Published: 16 July 2021
Two students from the University of Sunderland in London have joined us as interns.
Marisa Stewart, a BA (Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Top-Up) student and Matea Augustinov who recently completed her MSc Tourism and Hospitality course, are spending their spare time gaining experience and boosting their CVs.
Matea is working with the Student Records team, helping students make decisions about academic awards, course choices and modules.
You might come across her if you want to put in a leave of absence request, are coming back after having some time off or need help with your ID cards.
Matea explained a bit more about her role. “A lot of what I do is solving ‘tickets’ or issues sent in by students through Compass. But I also do a lot of helping out other departments, sometimes answering the phones. That’s a really important task because students call in to report problems and I’m part of the process that helps solve them.”
Talking with us about how the internship has impacted her future, Matea said, “It's a perfect fit for my plans. There is a starting point in everyone’s career, and I needed one as well. I’m grateful to everyone who recognised my willingness to learn from the experts at the University.”
Marisa is spending her time with Academic Support, providing customer care to our students over the phone. She’s often busy responding to questions on and off Compass and in person as well so you might see her around the fourth floor the next time you need some help.
“The internship is an amazing opportunity to get an overview of the administrative side of the University. You learn so much about how it’s structured and the amazing culture here – things you don’t get to see as a student.” She told us.
“I applied for the internship because I wanted to get some work experience and I saw how fast-paced and exciting the environment is at the University,” Marisa explained. “I got given IT training, learned how to care for our students and am improving my written communications. But for me, the most important thing is developing all these skills with my team because it’s something I know will play a big part in my future career.”
Keith Dickinson, Student Administration Team Leader for Records Management and Matea’s manager while she’s with us said, “Internships aid both the University and the intern. Currently, in the Student Administration department, we have two members (Salina and Luis) who are former students that did an internship and have gone from strength to strength since. I’m sure Matea will continue her own momentum, gaining experience and new skills for her future career.”
Ian Hunter, Student Administration Team Leader and Marisa’s manager said, “It’s very positive to have a member of staff who was once a student. I think it sets a good impression for the people who come to study here to know that we interact with them and provide opportunities even after they graduate. Marisa is reinforcing her technical, communication and relationship building skills. That will go a long way in helping her meet her career goals.”
Summing up, Matea said “I’m glad I applied for this position. I’m constantly learning and developing myself in the ways I want. Everyone I’m working with motivates me to learn more. I’m looking forward to what’s to come in the future.”
An internship with us is a brilliant way of gaining the kinds of skills Marisa and Matea are learning.
It’s helping them boost their CVs and gain valuable experience they’ll be able to use in their future jobs.
You can find out more about job-boosting opportunities and training from our Careers and Employability service.
For the latest updates and announcements of opportunities like the internship programme, keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds using #WeAreSunLon.