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Intern Testimonial

1. What would be your typical day at Right To Play?

I worked both from home and in the office. Inevitably most of my time was spent in front of a laptop, however I also had the opportunity to attend both internal and external meetings as well as fundraising events.

I had three main tasks. The first was to research, via the internet, charitable trusts and other funding organisations in order to pinpoint potential targets for funding proposals. The second, in a similar vein, was to research large businesses who demonstrated values and aims in alignment with Right To Play's work, who could become partners and supporters of the charity. I constructed a spreadsheet with information on both the funding organisations and businesses to be used by the Deputy Director as part of his strategic plan for future proposals and partnerships.

The third task, and by the most substantial was to plan, collect and edit material for the latest edition of Right To Play UK's Red Ball Magazine. I was entrusted with thinking of topics to be covered; with contacting and briefing potential contributors; collecting photos and editing the articles in preparations for the magazine's design. This was a great responsibility and a challenging experience. The finished magazine was certainly something to be proud and very rewarding to see.

In summary, although I was desk-based for most of the time, the work varied greatly; from reading business reports and funding proposals to contacting the Right To Play field offices in Uganda and Lebanon and editing a magazine. I was involved in meetings and treated like an ordinary member of the team.

2. How often did you work?

I generally worked one day a week, Friday, but came in when I was needed. This might mean two or three days a week, or sometimes helping out at events on occasional weekends and evenings.

3. Where were you based?

I worked from home or in the office in Guildford. (Right To Play UK have since moved to the West End)

4. What skills did you learn during your time here?

Everything involved with preparing the Red Ball Magazine challenged and forced me to learn. I developed more writing and editing skills as well as my knowledge of marketing and communications. I had to be very organised to collect all the various items together and work towards a strict deadlines.

More generally, simply working alongside such an experienced and knowledgeable group of people allowed me to learn about the inner workings of a charity. They often held open, frank discussions regarding various aspects of the organisation and I was able to garner a great deal about fundraising and communications as well as understanding how financing of the field offices was planned and implemented.

5. Who would this internship appeal to?

Anyone looking to start a career in the charity/development sector who would like to contribute to a fantastic cause whilst working in fun environment with a motivated and inspiring team.

By: Tom Palmer

 

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