This summer, I have been working at London Funders as an intern, employed as part of the 10,000 Able Interns Programme. The six weeks spent with the organisation have been full of collaborations, events, and lots of learning!
I came across the 10,000 Interns Foundation during my first year at university. As an autistic woman, the chance to be part of a programme aimed at increasing representation of disabled talent within UK industries, was not a chance to miss.
My time has been filled with research projects, team meetings and presentations, and I have thoroughly enjoyed all of it. London Funders has been great at offering me real, substantial work to get my hands on, and I have revelled in the opportunity.
What drew you to working at London Funders?
Through studying Politics and International Relations at university, I knew that my aspirations were to work for public good, rather than private profit. This drew me to applying to organisations, such as non-for-profits like London Funders. I wanted to be part of an organisation where my voice was able to be heard and my contributions would be valued, and with a small team and the offer of tangible projects, London Funders seemed perfect for this.
What have you learnt during your time here?
I have learnt a whole lot about funding, coming from a place of knowing very little about the sector and what it involves. Projects like Propel and Collaboration Circle are concepts which I was quite unsure about upon joining, but after discussions with the people directly involved, I felt I understood better. Even just knowing exactly what London Funders does and what their role in civil society is, is something I now much more deeply understand.
I have also learnt skills that may come naturally to others. Due to my autism, I can struggle with innate skills, such as ‘watercooler talk’, understanding tones and expressions, and balancing a work/life balance. During my time at London Funders, I have really tried to develop these skills and cultivate a positive undertone to work. This has been helped by my mentor, Louise Henry, who has had discussions with me on collaborating and creating a work environment that works for me.
How has working here shaped your aspirations and interest in working in the charity sector?
Before joining London Funders, I wasn’t sure if the charity sector was right for me. I didn’t know much about its innerworkings, and it was so different to work I had been exposed to growing up. Working for London Funders has really spiked my interest in working in the charity sector. I now can see where my aspirations and interests align with what the charity sector is generally working towards, which is improving people’s lives and lived experiences.
What was a highlight during your time here?
Two highlights come to mind. Firstly, having my work published on the London Funders’ website through a blog on what civil society is asking of the next government, was a big highlight. Getting to share and show my family and friends what work I have been doing was really rewarding.
Secondly, I got to attend an event, hosted by Metro Dynamics and The Future Governance Forum, on devolution in England. At the event I got to hear directly from the Minister for English Devolution and Local Government, Jim McMahon, the Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, and other leaders in devolved regions. It was great to see what I had been researching on come to life and be surrounded by many other people who cared and were working on something that I was too.
What did you wish you knew before joining?
Although it’s been great getting to learn more about the funding sector and civil society, I wish I knew more about the sector before joining. The first couple of weeks I felt a little out of my depth at times where funding jargon and specific names/ projects were being thrown around and I was a little embarrassed to admit I didn’t know what people were talking about at times! But that is one thing I have felt more comfortable with over time, and I now feel like a have a good grasp of what the sector involves, though I’m sure there is still much more to learn!
What will be your biggest takeaway from London Funders?
My biggest takeaway is probably how vital the charity sector is to the UK, and especially London. I feel like it is a sector whose work is often taken for granted or goes unnoticed. Alongside this, seeing how I fit within potentially working in the charity sector, is something I have taken away from my internship. During my time at London Funders, I have noticed how my values and passions align with the sector and have been able to see myself working in the sector more and more.
What was your favourite project?
My favourite project was probably my research on devolution in England. I was tasked with researching what civil society (politicians, think tanks and lobbyists) were saying on devolution in England and in London, then recommending what this means for London and London Funders.
Not only was the project on a current political topic which is having much public debate at the moment, but I also got to present my findings and recommendations to the team. Getting to display the work I’d done on one of my projects, whilst developing my presentation skills, and getting feedback from the team was great for my professional development.
The project culminated at the devolution event I was able to attend towards the end of my internship. This was a great way of seeing how the work I had been doing was part of a bigger political picture which is shaping the country as we speak.
What comes next?
At the end of this month, I leave the UK to go and study politics at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. After my year abroad, I am returning to Birmingham for my final year before I graduate. I have aspirations of working in the public or charity sector. My heart has been set on the Civil Service since I started university, although I could definitely see myself working for a think tank or non-for-profit, such as London Funders – so I will have to keep my eyes peeled for job postings!
You can read about the 10,000 Interns Foundation here.
