November 12, 2024, by Joe

Grace Millward – Nottingham Counselling Service

Throughout my second year, many of my friends had internships lined up for the summer or were going on to do an industrial placement year. I felt like I was at a disadvantage and started to become nervous that I wouldn’t have enough experience to secure a job when I graduate. However, after applying for the Faculty of Social Science widening participation placement scheme, I was given the opportunity to undertake a three week placement with Nottingham Counselling Service.

Navigating Internship Anxiety and Finding the Right Opportunity

My time as a research and social impact officer for NCS was extremely eye-opening and fulfilling. Being a criminology student, I’ve always been passionate about supporting marginalised groups so I knew I’d made the right choice to do my placement with Nottingham Counselling Service, which prides itself in providing a safe space for those in need of mental health support, no matter their background. With the placement being only three weeks long, I was unsure what to expect but I felt confident that I would be able to adapt and learn throughout the experience. Despite not knowing exactly what I would be researching before going into the placement, I was ready to utilise the skills I’d acquired during the first two years of my course at university.

Gaining Insight and Impacting Lives as a Social Impact Officer

I spent my placement researching the mental health of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. The aim of this research was to help prepare NCS for their upcoming project which would provide free mental health support for refugees. To undertake this research I referred to existing studies, as well as attending meetings with a variety of individuals and organisations. Additionally, I conducted interviews with a range of professionals, such as counsellors who were conducting sessions with refugees, an ESOL teacher, and a representative from a charity that supports refugees in Nottingham. I was incredibly fortunate to meet with so many inspiring people, including refugees and asylum seekers who shared their stories at a refugee week event. This gave me a real insight into the experiences of refugees, rather than learning solely from academic works.

Not only did the placement strengthen my research skills, I also learned a lot about how an organisation operates. As I was supervised by the CEO of Nottingham Counselling Service, I was given insight into the aspects of the everyday functioning of the charity. Additionally, I spent a lot of time talking to individuals that work in different areas of the company, including psychotherapists and administrative staff each with an abundance of experience. They made me feel incredibly welcome and were happy to answer any questions I posed to them, which in turn made me feel more confident about working in a professional setting once I graduate.

Reflections and Advice for Future Internship Seekers

For those thinking about applying for internships or placements, I would tell you to go for it! It may feel daunting, even during the application process, but you will gain skills that will be invaluable in both your academic and professional careers. Moreover, you have the chance to do work that could be hugely rewarding to you and the organisation you work with. My main piece of advice for those undertaking an internship is to note down all the things you learn and experience – whether this is related to the tasks you’ve been asked to do or about the company itself. This information could be useful for future job applications and for reflecting on the knowledge and skills you gained.

I am exceedingly grateful to have been able to undertake this three week placement, as I gained a new confidence in working professionally. I was able to build a strong connection with the organisation and continue to volunteer with them, which allows me to keep developing my skills and gain experience.

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