National Intern Week (23 to 27 September) is an ideal time to underscore the profound impact of internships on career development. This week is dedicated to showcasing the importance of internships and placements featuring a variety of online events and resources from employers across the UK. At TALA, we are committed to supporting this initiative, as we recognise the essential role internships play in fostering professional growth throughout the year.
Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience and provide a comprehensive insight into the professional world. At TALA, we have observed firsthand how internships benefit both interns and our organisation. Interns gain practical skills, experience and help contribute to important projects, while businesses benefit from their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm.
Izzy’s Role in the ‘On The Record’ Project
A notable example of the value of internships is the recent experience of Izzy Staples, who joined us in August for a month-long internship. Izzy was instrumental to an ongoing ‘On The Record’ project, an initiative to establish the UK’s first memorial dedicated to journalists killed on the frontline, to be located at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Her involvement in setting up this project formally as a charity illustrates the depth of engagement and responsibility that internships can offer.
Izzy’s tasks involved managing the paperwork for the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registration, which is a complex and critical process for establishing a charity. She also contributed to the development of essential elements for the application to the National Memorial Arboretum, guiding the project through their memorial application process.
Additionally, Izzy compiled lists of Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) and media owners, which were crucial for the fundraising contact plan. Her role extended to working on a design brief and creating a fundraising document to use in our 1-2-1 meetings with clients and partners. This involvement in diverse and high-profile tasks highlights how internships provide real and impactful experience.
Izzy was instrumental to an ongoing ‘On The Record’ project, an initiative to establish the UK’s first memorial dedicated to journalists killed on the frontline, to be located at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Her involvement in setting up this project formally as a charity illustrates the depth of engagement and responsibility that internships can offer.
The Broader Impact of Internships
Run correctly, internships offer more than just introductory exposure to a field. They play a crucial role in career development by allowing individuals to acquire essential skills, workplace experience and gain a realistic view of their chosen profession. They help interns evaluate their career interests and build confidence in their abilities. For organisations, internships are an opportunity to infuse teams with new ideas and energy. The fresh ‘outside eyes’ perspectives brought by interns can drive innovation and contribute to overall team dynamism.
At TALA, we prioritise giving our interns real responsibilities and opportunities in the agency to make a tangible impact. This approach not only provides interns with practical experience but also benefits our team by integrating their ideas and energy to our projects.
Commitment to Continuous Development
Our dedication to professional growth extends beyond National Intern Week. At TALA, continuous learning is embedded in our company culture. We provide ongoing training, resources, and development opportunities for all team members, including interns. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their role, has the opportunity to continually enhance their skills to help grows their careers.
National Intern Week serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of internships. It is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of interns and their role in career development. At TALA, we are happy to support this campaign week and will continue to provide meaningful internship opportunities throughout the year and celebrate the achievements of all our interns.
As well as being committed to providing impactful internship experiences, we also recognise the vital role they play in helping to shape the future of our industry.
