Intern of the Year 2016

Hello 2017 and those that are reading this blog; happy new year!

I’m Michael, a second year Business Management student in Cambridge. I’m sure we’ve all enjoyed ourselves and are making the most of the break that we have (for those that have exams, I’m with you). Time to reminisce of what was a hectic 2016 I have had both at uni and at home.

Early on, I was selected to become an intern with the Lord Ashcroft International Business School (LAIBS), and what a fun eight months that has been! From running through Ely city centre solving clues, networking, making great friends, and even climbing the O2 arena; I have had a whale of a time in the programme and recommend all to apply. I’ve definitely become more confident because of this.

I finished my first year of uni in June, after my exams, and it was a great academic year overall. I’ve met some fantastic individuals of all ages and backgrounds and achieved a good first-year grade. A busy summer working my part-time job, as well as working at university in Clearing to save up for my new accommodation in Cambridge, as I was previously a commuting student.

I worked during Clearing, which was also thanks to the intern programme, talking to applicants about university life and what it has to offer. I worked as many hours as I could and enjoyed every minute of it. Staff and students worked alongside each other in the call centre, so it was nice to get to know everyone a bit better.

Fast forward to late September, welcoming new students to the university, and enjoying my first week back; unfortunately, I was taken ill before second week could begin. I spent three weeks in hospital and a further two weeks recovering round my friend’s after a few operations on my stomach. I was devastated to miss five weeks overall, and was worried about the upcoming assignments.

The staff were very supportive throughout and ensured that I had everything I needed to get back on track. I was granted an extension over the Christmas break which was a life-saver in helping me to catch up on a huge chunk of work that I missed out on. My assignments were eventually submitted just three days after the original deadline, as I had caught up relatively quickly.

I’d just like to finish this blog to talk again about the intern programme (you should really apply – I’m staying on as a LAIBS Senior Intern!). In November, it was the intern awards evening. There has been some amazing talent in this year’s cohort and everyone was deserving of a prize. I was honoured to receive the Intern of the Year accolade for ‘engagement and continuous development’ and ‘enthusiasm in working and helping others’. I’m #ARUProud to be part of a fantastic university and part of an award-winning extra curriculum development programme. I wish you all the best for 2017 (and good luck for any upcoming exams!)