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TRANSCRIPT
M M U INTERNS:THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE
CONTENTS
Diary of an Intern i
Veterans’ Voice iii
The Great Experience v
From the Heart vii
Dress Code x
To do list xi
Essential LinksEssential Links xii
Paul W alsh
Organisation, Developm ent
& Training Officer
One thing that I have learnt from the interns w ho have
gone before you is that it’s these challenges that you
learn new skills, grow in confidence, develop som e
great professional relationships and, hopefully, long
lasting friendships. Along the w ay, you w ill get support
from your m anager, w ork colleagues, people like m e
w ho are here to support your professional
developm ent and, above all, your fellow interns. Take a developm ent and, above all, your fellow interns. Take a
few m inutes to look through this guide and benefit from
som e hard w on lessons and insights from those w ho,
in January 2012, w ere sat w here you are today...
Enjoy the journey”
"The internship journey
w ill be different for you
all - but w hat you all
have in com m on is that
having experenced life
as a student at M M U, you
w ill now get the view
from the inside as you from the inside as you
join over 4,000 staff
w ho do their best to
m ake the University tick.
Starting a new role in an
organisation as big as
M M U can seem daunting
and there’s no doubt
you’ll experience highs
and low s over the next
few m onths.
i
Diary of an Intern’s Mind
I know you know more than I do,but as a fresh graduate I havedifferent perspectives and attitudes, so do talk to me; I mightbring fresh ideas to your projects.
Dear colleague, I am not spying on you, I am one of you!
No, I am not stuck
to the chair.
I want you to see
that I am working
as hard as you.
If I could have one wish,I would like to have a photographic memory.But invisibilitiy? I don’t think so!I am here... hello?
I have great ideas too.Let me speak!
ii
At the end of the day, I am new to the role so,Academic Staff, I would greatlyappreciate your help,support and guidance with my work.
I like a challenge!So, please do not be afraidto give me difficult tasks.I am sure that with yoursupervision I will beSUCCESSFUL!
‘That will be all Moodle announcementsdeleted.’ I apologise for my mistakes,I am still learning! (True story!)
I am always eager
to help.
However, trust me,
I already
know how the print
ers work.
We are best frien
ds by now!
I do not have the power to make people dowhat I ask them... at least not just yet;but please, do not ignore me and spare a few minutes to answer my email.
Kind regards, Intern
Diary of an Intern’s mind
THE FIRST INTAKE OF INTERNS, JAN 2012
Take your lunch break - you
deserve it! Eating in a rush at
your desk won’t help your
digestion. Also think about the
keyboard... you’re not saving
those crumbs for later!
iii
Your ideas matter so don’t be
afraid to share them with your
supervisor. Remember, not
even Einstein had many
supporters at the very
beginning!
The main aim of your role as an
Intern is to bring new ideas to the
institution. Do not panic when you
feel you have no work to do... take a
walk and think about how else you
could contribute to MMU.
It may take a couple of months
to understand the running of
your department... but this is
to be expected when you are new
to the team.
We know that you could complete
the project you are working on in
one week if not sooner. After
your dissertation, everything
seems like a piece of cake, but
don’t worry... distribute your
work through the week.
RememRemember every day could bring
fresh ideas. Spread your wings
and relax.
VETERANS’ VOICE
THE FIRST INTAKE OF INTERNS, JAN 2012
Remember you are not alone.
You have the chance to
participate in the Intern
DeDevelopment Programme where
the awesome Paul Walsh will
help to ease your worries. You
will also meet other Interns
who might be as nervous as you
are. Together you can survive
the biggest challenges; meeting
not not only socially but also in
search of professional aid.
Together, we get stronger!
iv
Ending your emails with; ‘Kind
Regards, MMU Intern’ does not
help to build a professional
image. Discuss your role title
with your supervisor. Whether
you create something general
such as ‘Project Coordinator’ or
sosomething more specific, it will
help you feel part of a
professional community.
Do not be afraid to chase up
information that you need for a
task or project. If you have no
success after the second
attempt, ask your line manager
for advice on what to do next.
Attend as many free workshops
that are offered for MMU staff
as you can; you will always
learn something new (see
Essential Links).
Attending these sessions may
also help you to develop
relrelationships with other
memmembers of staff, they are more
experienced than you are so talk
to them, ask questions, and
express your interests. Share
your ideas and concerns. You
never know, this might help with
your future career plans. This is
yoyour opportunity to come up
with ideas for future
development.
VETERANS’ VOICE
This is your opportunity to build up your professional network. Not only with University staff,
but also with other Interns who, just like you, are trying to climb the career ladder. You can
exchange information, support each other and who knows, maybe even start creating business
plans together!
Except for doing bits and bobs, you will be given at least one major project to work on. This is
your opportunity to prove that you have a number of useful skills such as time management,
organisation, critical thinking and the ability to plan. At the same time, you may discover any
weaknesses or areas you may need to work on.
It will look good on your CV.
Out of all the graduates who applied, the interview panel chose YOU.
This decision demonstrates their trust in your ability.
THE
GREATEXPERIENCE
v
When your time as an Intern is coming to an end, MMU will give you advice on how to create
a brilliant CV, how to search and apply for a new job and provide information on the do’s
and don’ts when it comes to interviews. You cannot turn down help like that!
