Laura Mason

Graduate graduate of BA Theatre and Performance Studies (with Stuart Burns, Head of Programmes), worked as Programme Coordinator with Orchestras for All (OFA)

Laura assisted in the daily running of the charity and supported the programme planning and delivery of Orchestras for All, which challenges disadvantage through music and gives 11-18 year olds the life-changing experience of making music together. The internship was extended after the completion of WGI. Orchestras for All has hosted 2 internships for the last 2 WGI programmes.

Quote from Laura: “My Warwick Graduate Internship has enabled me to gain real-world experience and develop skills in order to thrive in an arts organisation. Before this internship, I struggled to get a job in this competitive industry, feeling that I didn't have enough experience to be taken seriously. I feel much more confident when applying for jobs that I have the right experience and can fulfil the person specification. I have enjoyed my three-month internship and worked with incredibly supportive co-workers who have helped me develop as a young professional.”

Outcome & Skills gained: “I helped successfully organise events for the charity, including a fundraising event, three regional schools events and one residential trip for young musicians. I sourced a new contact for the organisation, initially contacting them by email and arranging a face-to-face meeting. This resulted in a new partnership with the charity and other organisation. I also taught colleagues how to use Facebook Live, which was then used to live-stream all events the charity organised.

I developed a number of new skills during my internship. I furthered my knowledge of social media and built on my creative skills by creating new content for the charity's social media sites. Their Facebook page reached almost 1000 people, whilst their Twitter had over 1500 followers. I learnt how to write press releases and how to source new press contacts.

I learnt how to use a Mac laptop, and furthered my knowledge of Microsoft programmes, including Excel. In addition to this, I also learnt how to update and maintain an online database for the company.

Not only did I work in a team, but I also had to work independently and built on communication skills, as my employer started working remotely in Australia half-way through my internship. I built on my communication skills, and used email/Skype to communicate with someone on the other side of the world in a different time zone. This enabled me to prioritise my workload, as there was only a three-hour time-slot that we were working at the same time.

I definitely became more confident communicating with people, especially via email and over the phone. I could maintain professional whilst dealing with queries and complaints, and always tried to come to a solution.

Working with young people developed different communication skills to working with adults, and I learnt to adapt my working style for their different needs. ”

Employer Feedback: “Hosting a fully funded intern position supported our small team to deliver a large number of events, as well as providing crucial administrative support. The outcome of hiring Laura was three months of high quality support for our programme delivery team - and an extension of her placement with us for an additional month to support on further upcoming events.”

Warwick Graduate Internships Programme

Warwick Graduate Internships Programme

4 . WGI Impact for previous cohorts

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