An eventful start
I decided that I was going to try and be healthy throughout my internship, so I started this right by hitting the gym before my intern induction at 9am Monday morning. This meant dragging myself out of bed at half 6. After completing my gym workout and showering at ASV it dawned on me that I had forgotten deodorant! Disastrous for the first day of work, no bother though I will just borrow some. I asked to borrow the man’s beside me in the changing room. After this it was time to head to the intern induction, where I met the other interns and learn the basics of what being a staff member at the university means. We then took lunch and then went to our departments where we would be working for the next 10 weeks.
When I turned up, I met all the team members in the office, they were all very friendly and welcoming. Next was a quick tour, showing me around the building where the essentials were such as the kitchen, bathroom and printers. After this I met the other members of staff in the department out with my office. The member of staff in the office right next door was no other than the man who I had borrowed deodorant from in the gym! We all had a laugh about the situation. I then had a sit down with my line manager about my project and how best to get started.
Getting the background knowledge
The rest of week 1 really involved me getting the necessary background knowledge on the current state of the research via government reports, academic journals and literature reviews. I also quickly completed the mandatory staff training on IT security, Diversity and Health & Safety all of which was very straightforward to complete. This week also involved hot desking as another intern in the office was finishing on Wednesday. I even got to use my line mangers desk one day! We went out on Tuesday for lunch with the department to say goodbye to the other intern.
(Photo from when I had my line mangers desk, when everyone was out of the office, the desk with the screens on is now my desk)
Celebrating my 21st Birthday!
Week 2- Having completed the background reading I was keen to dive right in and get started. I had another meeting with my line manager, so I knew what direction to take with the project. I Started to compile all the relevant information into a master spreadsheet involving over 10 surveys and 6000 students. I also scheduled Wednesday off so that I could celebrate my 21st birthday!
My experience
So far, I have really enjoyed my internship and have gotten on well with everyone in the office. I would recommend the Aberdeen University internship program from my experience.
Thanks for reading
Duncan
