Hi, my name’s Helen. While studying for my History MA, I undertook an SME Internship at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust.
The Trust is a non-profit charity which maintains the bridge, educating the public on its historical significance. During my internship I worked at the museum and visitor’s centre on the Leigh Woods side of the river.
The internship
My primary responsibility was to create their new guidebook, overhauling the existing structure to create something visually appealing and historically educational. I successfully consulted volunteers and the public to create a proposal which encompassed everything the trust values. I was encouraged to take full control of this project, applying for grants, and presenting my research to trustees and volunteers. It is now in the process of being produced by a publishing company. It was essential to integrate social and environmental histories relating to the bridge. The intention has been to distance ourselves from histories of ‘great men’. Instead, we have sought to centralize the ordinary people impacted by the bridge’s construction and existence.
I also worked independently on a range of other tasks, creating educational resources on Bristol’s slave economy and the bridge, and rewriting various web pages. My work on the slave economy was particularly interesting, drawing upon my university research.
Reflections
Because of my internship, my research skills have been enhanced, as have my abilities to communicate in a professional and accessible manner on paper and in person. I have worked on my diplomacy, confidently persuading others of my ideas and maintaining an open mind towards alternative perspectives. I have found this range of communication styles employed with different groups to have been challenging, but educational.
A particular challenge I have faced whilst doing this internship has been maintaining my studies. I sometimes found creating a balance challenging. If I were to repeat the experience, I would have created a schedule for myself, to prevent falling behind on any university deadlines. I found that because I was enjoying the internship, it could sometimes be a distraction from my degree!
The key revelation I had whilst working at the bridge is that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. I have found that by reaching out and networking effectively, people will be inclined to help you! I started this experience as a volunteer, reaching out to the visitor’s centre to do something at the bridge. Ultimately, I gained one of my most formative career experiences. It has reaffirmed my desire to work in heritage and provided tangible examples of such work.
It has been a privilege to be entrusted to create this important resource for one of Bristol’s most significant landmarks. I would recommend an SME Internship, especially if you can collaboratively arrange one with an organization. The SME Internship Scheme was perfect for myself and the trust, who were able to employ me when they otherwise couldn’t have. The funding allowed me to commit more time to the project and gave me significant experience working in heritage.
Want to be an SME Intern?
- Find out more about the SME Internship Scheme on our website.
- Check out our “My SME Internship” blog series to hear more student stories.
If you have any questions about the scheme, writing your application, or anything else relating to careers you can speak to us on live chat, or pop in to 5 Tyndall Avenue.