Before applying for an internship with the Centre, I felt uncertain about the direction I wanted my career to take, though I knew I was driven by a desire to contribute to meaningful, positive change. When I came across the advert, the role immediately stood out as both purposeful and a valuable opportunity to explore whether research was the right path for me.
Coming from a healthcare background, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the transition proved to be a refreshing and welcome shift. From the outset, the team was incredibly warm and supportive, creating a space where I felt safe to learn, ask questions, and grow. They understood that this role was a departure from my previous experience and were always willing to offer guidance and encouragement. That sense of belonging and shared purpose made a lasting impression and helped me settle into the work with confidence.
My key responsibilities the internship were varied, from suggesting edits for the Cyber Armour podcast one day, to writing government consultations or blog posts the next. The varied nature of tasks allowed me to develop many skills, mainly research and critical thinking. While I was supervised, I had a lot of freedom with determining what information and data was relevant to the different tasks, this helped develop confidence in myself. I had learned how to find credible sources, effectively include and cite them during my law degree, however, six months at the Centre solidified these skills and let me practice them in a professional manner without worrying about getting it wrong. The Centre provided a supportive and feedback rich environment where I was able to explore and refine my writing style, gradually aligning it with their standards and tone of communication.
One of my proudest achievements during the internship was being entrusted to author a formal response to a government consultation, an opportunity that came with minimal intervention from colleagues. This level of trust not only affirmed my ability to work independently but also significantly boosted my confidence in my professional judgement and communication skills. The process challenged me to apply the analytical, research, and writing abilities I’d developed throughout the placement in a real-world context, and it was incredibly rewarding to see my contribution valued at such a meaningful level.
More broadly, the internship reinforced my long-standing commitment to creating positive social impact, particularly in areas related to safety, equity, and inclusion. It also expanded my awareness of the wide range of sectors, beyond law and healthcare, where I can apply my skills to support mission driven work. From policy and safeguarding to data management and advocacy, I left the experience with a clearer sense of direction and a renewed motivation to pursue roles that align with my values and strengths.
My favourite part of the internship was meeting such a united team with a shared passion for wanting to see real change. Their dedication to helping women and girls feel safer was motivating and refreshing, and I can’t wait to see the policy reform and development derived from the Centre’s work!