During your internship you will work with staff at all levels; students, academics, project
co-ordinators and managers. It is your time to learn how to be assertive, to express your
opinions, present a professional image and build up a good rapport with people from
different levels within the university.
Your time as an intern is a great opportunity to think about what you want to do when your
internship ends. It gives you time to reect on your skills, interests and ultimately, what
career path you wish to pursue. You may realise that you like some projects better than others;
that you love working with people or that you would rather work on your own initiative.
Dealing with new tasks will probably widen your interests; you might discover a new you and
have a different perspective on your future.
You will be allocated tasks and projects to complete, and often you will have to take the lead.
But do not panic; this freedom demonstrates you will be treated as a young professional. This
should give you con dence when it comes to the next stage of your career.
vi
THE
GREATEXPERIENCE
“My internship has been an experience to remember, giving me an insight into how MMU works, and has enabled me
to practically apply skills learnt at undergraduate and postgraduate level. As ever, one of the most important
aspects of any work experience are the people and the support they offer. My fellow interns have made this
experience so much more enjoyable and fulfilling. The internship has enabled me to pursue my desired career and
for that I am thankful. In all, I have thoroughly enjoyed being an MMU Intern.” Ian Shaw
“Enjoy the internship, get to know all the fellow interns. You will meet some of the most amazing people and will
make lots of friends. It’s been a really good learning experience for me and has opened up opportunities in the
world of work. It’s been very important to network and get to know all the staff, you learn a lot from talking!”
Tahira Zulfikar
“My time at MMU as an intern has been very valuable in providing the necessary skills to help in my future career. I
have worked on projects, which are to be rolled out across the University, took part and participated in
large-scale events, and worked with students on a one-to-one basis providing careers advice and guidance. MMU
have been supportive in allowing me to get involved where I can, and I have learnt that being proactive and asking
gets you everywhere. Remember that you are here to boost your employability for the future, so do take
advantage and use the time well!” Sarah Shirt
vii
“In the last six months I faced a number of challenges and learnt many new things. With guidance and mentoring, I
developed new skills required in the world of professionals and I feel like I opened the door to my future career.
But most importantly, I met fantastic people. I was lucky to be able to share this great experience with all of
the Interns!” Sylwia Blonska
“For me, the internship has been a truly memorable experience. I have been involved in some great projects and
learnt many new skills along the way. My advice would be to take part in as many tasks as possible in order to
build your experience! It is always better to be busy and you will not regret it when your time as an intern
ends.” Jemma Goodwin
viii
“The staff are great, the opportunities are endless and you just cannot believe the continuous training you get.
My team and I all bonded well and had ‘banter’ within the office, and also came up with the office bake off
every week. It gives you more to look forward to. You will learn so much from your internship, and almost never
want it to end!” Ian de Cordova
“The internship scheme is a fantastic opportunity that offers a perfect bridge between graduating from
university and the so called ‘real world’ of work. Often you can find yourself unable to apply for jobs as
they constantly demand you must have experience, yet never actually offer the opportunity of gaining any!
The Internship scheme presents the ideal balance of work and experience in a professional environment,
whilst equipping you with the perfect tools to become highly employable; whilst also being highly enjoyable
and a chance to make great new friends!” Joshua Riggs
“Make the most of your internship and the opportunity to make friends with some of the most exciting and
like-minded people you will ever meet at work! Really appreciate Paul’s amazing Intern training! You will miss
it when it’s over. I have had a great opportunity to gain so much experience in a short time. Remember,
speak to everyone you meet!” Alexandra Russell
“An internship is like walking down a corridor of opportunities, with each door leading to something new and
exciting. It is down to you to pursue and acquire the right set of keys to unlock your future.”
Joe Jarmey
ix
DRESS CODE
Dress appropriatelyfor your role.
M aintain yourprofessional image.
Stay clean and tidy... rememberyou’re representingthe University.
You may or may not have a dress code.
x
Also remember,keep essential itemslike stationary &writing pads close by.
You never know wwhen you’llneed them!
To do List:There are some things as an Intern, we would have liked to know.So we’ve posted them just for you.
Essential LinksCareers & EmployabilityFor all the information & advice when you are ready to move on from the Internship. www.mmu.ac.uk/employability
Human ResourcesFrom your 'Return to Work' form after you are ill, to setting up your email address and getting an ID card. www.mmu.ac.uk/humanresources
Training & DevelopmentFor MMU Staff training courses; ranging from stress managament to organising your time better. There are many to choose from, so make the most of them.www.mmu.ac.uk/humanresources/devandtrain/
Intern SchemeDetails about your pay, how many holidays you are entitled to, and other information about your job.www.mmu.ac.uk/intern
Staff BenefitsDid you know staff are entitled to benefits across many restaurants and shops in Manchester? Well we are! So use them!www.mmu.ac.uk/staff/benefits
Facebook Intern GroupJoin and socialise with other Interns! You know you want to!Search MMU Interns
LinkedIn Intern GroupA professional networking group for all the Interns.Search MMU Intern Network
xii
M anchester M etropolitan University
All Saints
M anchester
M 15 6BH
Text & Artw ork: Sylw ia Blonska
Design: Am ina M ufti
Copyright: Jem m a Goodw in
w ith cooperation of Interns: January 2012