Maya Gregory

What is a typical day as an intern like for you?

I don't think I have a "typical day" per se, just because my job description is really varied. I usually start by reviewing my inbox and answering any emails I have. I usually write a list of things I will be doing that day and send it to my supervisor. I attend the operations and comms meetings on a monthly basis, and the Engagement team WIP meetings biweekly. Since I started, I have helped organize 2 events (currently doing the third); provided briefs and templates for social media and eDM communications; held interviews; written stories and web pages to put on the UoM website and more. And currently, I am running a photoshoot for the Department of Nursing that will be done on Friday 16th of September, so I have been doing a lot of preparatory work and meetings for that.

How has your internship supported your career and/or professional goals?

The learning curve I have experienced since starting my internship has been exponential. I have super eager to hit the ground running, and I acquired many skills I never thought I would get just by learning on the job. My supervisor helped me to seek a wide range of opportunities I can get through this internship. I've managed to lead projects, organize meetings, learn various workplace communication styles and flex my time management skills. Soft skills are essential, as they can be transferred from one job to the next. I feel like my internship experience has provided me with the space to really expand on that front. Professionally, as a biomed with interest in the healthcare sector, I think I was really lucky to be working with the Department of Nursing as it has allowed me to network with industry professionals through events I've had a hand in organizing and running on the day, such as our annual Marian Barrett lecture.

What have you enjoyed the most about your internship?

Honestly, it is very difficult to name one thing that I have enjoyed the most. I think what enjoy the most is how varied my experience has been. I have had the chance to try so many different things and be part of so many different projects. It's strange because sometimes I feel like I am too young to be taking this on, but at the same time being encouraged to take part in these opportunities has benefited me so much. The fact that I am constantly pushed to do better and supported along the way, I feel a lot more capable and job-ready. Also, I really like the flexibility that comes with the S@W program, because it allows me to have an internship whilst allowing me to balance this with studies and university club commitments.

What is one skill you learned during your internship?

I would say adaptability is the main skill I learned in my internship. I used to be very focused on one end goal and sticking through with a plan to completion. I have learned that you can't always control these things: sometimes a project may not go your way; meetings may need to be cancelled and rescheduled; changes may need to happen last minute to meet deadlines. But at the end of the day, I have learned that the important thing to consider is what can you do once these things happen, and how do you move forward. Being more solution-oriented in my approach to problems rather than getting fixated on the issue at hand helps me adapt to situations and is something I will continue to apply to not just future work, but other aspects of my life.

What advice would you give other students wanting to apply for the S@W Internship Program?

Go for it! You may feel like it is a lot, that you aren't qualified, or that it's not exactly related to what you want to do in the future. I really encourage all those people to consider how much they can learn from being a part of the S@W internship program. Challenges may come up, but there are challenges with everything. I have had 5 months with S@W so far, and I can attest that it's worth it. Everyone's experience with the program will be different, but if you are ready to make the most out of amazing chances like this, then you will gain so much out of this program.