Hi Emily, can you tell us a bit about your Warwick Internship Programme experience?

I was a Word Wizard at Tutor In A Box, working four days a week, and this time was split between creating educational resources and tutoring students in English. I made English resources for primary school English students in the form of monthly calendars and interactive resource booklets. I was given a lot of independence and creative freedom to make these resources, which I found extremely enjoyable. I met with my manager once a week, over a Zoom call, to discuss my progress and targets for the next week. I tutored students from primary school up to GCSE level in English. Following the internship, I was offered a permanent part-time role in the company as an English Tutor!

Would you recommend the programme?

In short - yes! I had an extremely enjoyable experience and I think the WIP is a fantastic opportunity to get a summer internship. Because of the length of the WIP (equivalent to 6 week full-time), I had plenty of time to go out and enjoy my summer holiday alongside working. It was an amazing way to develop and showcase skills I already had. I also gained a variety of new transferrable skills which I am able to take forward with me.

How can students get involved with this year’s WIP?

Take a look at the programme, the eligibility criteria, commitments and process timeline. Then you can register your interest for the internship opportunity and enrol on the WIP: Your Career in Progress e-platform. You'll receive email updates about the programme including the vacancies. You can also access programme information, application and interview tips to aid you throughout the process.

What are your top tips for students when applying for an internship?

Explore all of the internships that interest you. I am currently doing a Law degree, yet I worked as an intern at an Education and Tutoring business. Be open minded when exploring the internships and apply to those which really spark your interest. Also, make use of all of the resources which are provided by the WIP team. There are extremely useful tips for writing applications, tailoring CV’s and cover letters as well as interview advice! This year, there will also be WIP information sessions and WIP-tailored application and interview workshops, which can be booked from the e-platform.

What’s your advice for starting out on an internship?

Be enthusiastic! Starting out as an intern in a new company can be very daunting - but it is an incredible opportunity. Working for an SME was different from previous work I have undertaken. It was a much closer knit environment, everyone was extremely welcoming, friendly and helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, your team will be there to help you. Being enthusiastic can go a very long way - get stuck into tasks and perform to the best of your ability!

What’s your favourite meal to cook?

I really enjoy eating healthily so I have been making a lot of chicken, fish and veg dishes recently. Sweet chilli and soy salmon with sweet potatoes or tandoori chicken with rice are definitely my top two dishes. Although, I do love a McDonalds (sweet chilli wrap with an Oasis and fries is my go to order).

Do you have any pets?

I have two moor fish at home, one black and one orange. Their names are Bubbles and Carlos. At university I have a few house plants instead, aloe vera and some cacti!

Where is your dream holiday destination?

I would love to go to Japan. I would like to explore the country’s unique blend of bright, fast-paced city life compared to its more peaceful nature spots. I would try to go during Sakura season, the photos of the cherry blossom trees in full bloom are beautiful - it would be amazing to see in person. On top of this I enjoy exploring culture and architecture when I travel so that is what I would immerse myself in while travelling around Japan.

What’s in your travel mug, tea or coffee?

Tea all the way - any kind of herbal tea. In my kitchen cupboard I currently have green tea (of course), fennel tea, chamomile tea and mango and strawberry tea!

How do you unwind?

At the end of the day, to unwind, I love getting into comfy clothes and watching the US Office. I also find it quite relaxing to draw, so sometimes I will listen to some music and draw on my graphics tablet.