My name is Sadia Naveed, and I am currently a fourth-year student pursuing a degree in Business Management and International Relations at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen. I chose to study here because of its high global ranking, consistently placed amongst the top 250 universities worldwide and the top 20 in the UK (add reference). Moreover, the university's extensive programme offerings, including an honours degree in both Business Management and International Relations, made it a compelling choice for me.
I see great value in internships as I believe that they play a crucial role in testing and applying the practical aspects of academic knowledge. Interns gain valuable experiences and insights that allow them to learn more about their chosen career paths. As an ambitious student, finding internships that expand my knowledge and offer hands-on learning in a flexible remote setting is of utmost importance. I have had the opportunity to participate in internships with Bright Network, a reputable UK-based platform connecting students and graduates with top employers. These experiences have significantly contributed to my career prospects by providing great exposure, networking opportunities, and professional development resources. There are various internship opportunities provided in different fields like commercial law and financial services and consulting.
Recently, I completed a remote financial services and consulting internship organised by Bright Network from June 26th to June 29th, 2023. The programme encompassed a diverse range of sessions and workshops delivered by renowned industry professionals. The topics that were covered included Growth Mindset, Project Management, and Employability Skills, delivered by companies such as P&G, Vodafone, and Mazars. In addition, I gained sector-specific insights from Clyde & Co, Alpha FMC, Redington, KPMG, and Sky, with keynote speeches from UBS and Nestle offering valuable industry perspectives. The internship also focused on refining presentation and teamwork skills through sessions led by My Tutor and Bloomberg, while ICAEW and Jake Schogger emphasized transferable skills and commercial awareness. PwC provided essential interview tips to conclude this comprehensive and impactful internship experience.
For prospective students or those seeking internships, I would advise taking a proactive approach in seeking opportunities that align with their academic and career interests. Internships present a valuable chance to gain practical experience, hone essential skills, and cultivate a professional network, thoroughly research and apply to reputable platforms. Throughout the internship, the intern should demonstrate curiosity, active engagement, and inquisitive questioning to maximise the learning experience, embrace challenges and view feedback as a catalyst for personal growth. Finally, I advise interns to utilise the internship as a platform to showcase their talents and forge connections that may pave the way to future career opportunities.
Sadia Naveed,
4th year; Business Management and International Relations