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Gateway to Careers: Social Impact ›

Gateway to Careers: Social Impact

What is the Gateway to Careers: Social Impact Programme?

If you are passionate about a cause or a social or environmental issue and want to explore what you can do to make a difference, then this is the programme for you! In summer 2024, the University of Exeter is partnering with the School for Social Entrepreneurs to deliver 4 week/140 hours of paid internships with a social enterprise in Devon and Cornwall, giving you a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes and deliver projects that create impact.

The programme comprises of 2 key elements:

SSE-led training- Four half days delivered by the School for Social Entrepreneurs. This taught element will be fun, interactive, supportive and will include sessions introducing you to social enterprises. These take place online via Zoom

Monday 15 July 09:30 – 12:30

Tuesday 16 July 09:30 – 12:30

Wednesday 17 July 09:30 – 12:30

Thursday 18 July 09:30 – 12:30

Friday 19 July 09:30 – 12:30

During the training, not only will you be introduced to the work of social enterprises and how they function but you will also have the opportunity to share your own ideas and gain support from SSE if you are interested in your own start-up! Recieve talks from social enterprises and experts to boost your knowledge and drive to support local communities.

Paid Internship- 20 days/140 hours of work which can be completed between the end of July 2024 to mid-October 2024. The location and times of working are to be agreed between the student and the social enterprise they are matched with. There will be a variety of remote/virtual, in-person and hybrid roles on offer so there will be something to suit everyone! You can either work full or part time depending on your circumstances at a rate of £13.45 per hour.

Benefits and Outcome:

You will gain a good understanding of:

The world of social enterprise: national and international structures and organisations
Social Enterprise models
The mind-set of a social entrepreneur
Design Thinking
Theory of Change
Business Planning and Income Generation opportunities using Business Model Canvas
Managing and responding to challenges and opportunities
Have received relevant, rewarding and paid work experience!

All students on the programme will be invited to a post programme reflection and debrief session online. Students who will work full-time on their internship during August will join the reflection session on September 2nd and students who work part-time will join the reflection session October 21st 2024. This gives you a chance to reconnect with your peers, share your experience with each other, reflect on your learning and consider what your next steps might be as a result of your experience on the programme. It is also a chance for SSE to learn from you on what worked well and what we might improve for future students.

Programme Facilitators:

Sally Jones – Entrepreneurship Delivery Lead at School for Social Entrepreneurs Sally joined School for Social Entrepreneurs in 2013 as part of the Learning Team in Cornwall. She has worked on many EU funded programmes supporting individuals and community businesses at pre-start, start-up and growth stages of development. She is an Action Learning Facilitator and is currently an Entrepreneurship Delivery Lead for a range of programmes across the UK. Sally’s background is in community engagement and project development in both Cornwall and Ireland. She is also a traditional crafts woman and a Forest School Practitioner.

Sally Jones LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonessally/

Aylin Uysal – Entrepreneurship Facilitator at School for Social Entrepreneurs After studying Design Thinking and working in the education sector at a foundation in Berlin, Aylin joined School for Social Entrepreneurs in 2022. She participated in one of SSE’s programmes in 2020 herself, starting her Yoga business ‘Circles & Cycles’ where she focuses on connecting people with their bodies through movement, sharing and mindfulness. Aylin has worked in various community engagement roles in the past, including Falmouth University where she was matching students and local Cornish businesses to create win-win internships.

Aylin Uysal LinkedIn profile: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/aylin-uysal-a20186185

Aylin will be with you throughout the 5 half-days facilitating the sessions and giving you the support and guidance you need.

Eligibility:

We welcome applications from Undergraduate students across all campuses and faculties and no previous subject experience is required to apply! We particularly encourage applications from students who do not have work experience. However, for full eligibility criteria please see below:

You will be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the time of the internship (ie. will be returning as a full time undergraduate student in September 2024)
You meet one or more of the Widening Participation Criteria (this programme is funded through the Access and Participation Plan to support students who meet the WP criteria)
Even if the internship is remote working, you must be physically based in the UK to undertake the role.*
You can fully commit to the working hours of your internship, please do not apply if you will be working another internship or full time position at the same time.
You must fully commit to attending all Learning Sessions and must fully commit to completing all internship hours within the period stated.
If you work part-time and your hours extend into term 1 of the 2024/5 academic year, you are restricted to 15 hours a week.

Right to Work (RTW)

You must have the right to work in the UK at the point the Gateway to Careers: Social Impact programme commences in July 2024 and this must cover both the training and the internship taking place into August 2024.

*Please refer to the university's webpage here for further information on the university's position on remote/homeworking outside the UK.

