Day in the Life: IES Project Intern

What were you doing before your internship?

Before my internship, I had just finished my final year at the University of Sussex studying an MSci in Zoology. My final year research project focused on conservation biological control, exploring the use of semiochemicals as alternatives to pesticides in the management of Nezara viridula, the southern green stinkbug. Throughout my course, I explored a variety of modules including, but not limited to: 'Developmental Biology', ' Tropical Rainforest Biogeography and Conservation', 'Environmental Research Skills', and 'Conservation in Practice'. Outside of university, I worked as a Duty Manager in the Student Union shop, where I developed valuable skills in communication, leadership and teamwork.

What made you decide to apply for an internship, and why the IES?

Whilst I had developed important skills in my previous work experience, I was eager to learn and continue growing new ones in a role more aligned with my degree. When researching internships, the IES stood out to me as they champion professional development and interdisciplinary work. I valued an experience in a supportive team where I could meet different career experts, whilst developing my professional skills. Entering the job market after university can be daunting, but the ability for professional development at the IES made it an opportunity that I did not want to miss!

Have there been any challenges?

Although I really enjoyed my time at the IES, there were a couple of challenges I had to overcome as I settled into the internship. Initially, I found it quite challenging to write event descriptions and other media to put on the website as I was still getting used to following a brand's tone of voice. However, the support from my line managers, and throwing myself into these tasks, has helped me to develop confidence in this skill throughout my internship. Another challenge I had to overcome was my nervousness around speaking in team and Community meetings. The IES provided me with opportunities to grow my confidence in this area, through public speaking training and the ability to share my research in team meetings. I now feel more self-assured in my public speaking abilities, especially in a professional setting.

Take us through a typical day during your internship - what did you get up to?

My day would start by signing into Slack and my email inbox at 9am, where I'd begin by checking for any messages. I would then open my work calendar and plan the tasks that I would like to focus on during the day around my meetings with the team. I used the 'task manager' option to stay organised and followed my own ongoing task list to make sure I was completing all work I need to. Once I had planned out my day, I would then start working on tasks, including, but not limited to:

Research into other organisations and their student membership offerings
Minuting meetings from early career networks and other Community groups
Analysing engagement data from newsletters to use in a final report
Providing feedback for CVs submitted by IES members

I would meet with my line managers Amy (Communities & Membership Engagement Officer) and Sally (Education & Professional Development Lead) at least twice a week where they would check in with how I was getting on and, if I needed them, assign me more tasks. They also helped me to set 'Objectives and Key Results' (OKRs), which were goals I would focus on to help develop specific skills throughout my internship. Once a week, either with my line managers or independently, I would check these OKRs to make sure that I was progressing towards my targets. I would finish work at 5pm, with a 1 hour lunch break.

What skills have you developed, and what have you learnt?

Throughout my internship, I have developed my public speaking skills, particularly in a professional setting. The IES provided me with public speaking training, but also gave me the opportunity to present my research to the whole team multiple times. I also grew both my confidence in this skill by talking in Community meetings with external career professionals, both introducing myself and sharing my own perspectives. This action has helped to grow my interpersonal communication skills.

I also refined my research skills as I investigated a variety of topics which I would then summarise in reports. These topics included aspects like how other organisations present their ED&I work, gaps in research of barriers for disabled people into the environmental sciences, and how to retain students in membership bodies. My analytical skills developed throughout the internship as I used the IES's CRM software, CiviCRM, to find engagement data for newsletters, to better understand the interests of student members.

Another skill I also developed during my internship was my design skills. I would create LinkedIn graphics for IES events that followed the brand image, and write descriptive text that matched the organisation's tone of voice. I got to complete a draft design for an IES ED&I webpage, a task which I really enjoyed!

What advice would you give a student considering applying for an internship?

I would highly recommend anyone interested in an internship to do it! Moving into a career after university is incredibly daunting, especially when you do not have much professional experience. You can feel like a small fish in a very big pond at times! However, I have learned at the IES that the perspectives of all fish in this pond are important, regardless of your experience, especially when working towards solutions for global sustainability issues. Throwing yourself at opportunities like internships is one of the best ways to become more confident in your abilities and skills.

One of the best things that you can do when applying for an internship is to use your own skill gaps to your advantage in your application as this will highlight how the role will help you develop. I made it clear that I wanted to work with the IES as it would provide a direct opportunity for me to grow my skills in a professional setting, experience which I lacked within the environmental sector. Internships are designed to help you develop your skills, so do not be put-off if you lack experience in certain areas as they can be the opportunity to gain it!

Now you've completed your internship, what's next?

I am currently working on an application for funding to pursue a student-led PhD which will continue my masters research on the use of semiochemicals as alternatives for pest control. If I am successful, the PhD will start next September, so in the meantime I aim to complete online courses to refine technical skills relevant to the environmental sector. In the long-term, I am interested in a career that bridges conservation and agriculture, working closely with stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable solutions. The IES has helped me develop key interpersonal, communication and stakeholder consideration skills which will help me reach my future career goals.

Finally - did you have a favourite part?

It is very difficult to pinpoint one specific favourite part as I thorougly enjoyed the different variety of tasks that I got involved in. However, I loved how I got to engage with a range of different people across the IES. My line managers Amy and Sally were so supportive and friendly, helping me settle into the organisation quickly. I also enjoyed hearing from Community and early career network members about their diverse routes into the environmental sector. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the IES, it has been an experience that I have valued from start to finish. I would like to extend a massive thank you to Amy, Sally, and all the other IES team members for providing me space to grow, being supportive of my development and helping to grow my passion to work in the environmental science sector.

Eden is a recent graduate from the University of Sussex with a MSci in Zoology. She completed a 6-week internship with the IES supporting the Education & Professional Development Lead and the Communities & Membership Engagement Officer. Eden has experience researching sustainable alternatives to pesticides and hopes to build a career that focuses on this. Eden is available to contact on LinkedIn.