Eight weeks to remember

Can you tell us a bit about your internship at the Chamber?

Although my title has been Campaigns Assistant, my day-to-day at Brighton Chamber has been very varied. I’ve conducted research with our Living Wage employers, drafted reports, writing and marketing, engaged with members and, of course, attended lots of events.

I was taken aback by the warm welcome I received, both within the office and also among members. The Chamber team have been so kind, and have created the perfect environment to allow an (inexperienced!) intern to just slot right in. I have found the tone and tempo of my work and what’s been expected of me in the office just right: I have been busy and learnt a lot, but I’ve also developed genuine friendships with this lovely team. As for the members, I couldn’t have expected a more lively and welcoming group. I immediately felt at home and like a proper part of this big Chamber family (all since that introduction I got from the lovely Amy at the Ambassador Social!) 

What are some of the key skills you’ve developed in the past eight weeks?

Having only ever worked in hospitality before, absolutely everything has been new. I’ve learnt so much, from tech-based skills to improvements in my communication and confidence. Computer skills I’ve learnt include sending mailmerges, using a CRM, editing the Chamber website and using Hootsuite, as well as ‘softer’ office skills like adapting to the Chamber’s ‘tone of voice’ in my copywriting, and improving my graphic design skills on Canva. But perhaps the task I’ll remember most will be the time spent making the event badges!

However, I’ve also become a more well-rounded person through my eight weeks with the Chamber - I think we all wish it could go on longer. Talking to members and creating relationships whilst outside of my comfort zone has been so good for me, and I feel a lot more ready for the ‘world of work’. I’ve got a lot to thank the Chamber for.

Of course, I’ve made a few mistakes. Trying to figure out mailmerges was a tricky one - sorry if you received that Chamber-wide email three times! 

What have some of your highlights been?

• Doing so many different things and being in so many places throughout the week was something I had never experienced at a job before - this variety will be something I will miss. For example, having a fancy lunch with Hannah D and Hannah J in a private, sea-view restaurant at the Construction Voice event wasn’t something I had imagined for the day!
• I really enjoyed spending the day with Felicity and James (Flick’s Flicks) as we filmed interviews for the Living Wage Campaign - it was fascinating being around such creative people and ideas, which was an entirely new experience for me.
• I think my favourite event was our Behind the Scenes at SeaLanes in June. Maybe it was the sunny weather, but I found it a really inspiring project, and the mix of businesses and workspaces is very innovative.
• I have to mention how fun it has been getting to know the Chamber team, and developing different relationships with each of them. I know we’ll keep in touch, and I’ll be sure to pop into some events when I’m back!
• I want to give a special shout out to Hannah Jackson who has been working with me. I feel we have become great friends and I admire how she has kept up with my constant questions - she has been so kind and generous with her time. I think she represents what the Chamber is all about, and I will miss her! 

So, what’s next?

While it’s sad to be leaving the Chamber, I’m now off to complete a Study Abroad year in Bordeaux (so it’s not too bad!), and then I’ll be back here for my final year of university. This internship has been the best way to spend my summer in Brighton, and I can’t thank everybody who has played a part in it enough. You have all been so welcoming, and I would without a doubt like to return to the Chamber once I finish my degree in two years. 

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