Read about the experience of a Supported Internship

Please find below the perspective of Maisy, the SEND Newsletter Support at OCC who is working with us as part of her Supported Internship.

Hello I am Maisy. I work with both Oxford United and Oxfordshire County Council:

Overcoming Challenges: Setting up my dictation software is something that has proved to be difficult. Luckily, with the help of the IT team, we managed to fully install it. As a result, I now have the tools I need to work more efficiently, making my time at work more enjoyable.
Proud Achievements: My proudest moment so far in my supported internship journey is getting my work experience in the Oxford United media team. Working in football media is my dream job and to have this opportunity means a lot to me. My next goal within my work is to begin going to the Kassam Stadium on my own.
Assumptions vs. Reality: I didn’t have much expectation for internship program to start with. I’ve had bad experiences in education and workplace environments in the past, so I didn’t want to overthink the opportunity too much in my head. I’m glad I stuck at it as it has made me realise to think more positively in the future.
Support Received: I have a great support network in place to help me through any workplace challenges. I can talk to people if I’m struggling and that has led me to feel more confident and I feel like I am gaining new skills week-on-week.
Future Aspirations: In the near future, I hope to keep improving and staying positive. Everything is very positive at the moment, my ultimate goal is to pursue a long-term career of football journalism and I plan to do whatever I can to make that possible.
Internship Value: I would 100% recommend this internship program to anybody, as previously stated, my confidence has grown massively and that wouldn’t have happened without the support I have and will continue to receive.
Advice for Prospective Interns: My main advice to anybody considering a supported internship would be to go for it even if you’re scared give everything a try, sometimes it helps to get out your comfort zone.

If you feel you can collaborate with Maisy in any way, please reach out to Lydia at Lydia.Martin@oxfordshire.gov.uk