Pre-internship blog

As the first of the 2010 Brunswick internships begins, each of the interns introduces themselves and describes their journey so far…

This is the first blog entry from the 2010 Brunswick Six,
click here to return to the blog index

Akila Jayahama

It was in early March that I first heard about this opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to learn about and experience the world of PR on a day-to-day basis. I was particularly excited about the prospect of getting involved in a programme supported by a highly respected company like Brunswick, and I knew that this was something that I would love to be part of.

Having the application form in front of me, with millions of ideas running through my head, deciding what to actually put down was a daunting task. I knew I had to sell myself and make my application stand out. It took me almost a week to complete the form and gather the courage to send it off.

Once it was sent, I didn’t give it much more thought, assuming I wouldn’t be chosen. But, to my surprise, a couple of days later I got the phone call saying I had got through to the next stage. This was the assessment centre, a day of tests and interviews alongside the other candidates.

I found the day itself to be very enjoyable. I tried my best to impress the big guns and, by the end of the day, had everything crossed. Later that evening I got the phone call.

At first it felt like time had stood still, but as soon as I heard the word “congratulations” I felt like running around the whole of London letting everyone else know! But I composed myself and, in a calm tone, simply said “thank you”.

As a soon as the phone was put down I rang everyone I knew and told them, and even posted the news as my status on Facebook. Now that I have been given this opportunity, I must be ready to learn and adapt to the working world of PR. This is an opportunity I very much look forward to, and plan to challenge myself to succeed.

Ataur Rahman

I heard about the Brunswick Internship via an email from the UEL Employability Unit. I knew very little about PR, so wasn’t sure whether to attend the information sessions. But I persuaded myself that there was nothing to lose by attending. With hindsight, I’m extremely glad I did!

During the first session, I was told about the purpose of the internship and the skills needed in PR. At the second, I heard from representatives from the three companies involved, and met with some of their employees.

After researching those companies, and reading the blogs written by the graduates who had taken part in 2008 and 2009, I understood what a great opportunity this was; not least because Brunswick itself is a prestigious and internationally renowned company.

I put a lot of effort into the application form and was overjoyed to hear that I had got through to the assessment centre. That consisted of a group exercise, presentations, interviews, speed networking and aptitude tests. The assessors were really friendly and approachable, though, while I did enjoy the day, I found it mentally draining.

I was delighted when I got a call saying I had been selected. It felt like all the hard work and effort had paid off.

Brenda-Kammell Atuona

I received an email from UEL’s Employability Unit about an internship in PR with a world-leading financial communications firm. The people behind it were looking for candidates from any academic discipline.

I saw this as a perfect opportunity to gain invaluable experience of and a practical insight into this interesting industry. After attending a presentation at UEL by two representatives from Unicorn Jobs and two successful interns from the previous programme, I was convinced that this was what I wanted to do and was inspired to put in an ‘award-winning’ application.

Once I had been shortlisted for the assessment day, I set about preparing for my meeting with the assessors. However, no amount of planning could prime me for the nerves I felt that morning. But, as the day progressed, and the more I liased with other candidates and conversed with representatives of the three organisations involved, the more at ease and the more comfortable I felt.

I spent the journey home reflecting on the day’s events. I had been through a rigorous assessment day with many other high quality candidates and felt I had given it my best shot. But who knew what would happen? Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I received the phone call informing me that I had been successful in securing a place on the programme.

The most important thing for me was receiving the honest and in depth feedback from the assessors afterwards. It has helped me to identify my personal strengths and weaknesses, and given me a very good idea about how I was received as a candidate.

As well as using the opportunity to gain crucial insights into how the financial PR industry operates, I’m looking forward to gaining skills that will equip me to become a future leader in the communications sector.

Keosha Blackwood

As semester A of my final year at university was drawing to a close, and 2010 was just around the corner, it hit me that in just a few months time I would hopefully be a graduate. It was then I got scared.

I heard about the internship programme with Brunswick through a UEL email, sent by the employability team. I went along to both of the information sessions to find out more and, after listening intently to a variety of speakers, was fully informed and confident enough to complete the application form.

The assessment day was an interesting process that had me filled with nerves. It consisted of an intense schedule of tasks, tests, presentations and interviews. By the end of the long and tiring day I was more anxious than ever, waiting for the all important phone call.

When I received the call from Laura three days later, congratulating me on securing my place on the internship, it really took my breath away. I feel both excited and anxious as I count down the days until this amazing opportunity commences.

Nahidur Rahman

Graduating in 2010, at a time where unemployment is at its highest, I realised employment prospects weren’t going to be great. I started applying for jobs at the turn of the year and was adamant I would try and make myself as employable as possible.

I didn’t want to be one of the unlucky graduates with no employment after spending so much time and money on higher education. Though, despite studying Marketing, I still wasn’t entirely sure what career I wanted to pursue. All I knew was that I wanted to be successful in whatever sector I chose. I now hope the Brunswick Internship will be the first step towards that successful career.

I remember hearing about the programme last year, and made a mental note to look out for it again when I was in my final year. Then the email came round from the UEL employability team offering an “opportunity for a fantastic paid internship in communications”.

The email asked: “Are you a great communicator with good writing skills?” and “Are you interested in the media and looking to work with successful businesses?” I found myself saying ‘yes’ to both questions, and decided this opportunity was totally for me.

After replying to the email, I joined about forty other students at a presentation at UEL where we found out what PR and communciations involved, and were told what the internship entailed. Again, I found myself intrigued about this opportunity.

I then attended another more formal information session at the UEL Knowledge Dock where we were told more about PR, communications, Brunswick, Taylor Bennet, Unicorn Jobs and the process of applying and attending the assessment centre. The session also allowed us to meet and talk to current Brunswick employees who were abundantly helpful with hints and tips.

Having heard all of this, I realised that this opportunity suited me very well, and then the realisation of how badly I wanted it hit. I went away to research the industry so that I was informed enough to fill out the application.

Having got through the application process, I got to attend the ‘dreaded’ assessment centre at the Stephen Lawrence Centre in Deptford. The day didn’t start very well for me, because I was involved in a car accident on the way to the Centre. Needless to say, that didn’t help with my nerves. Nonetheless, I managed to get through the intense day, full of tests, tasks, presentations and interviews, and topped off with a delightful lunch.

The long day had drained me out. I headed home knowing I had given it my all and hoped for the best. A couple of hours later I got a call from Laura and I was delighted to hear her say the words, “congratulations you have made it through…” I was ecstatic. I felt privileged, considering so many people had applied. But also pleased with myself, because all the hard work had finally paid dividend.

Thandi Alnwick

I received an email from UEL’s employability office titled ‘Brunswick Internship Programme’. After reading the email and doing some research about the company, I set my sights on gaining a place on the scheme.

When I attended the internship information evening at UEL I was a bit nervous. But my mind was put at ease by the end of the session. I knew more about Brunswick, what they did, why they did it, and I was interested in every bit of it.

I sent off my application and was later invited to attend the assessment day. At first I was not sure what the day would entail, but Laura Barkaway held a briefing session back at UEL which gave me all the information I needed to prepare myself accordingly.

The assessment day was both exciting and daunting. When it was over I felt relieved, but still nervous about whether or not I had made it through. I went home and later received a phone call from Laura congratulating me on getting a place on the programme. I couldn’t contain my happiness!

Now that I am about to begin the Brunswick Internship Programme, again I am both excited but nervous. I am eager to get to work.