As a Charity Fundraising and Partnerships intern for YWCA Yorkshire, I supported the Communications Consultant and charity’s senior leadership team in producing storytelling content about fundraising and celebratory events that was used with audiences to engage further support. I had the opportunity to copywrite and design digital content to be used across different platforms to target wider audiences. These ranged from social media posts, to company handbooks and press releases.

One of my larger projects consisted of co-directing and producing a video series for the company. For this, I drafted the initial scripts and organised the location of filming, then completed the production and editing using Adobe Premiere Pro. All graphics and assets made were designed using Canva. I also utilised networks and partnerships to further develop our fundraising strategy. 

Responsible for assisting in the organisation of biweekly walks as well as monthly events. Event planning consisted of liaising  with local businesses and charities, as well as ensuring all logistics were in order. Managing the collectives LinkedIn account, providing up-to-date and important information.

Networking – Consulting – Organisational Skills – Content Creation – Marketing

As a product development placement student, my role involved all aspects of product design and development primarily throughout the NPI (New Product Introduction) process, enabling me to contribute to new products and product improvements across the Ostomy sector. I contributed as a team member to allocated work-streams within development projects, with set targets to meet project goals and ensure products met user and market requirements. I was thoroughly involved in the entire design process including; concept development, idea generation, prototyping modelling, proof-of-concept design, and technical product testing.

I carried out diligent laboratory testing as directed, including creation of test protocols, designing and procuring test apparatus, analysis of results and report writing. The latter included providing input to technical reports and design documentation for internal and external users to review whilst ensuring that the content is accurate and informed.

I often conducted user evaluation and insight sessions with nurses and patients aimed at acquiring qualitative and quantitative data to drive product design decisions. And had the opportunity to lead design review activities, presenting technical updates, pitching design solutions and findings to key stakeholders.

Creative Design – Test Method Development – Data Analysis – Prototyping – Interpersonal

I volunteered to be an Academic Representative and worked to represent the views of my peers on my course through formal and informal structures. By attending department meetings, sharing ideas with other students and liaising with University staff, I gained skills in the following:

* Communication and Negotiation.

* Public speaking and chairing meetings.

* Specialising in areas of research, leadership and campaigning.

I previously undertook this role during my time at the University of Huddersfield, Sep 2019- Jun 2020.

GEMsoc is the social society for those studying General Engineering, however it is an open society for anyone to join.

I was elected for this role to be in direct contact with students who may face barriers with getting involved in the society. I was responsible for making sure everyone in the society feels welcome regardless of ability, religion, age, gender, race, sexuality, etc. I counteracted these barriers by talking to all new members at our social events on a 1-to-1 basis. I also encouraged the introduction of more inclusive socials/activities.

During my time, I introduced a Mental Health Talk for first years to help signpost where they can seek help throughout their degree. Our course is very challenging especially in first year, this was not long after the Covid-19 pandemic too, so it felt only right to raise awareness for the younger years.

I was elected to serve on the Sheffield RAG (`Raising and Giving’) Committee, which promotes and showcases fundraising at the University, represents student fundraisers’ interests, co-ordinates fundraising events, recognises fundraisers’ achievements through marketing/celebration events and supports the Community Fundraiser by guiding programme development.

I worked closely with the Fundraising Coordinator to oversee the finances of the RAG committee. This includes creating event budgets with events teams, accounting and monitoring incomings and expenditure, financial forecasting for the year ahead and training committee members on internal banking procedures. I monitored and evaluated financial progress throughout the year, alongside authorising purchases and reporting expenditure.

During this time, I applied for additional funding from an Alumni grant to organise a rebrand, this involved writing a financial plan of the funds needed and demonstrating where the funds would be utilised. I was part of the core team that organised RAG’s rebrand event and helped the events team run their fundraisers. These events provided great opportunities to develop my marketing and content creation skills using Canva, but also helped me focus on the logistical aspects of the planning process. This included arranging venues, food/drinks and activities.

Financial Aid – Project Management – Fundraising – Digital Design – Outreach