How to Apply:

The deadline for applications onto the 2024 programme is 9am 22nd April 2024

Please apply directly to the School for Social Entrepreneurs HERE

Intern: Jyoti, University of Exeter

“My sincere thanks to Nour for granting me the opportunity to intern as a Data Analyst at Inspiring Women Network, a remarkable women-led organisation dedicated to building a diverse and meaningful community for women. During my internship, I gained practical experience in data collection, cleaning, and analysis. I collaborated with Nour and the team to address critical business questions with data-driven insights. I utilised tools like Tableau, Excel and Alteryx to manipulate and visualise data, revealing valuable trends. Additionally, I contributed to creating reports and dashboards for effective communication.

This internship enhanced my problem-solving skills and deepened my understanding of data analytics, providing a strong foundation for my future career. Nour’s support, guidance, and inspiration were invaluable throughout the internship, motivating me to make a positive impact in the community for women”.

Director Nourallah Chakroun expresses sincere gratitude to Jyoti for her outstanding work during the internship. This experience underscores the importance of structured internship programs in connecting aspiring professionals with social enterprises and fostering a culture of growth and support. Beyond conventional data analysis, Jyoti displayed a keen interest in exploring new tools, particularly in crafting impactful infographics. This added layer of creativity enhanced our reporting capabilities, effectively communicating our mission and objectives. Such contributions are fundamental to the success of any social enterprise.

Intern: Ying, University of Exeter

Let's dive into the inspiring journey of Ying, our stellar intern at The Woodland Presents CIC, as shared by our amazing Director, Sylvia Mohabir. This case study is a testament to the incredible impact interns can make in supporting social enterprises.

Ying, our dynamic intern, played a pivotal role in the research and business planning phases of our Woods for Wellness project. At a crucial juncture where we were shaping our woodland venue to be more accessible, expanding mental health services, and seeking new partnerships, Ying stepped in and helped pull the entire project together. Ying seamlessly blended their skills and knowledge from university and SSE workshops, making a significant impact on our project. Their fresh perspective and innovative ideas breathed new life into our initiatives, pushing boundaries and challenging us to think bigger.

What made Ying's experience truly enriching was the hands-on involvement in a responsible role within our social enterprise. This wasn'tjust about theory; it was about real-world experience. Ying had the opportunity to witness firsthand how The Woodland Presents CIC operates and contributes to our mission.

Working hand in hand, Sylvia and Ying planned the internship structure, ways of working, and the goals they aimed to achieve. This collaborative approach laid a strong foundation, ensuring a positive and productive internship experience. It's like building a house together – with each brick carefully placed to create something lasting. Sylvia Mohabir's vision extends beyond just this internship. She believes that taking on interns is a fantastic way for graduates to gain hands-on experience, especially in areas they are passionate about. It's not just about adding another line to your CV; it's about broadening your understanding, deepening your knowledge, and honing your work ethics.

To all the future interns out there, consider this your invitation! Joining a social enterprise is not just about getting a job; it's about becoming part of a community that strives to make a positive impact. The Woodland Presents CIC is ready to welcome more interns because, as Sylvia puts it, it's a "wonderful way" to set yourselves up for future jobs and careers.

Ying's journey with The Woodland Presents CIC is a shining example of the transformative power of internships within social enterprises. It's an invitation to all the students and graduates out there – step into the world of social impact, bring your skills, and watch as you not only make a difference in the world but also set the stage for your own incredible future.

Intern: Emilio, University of Exeter

Get ready for an inspiring journey as we unfold the story of Emilio's positive impact on The Mental Health Community's workplace inclusion program. Buckle up – it's a tale of dedication, creativity, and genuine commitment that shows the incredible possibilities when passion meets purpose.

Emilio, our stellar contributor, didn't just join the workplace inclusion program – he became the driving force behind it. His proactive approach to managing projects and financial aspects showcased a dedication that goes beyond the ordinary. From day one, Emilio didn't just work; he became a crucial part of bringing the organisation's goals to life.

What sets Emilio apart is his commendable initiative to understand the very essence of The Mental Health Community – its work, values, and mission. It's not just about tasks; it's about connecting with the heartbeat of the cause. This level of dedication is truly commendable and sets the stage for a meaningful journey.

Emilio's commitment goes beyond the surface – he genuinely cares about the success of the program. His ability to connect with the cause, ask the right questions, and provide valuable insights showcases a passion for making a real impact. It's not just a job; it's a mission he believes in.

Emilio's contributions extend to the creative realm, where his flair for social media content creation and product development shines. His creativity and strategic thinking became the secret sauce that added vibrancy to the program. It's not just about doing the task; it's about elevating it to something extraordinary.

The working relationship between Emilio and the team isn't just about tasks and deadlines; it's a synergy marked by care, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Emilio's interpersonal skills create a collaborative and inspiring work environment – a space where ideas flourish, and everyone feels valued.

Emilio's journey with The Mental Health Community is a beacon of inspiration for all the future interns out there. It's not just about tasks on a to-do list; it's about being part of a movement that truly makes a difference. So, if you're ready to bring your passion and skills to the table, know that there's a place for you to create positive change.