Josie Wiggins

My internship was with the HR team, experiencing what their usual days looked like. I’d had preconceived ideas about what HR was and what they do, however most of my assumptions turned out to be an extremely simplified version of what the job really entails. I was given work that ranged from simple admin to multiple interesting cases surrounding the workplace. 

I had background knowledge of TVCA due to familial connections and therefore knew that TVCA is an incredibly well respected organisation. Not only this, but when researching it came to my attention just how important TVCA is for the local community- something I would love to see thrive. That is what really finalised my decision to apply for this internship, the knowledge that combined authorities are something that my possibly be the future of local governments and I knew I would benefit massively from learning more about how it worked and how it is operated. 

Being an HR intern, I have a big interest in how corporations can humanise themselves, through building relationships with every member of their workforces and doing what is best for the wellbeing of everybody involved. Due to this, the most interesting project that I was given was the task to create a calendar that focused on the most important months for recognition and diversity. My task was to gather information, such as which important days or months were dedicated to which causes, and compile them. After this, I researched charities that would be willing to come in and train or give talks regarding their respective causes- this was used for bringing awareness during months of visibility, solidarity or celebration. I then drafted intranet posts the events that only lasted a day, so that the HR team could still bring awareness to a cause without the help of outside influence.  

Whilst there were things I could not participate in due to the specialist skills I needed, all this did was further my desire to one day be able to sit in the interviews that contained sensitive information- it gave me motivation to pursue this field in the future. I really enjoyed working with the HR team, I found that each member helped me grow in different ways, with each individual making sure I came away from my experience with newfound knowledge surrounding their area of expertise. I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of such a brilliant team, brilliant not only in their knowledge and skill, but also in their personality.  

My internship has given me so many skills that will definitely help me with my career. I have learnt so much regarding how a business is run in the background, obtaining skills from admin tasks to how to properly conduct an investigation interview and have been shown that both skills are just as important as each other. When I return to university, I now feel as if I have a lot more confidence where my assets are concerned, meaning I will be following this path in the future and I can be sure of my abilities thanks to what I have been taught.