Sachin Somanna

I applied because I wanted to do more than get office experience; I wanted to be part of meaningful projects that make a real difference to people in my home region. The public sector appealed to me because it’s mission-driven: That regional focus and the opportunity to contribute to long-term, tangible outcomes are what drew me in. 

The application process itself was straightforward and reassuring. It started with a clear online application form, followed by an in-person interview that was relaxed but professional and focused on competency questions, a good chance to explain how my studies and past roles prepared me. A supportive phone call from the hiring manager followed soon after to give me the outcome, which set the tone for how organised and thoughtful the whole programme has been. 

From day one, I’ve been treated as a real member of the team, not “just an intern”. The Performance, Risk and Assurance team have looked after me so well: my manager, Angela, has been encouraging, Jayne (my buddy) has been brilliant at guiding me through processes and introducing me to people, and Angela’s positivity shapes the office atmosphere. I’ve learned so much during my time here. 

I’ve been fully involved in team life, attending internal and external meetings, joining afternoon walks, taking part in team banter and the random jokes that kept us all smiling. But the most significant responsibility I was given was my project: Angela asked me to design a managerial dashboard to track the team’s KPIs. I stepped into the role of project manager, applying the tools and techniques I’ve learnt at university to gather requirements, design, test, and present a practical dashboard. using skills in stakeholder engagement, planning and scheduling, requirements gathering, problem-solving, and quality assurance. There were a few hiccups, as you’d expect on a first project, but each one was a learning moment that taught me resilience, how to troubleshoot under pressure, and how to adapt plans when new information appears. I can now confidently say this dashboard is the first piece in my professional portfolio. 

Working on that project while also managing day-to-day tasks has significantly improved my organisation and time management skills more than anything else I’ve experienced so far. Balancing meetings, stakeholder input, development tasks, and deadlines required me to carefully plan my days, prioritise effectively, and communicate proactively when unexpected issues arose. As a result, I feel much more disciplined in my approach. I have become better at estimating time, setting realistic milestones, and keeping stakeholders updated, skills that are vital for the project manager I aspire to be. 

I highly recommend the TVCA summer internship to other students. You don’t have to be perfect to apply; just be yourself, maintain a positive attitude, and show a genuine interest in the public sector. During your time here, aim to contribute value. There are many departments to explore, including Net Zero, Investment, and Business & Skills. No matter your background, you’re likely to find a place where you can learn and make a meaningful impact. 

After completing my university studies, I want to become a successful project manager, delivering meaningful projects that positively impact people’s lives. This internship has been an invaluable step toward achieving that goal. It has provided me with practical experience, enhanced my professional confidence, and demonstrated how rewarding it is to collaborate with a team dedicated to making a difference. I take pride in what I have accomplished and am grateful to the individuals who supported me along the way.