Eight (very fun) weeks at Brighton Chamber

Can you tell us what drew you to the role of Campaigns Intern?

I think I was quite quick in realising the dreaded end of student life was fast-approaching. I faced an influx of rejections from the jobs I had applied to and was asking my friends “How am I ever going to find a job?!” when one of them said she had just been employed via the University of Sussex internship programme. Having studied English and Media Studies, I knew I wanted my role to be creative in some capacity, so that was my number one requirement.

The options were endless, and I think I filtered through close to 100 internships available. What really stood out to me about the Campaigns Intern role at The Chamber was how varied the job seemed. I understood that no two days would look the same, and a dynamic and flexible position was definitely one I was after. I also thought the initiatives, such as the Brighton & Hove Living Wage Campaign, are incredibly important for our city, so having the opportunity to play a role in making them succeed, however small it may be, really sold it to me. 

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned, and key skills you’ve developed over the past eight weeks?

When I told my family and friends I’d got a two-month internship, they all said the same thing: “It’s going to fly by”. I looked at them all and laughed - how could two months of a 9-5 possibly fly by? But now here I am, two months later wishing it was still the first day. One of my biggest takeaways of this experience is that, when in the right environment, work can be fun! This of course has everything to do with the amazing Chamber team which have made it their mission to make sure I have felt comfortable and confident every step of the way. As they say, teamwork really makes the dreamwork.

Having Morgan around me, the Marketing & Engagement Intern, has been fantastic. From her, I learnt that you don’t always need to know everything and that asking questions and being vulnerable at times will only make your work better.

And of course, I now have firsthand experience working in an office, copywriting, uploading and editing content - I've got all sorts of hats I can wear! From interviewing Brighton & Hove Living Wage employers to researching potential Brighton Summit speakers, I’m certain any of these things can be applied to future roles I may begin. 

Are there any standout moments?

I remember looking through the member directory when I was preparing for my first interview with Hannah and thinking “These are all places I know and love”. Getting to go around the city to these places with Morgan and handing out our new Living Wage postcards was wonderful. Not only was the sun out, which I will talk about to anyone and everyone who will listen to me, but it was a tangible representation of how many businesses are doing their bit to make Brighton better.

I also thought I knew everything there was to know about Brighton as a city, having lived here for the past three years. However, the Chamber has shown me otherwise! I’ve learnt so much about the business community and how many different hats (a phrase I’ve grown to love) everyone wears. Brighton is so dynamic and vibrant, and there are so many sides to it.

The events the Chamber hosts took me from Breakfast at Moshimo to Bite-sized Learning at Platf9rm. They are so varied it’s hard to pick just one, so I’ll stick to two instead. The Behind the Scenes at The Old Market was so informative and interactive, I really thought I was an actor for a moment. My favourite type of event would have to be Netwalking - it's such a nice activity you can get so much out of (and lots of dogs usually attend, which is always a massive plus)! 

What’s next for you?

I’m bidding Brighton farewell and heading back to Madrid, my hometown. I’m looking to find a job to keep me going for a few months before heading off to travel around Japan for a year. I’m leaving with sadness as I know the Campaigns Intern role is not one I will be able to apply to again and because Brighton will no longer be my home! I can’t think of any other way I would have spent my summer, though, and I will forever be grateful that this was my first “big-girl-job" - anything that comes after has big boots to fill. 

Check out the University of Sussex's internship programme here to find more opportunities like this one. 

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk