Meet Alex, 22, from Bristol. She works in Salisbury as a communications intern for the charity Horatio's Garden. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.
I wanted work that had a moral purpose.
What is your job?
I work for a charity called Horatio’s Garden – they create and nurture gorgeous gardens in NHS Spinal Centres for patients and their loved ones. We also offer patients the chance to take part in weekly garden and art therapy sessions, which are designed to help people’s physical and mental rehabilitation. I promote events on all of our social media platforms, and make sure that people are attending. I write a lot for the website, updating news and events. I try to go to the gardens at least once a week.
What skills do you use in your job?
When I’m writing emails and articles, I have to adapt my tone to fit our charity. Also, being open and talking to people really helps as you have to be open to communicating with people such as press s and volunteers. Organisation is important for keeping on top of stuff! I also have to be sensitive to the people I’m around, because I’m often with patients, as well as being around colleagues.
What subjects did you study?
For GCSEs I picked Photography, German, History and Geography and for A-levels I did English Language, English Literature, Geography and History. My degree is in History. English and History are two subjects I really enjoyed, and doing History at university was really helpful, because it taught me attention to detail when I’m writing. Also, the analytical skills that these subjects give you helps.
How did you get into your job?
My position is funded by the Rank Foundation, who young interns who are figuring out what they want to do. They fund you for a year in your placement, and you can learn new skills and meet new people.
Top tips
Don’t panic, because you’ve got plenty of time to decide!
Do things you really enjoy
University can be hard, but it’s also incredibly rewarding – you just have to believe in yourself
Research the companies you want to work for and see if they fit with your ethos because, if they don’t, you probably won’t feel very fulfilled.
When Alex finishes her internship, she could have the opportunity to apply for jobs such as a press officer. Press officers manage an organisation's public image and reputation.
What to expect if you want to be a press officer
- Press officer average salary: £18,000 to £50,000 per year
- Press officer typical working hours: 38 to 40 hours per week
What qualifications do you need to be a press officer?
You could get into this role via a university course, a college course, an apprenticeship or specialist courses run by a professional body.
Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service
This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Find out more
Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.
Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.
Vanessa: digital marketing assistant. video
Vanessa works as a digital marketing assistant for a theatre.
Isaac: filmmaker and vlogger. video
Isaac makes films and vlogs about his life, editing with his feet!
Natasha: apprentice journalist. video
Natasha's completing an 18-month apprenticeship in Halifax.
