Anna Hardwick
Politics and Sociology student Anna completed a research internship with the charity Slow Shopping.
I completed a 50-hour internship with the charity Slow Shopping as a Research Intern. During the internship I gathered primary data on shopping habits and accessibility of retail through questionnaires and a focus group, while researching the policy landscape for disability in-depth. This research culminated in a final report, where I analysed the collected data and identified key themes, making recommendations to stakeholders, including policymakers and retail companies.
I wanted to do an internship to gain valuable work experience alongside my degree and to my professional development in a field I am passionate about. I chose the internship with Slow Shopping as I strongly aligned with the values and goals of the charity. In addition, I believe that the skills and knowledge I acquired through my degree, such as research methods and disability studies, made me well-suited for this internship which focused on accessibility in shopping.
I first learned about the internship through an email from the Careers Service. After applying I was kept updated on the progress of my application and provided valuable support by the Careers Service in preparing for the interview. Throughout the internship, the NCL Internships team maintained regular check-ins to offer guidance and ensure the experience was going smoothly.
I gained many valuable skills from the internship, most notably first-hand experience of applying research methods in a public-facing setting and observing meetings and collaborations with external organisations and businesses. I also developed skills in networking, data analysis and report writing. I believe these skills have prepared me for a graduate role by equipping me with practical experience and professional confidence. This internship has strengthened my adaptability and communication skills, enabling me to navigate complex projects and contribute innovative ideas.