an Ethics, Sustainability and Food Policy Coordinator at Co-op.
Discovering what I wanted
During the internship, I gained valuable insights into the types of work I enjoyed and the areas that I found challenging. For example, classroom teaching was tough for me when students weren't engaged, but I loved working alongside staff members, collaborating on projects and seeing how much they care about their work and the positive impact it has on others.
One of the most inspiring parts of the internship was having 1:1 meetings with my line manager and mentors. Those conversations gave me confidence that if I'm passionate enough about something and willing to work hard, I can achieve it.
Over the summer, I reflected on what kind of placement I wanted. I decided to only apply for roles that I genuinely felt passionate about. My interests include policy, specifically the cost of living crisis, nutrition, food and sustainability, so I focused my search on placements within that scope.
The internship also taught me something important: I want to work for organisations that align with my values and treat their employees well. Experiencing the support and care from University staff during my internship set a standard for what I expect from an employer. This narrowed my placement search to companies with strong reputations for ethics and employee well-being. There were a few roles that interested me, but the Co-op's Ethics, Sustainability and Food Policy Coordinator placement ticked all my boxes.
How Bath Insights helped my application
The internship provided me with numerous opportunities to discuss in my CV and during interviews. Careers workshops during the programme taught me how to sell myself effectively, enhance my LinkedIn profile, and make small yet impactful changes to my CV.
Having Bath Insights on my CV made a big difference. I could highlight transferable skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving, and use real-life examples in competency-based questions. Instead of generic answers, I shared stories about leading sessions for international students, managing urgent tasks, and contributing to meaningful projects.
Boosting my confidence for interviews
One of the most significant personal benefits of the internship was the development of confidence, particularly in public speaking. During the internship, I was pushed out of my comfort zone, presenting multiple times and learning how to "fake it till you make it." I discovered that small changes, such as adjusting my posture, can positively influence my mindset and help me appear more confident. One of my mentors, Claire, was a headteacher at a school, and I found it truly inspiring to discuss with her how she navigates confidence and public speaking. I am very grateful for the Bath Insights Internship, which has given me the opportunity to speak with many staff members, learn about their career journeys, and gather valuable tips.
Practice made a huge difference as well. When I look back at interviews I did six months earlier, I cringe compared to how much I've improved thanks to the experience and techniques I gained during Bath Insights.
Working within a university department also taught me a great deal about workplace culture; how teams collaborate, how decisions are made, and when to be formal or informal. In interviews, mirroring your interviewer's tone and behaviour is key, and that's a skill I developed during my internship. One reason I secured my placement was the enthusiasm and eagerness I showed during the interview, qualities that Bath Insights helped me recognise and lean into.
If you're considering applying for Bath Insights, my advice is: go for it! It could be the stepping stone that leads you to your dream placement.
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