As I come to the end of my 2-month internship with MM Search, I really cannot believe how fast time flies. Staring out on my internship, I had a few goals: learn about business, understand what is expected of me as a full-time employee and make connections with the people around me. I am happy to say that I managed to fulfil all three of my goals. I can now say that I know a lot more about the business industry, that I have enjoyed full-time work and have made friends with my colleagues whom I know I can reach out to in the future.
The past 2 months at MM Search, totally exceeded my expectations. I never imagined that I would feel a part of the team so early on. I never expected that I would get the chance to be involved in so many projects and I never realised how much one can learn in such a short period of time. I have had the chance to speak to clients and candidates, work on the marketing strategy, give a presentation at my school and even submit a proposal for a new client. These are just some of the key things that I have been able to achieve in a short, but intense two months.
Undertaking an internship has changed the way I perceive my future goals and career path. By spending two months in industry, it has given me the chance to realise what I like and do not like about working. I have not liked living an hour away from the office. The long commute has shown me that when I graduate, I would like to live close to my place of work. Without this experience, I would not have known that commuting is not for me. On the other hand, I have loved the challenge of the job. This is something that I know I will search for post-graduation.
My biggest takeaway from the past two months is how company culture is so important when searching for a graduate job. During my internship, I have gotten to know the team so well and thoroughly enjoyed their company. I have felt like a valued member of the team and well-looked after by my managing partners. I now know that when I look for a graduate job, I will be in search of a company whose values and culture aligns with mine.
I am so proud to be able to call myself a Saltire Scholar. This opportunity has changed my perceptions of work and given me the opportunity to experience industry in such a great way. My internship has helped me develop professionally by giving me the experience of working in an office, working with colleagues and learning how to work in a professional team to meet deadlines. Personally, the past two months have shaped the way I perceive full-time work and also the way I perceive myself in the future. Honestly, I am less worried about my future. I now know that I have skills and experience in industry that I can apply in any job. Although, I may not have a 5-year plan lined out, I have confidence in myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to, and I would not be in this position without both The Saltire Programmes and MM Search.
