My SME Internship: Rowan – Educational Action Challenging Homophobia

Posted on by Careers Service

Educational Action Challenging Homophobia (EACH) is a multi-award-winning charity which works to affirm the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and reduce discrimination experienced because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Since 2013, EACH has hosted 15 SME interns through our SME Internship Scheme. 

EACH branding, a cartoon drawing of people lined up in rainbow coloured clothing.

So why does EACH participate in the SME Internship Scheme each year? Here’s what Jonathan Charlesworth, Executive Director of EACH, says:

“We’ve been engaging with (the SME Internship Scheme) for many years and have worked with some exceptionally committed and invested students. 

We like hiring University of Bristol students for many reasons: Their dynamism and fresh take on our work is welcome. To date, they have brought research skills, fundraising initiative, copy creation, editing talent, and graphic or web design expertise.   

Interns provide invaluable assistance to our charity’s executive director: often working collaboratively on projects or training.  

There’s an ever-present need to maintain work around LGBT+ matters and we look forward to continued positive working with Bristol University and to welcoming its interns at EACH.”  . 

Meet Rowan, this year’s EACH SME Internship Scheme intern: 

Hey there, my name is Rowan and I just completed an internship with EACH. I was given the role of the Fundraising and Administration Officer within the organisation.

My tasks each week were to research fundraising opportunities and undertake any specific projects from my director, which were as varied as making school policies to creating educational resources. 

A photo of Rowan, looking at the camera.

What skills did you learn and what advice can you give me? 

At the beginning of my internship, I wondered if I was really good enough for the role. Soon enough I realised that I was. Imposter Syndrome was hitting me hard but as I learned more skills and faced more challenges that I overcame, I felt more self-assured.  

I learned how to organise individuals within the company to complete tasks. I learned how to analyse reports, creating a plan to meet the organisation’s long-term goals. I drafted a policy, problem solved, and formulated processes that the company could follow once I left. Through this job, I gained confidence that has prepared me for bigger future opportunities. 

My advice is that if you’re doubting yourself, just try and you’ll see that you’re more capable than you think you are.

Is there any encouragement from your experience that you can offer? 

I was lucky enough to have an employer that, when I disclosed my autism diagnosis, didn’t treat me like I was any less capable than anyone else. 

I explained to him that at a previous job prior to receiving my diagnosis, I was often reprimanded for not being able to do tasks without clear instructions, something that I need due to being autistic.

Clarity is crucial, I can’t make assumptions or understand what is wanted from me if it isn’t verbalised/written down. He didn’t see this as a weakness, but as something that would help me work better. 

I’m aware that neurodivergent people are much less likely to be employed than neurotypicals, especially if they disclose their disability. As I said, I was lucky.

But, if you feel like you can trust your employer and you know it would improve your work life, please do disclose your disability

Know your rights. Ask for accommodations. You deserve to work and get good roles as much as any neurotypical person. 

Rowan. 

Want to be an SME Internship intern?

The SME Internship Scheme will reopen in the Autumn for the new academic year. Keep an eye on our website for more information, and how to participate.   

Check out our “My SME internship” bog series to hear more student stories and get some inspiration.

A student smiling and pointing

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