Reflections on my Internship with Smart School Councils
I joined Smart School Councils as an intern this semester while I was studying abroad in London. Since I started working here in January, I have had many great experiences and have learned a lot. Now, as my semester comes to an end, I am here to write one last blog to share some reflections on my time working with Smart School Councils.
When looking at the internships to which I could apply for this semester, I read about Smart School Councils and immediately wanted to apply. After I graduate from university, I am interested in a career in the education sector, and so I thought that interning at Smart School Councils would be a great way for me to get experience in the field. What stood out to me even more, though, was the important mission towards which the organisation is working. I think it is incredibly important to teach children from a young age that their voices matter and that when they get involved in democracy, they can change their community for the better. Seeing that Smart School Councils was doing this valuable work really made me want to get involved, and so I applied to intern here for the semester.
Getting to work at Smart School Councils over the last four months has been a fantastic educational experience for me. I have learned a great deal about the education system in the UK and about the day-to-day operations of a charity, and I have had the chance to gain work experience in a professional setting. All of these things will certainly be very helpful to me in my future career.
The most meaningful part of the experience for me, however, was being involved in an organisation that aims to make a difference in such an important way. During my time in London, I had the chance to visit a few schools which are working with Smart School Councils. It was truly inspiring to me to see how much this programme matters to children and their families. Being able to do work that has a positive impact on others’ lives has been incredibly rewarding, and that experience will certainly stay with me for a long time.
Interning at Smart School Councils has been one of the highlights of my time abroad. I am so grateful for the time I’ve been able to spend working with this organisation, and I am sorry for it to be over! This has been a truly impactful experience for me, and I know that the things I have learned and the skills I have gained will be a great guide as I prepare for a career after university.