5 minute read
Interns' Insights
Ben Sharp (MA History) talks to Melissa Rumbold about his time as Mary's Alumni Engagement Coordinator Intern.
I was responsible for organising and co-ordinating alumni events to ensure that alumni know about the developments that are taking place at St Mary ’ s College.
This opportunity has helped me with my confidence and will definitely encourage me to apply for internships in the future outside of Durham University.
Other colleges should provide this opportunity as it allows students to grow not only professionally but also personally. BEN SHARP
What was your favourite moment of the internship?
My favourite moment was helping set up for the 70th anniversary of the Ferguson Building and the subsequent celebrations for it. The evening involved fantastic entertainment as some of Mary's music scholars played the new Steinway piano in Kenworthy, and Mary's kitchen provided delicious refreshments.
The most important skill I have learnt is the ability to speak up when I have an idea or suggestion. All voices need to be heard in a workplace and I have felt my voice being really valued on this internship.
INTERNS' INSIGHTS
Lauren Eglin (MSc Marketing) & Grace Hogan (English Literature, 2nd Year) talk to Melissa Rumbold about what they've learnt from the Mary's Social Media Internship.
Lauren Eglin: I co-ran the St Mary's College social media content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter this year. The job involved creating informational posters about College and university-wide news and events, shooting and editing aesthetic pictures of College and Durham, and coming up with innovative ways to show off student life at St Mary's.
Grace Hogan: We ran all of the St Mary ’ s social media pages and made sure the college community stayed up to date and aware of what’ s happening within college life, whilst showcasing all the best bits of Mary ’ s life to current and prospective students.
LAUREN EGLIN
LE: The opportunity to develop my digital creativity and cater to a range of target markets (prospective students, current students and alumni) on multiple platforms has enabled me to really put the skills I am learning in my degree (MSc Marketing) to the test. This internship requires me to carry out my tasks whilst also completing my Master's degree; I have had to work on my time management skills. I also have so many scenarios that I can talk about in a job interview - I do feel a lot more employable as a result!
GH: It has given a completely unique insight into the running of College life and events, as well as the logistics of college social media marketing.
LE: It is a lovely way to stay involved with College life. I have had the opportunity to work with people from so many different societies and keep up to date with all the wonderful events going on in College and within the university community as a whole. It is lovely to contribute to the College's communications and connections to both prospective students and alumni, so I have had the chance to share the brilliant aspects of my college with a wide audience.
GRACE HOGAN
GH: It is a really eye-opening experience, one that I think can open a lot of doors for students, post-university. It is easy to manage alongside studies and other commitments, which is always a plus!
What was your favourite moment of the internship?
LE: I really loved making content for Lumiere 2021! It was so exciting to have such an impressive installation on St Mary's terrace. I visited the display every night and took lots of photos – I was sad to see it go. I also joined the Q&A session with the artist who designed the piece, Jim Campbell, and found his work and motivations so inspiring.
GH: Advertising the Mary ’ s library and reading room through our mystery book exchange.
LE: I think for me, the most important thing I have learnt has to be that it is ok to make mistakes! I am such a perfectionist and if I do not produce content that matches my expectations, I am very prone to beating myself up about it. This internship has shown me that it is worth thinking about how much work I have put in and considering the successes I have had, before I criticise myself. I can learn and grow from mistakes instead of trapping myself inside their web.
GH: Definitely balancing a schedule, knowing what to post and when to do it as well as learning about social media engagement and insights.
@stmaryscollegedurhamnews
President's Guest Night
5th May 2022
Photography by Shireen's Shots
