The Business West Experience: A 2024 Strive Intern's Perspective

I would like to begin my blog with a heartfelt thank you. Without the Strive program, I wouldn't have this opportunity to share my voice. Therefore, a big thanks to Business West, Hargreaves Lansdown, and all the partnering organisations for creating such a valuable program for us.

What is a Strive internship programme?

The Strive internship programme was created with the aim of empowering young students from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds. Chris Hill, former CEO of Hargreaves Lansdown and Marvin Rees, Bristol Mayor, initiated the programme in 2020 in partnership with Bristol City Council and UWE, and it has subsequently provided 90 paid internships to students across 25 organisations. The internship offers diverse opportunities for successful interns to gain hands-on experience working alongside professionals, build confidence, and expand their professional networks. 

How did I land this internship?

The Strive internship was promoted through universities in the West of England, and I applied for it around December. The application process was straightforward and transparent. Interns were given clear instructions and tips for the recruitment process and were able to choose their role preference from the available organisations if successful. I chose Business West as my top preference, and I am glad I did that. I was provided with significant support and mentorship throughout my internship. 

How does Business West support its interns?

Business West is excellent at mentoring interns. Sam Harrison, Marketing Executive at Business West, who was my line manager, knows how to maximize my internship experience. I was given a variety of tasks to support the marketing team. The workload was manageable yet diverse, offering a well-rounded marketing experience. My first week was filled with training sessions for each marketing activity, like social media, websites, and CRM. Experienced mentors offered their advice on any questions I asked. Also, my manager made sure to assign me the work I was happy with and excited to work on. If I found some tasks challenging, the team always ensured to offer support and advice. Also, I would describe my internship as a form of project-based learning. I was involved in meaningful projects at Business West that contribute to the West of England. This hands-on experience was invaluable in developing my skills and knowledge. 

I was also given opportunities to participate in the marketing team meetings, where the strategic plan and tactical campaign plan were discussed. I found these meetings particularly interesting and gained a deep understanding of those strategic plans, which are crucial for my future professional development as they serve as a valuable guide for making decisions in my future careers. 

In terms of networking opportunities, interns were provided with team lunches, which promoted a sense of belonging in the new learning environment. Wednesday was mandatory for working at Leigh Court, and I was able to choose one day to co-work at Engine Shed, where I had opportunities to socialize with the team. The hybrid working pattern of two days working together and three days working from home was suitable for me. Additionally, I was even provided with a lift to Leigh Court.

As feedback, I had a weekly wrap-up meeting with my manager as to what I achieved during the week and discussed the coming week's tasks. Each of my works was fully evaluated and given advice on the improvement. Especially the content writing and designs for the reports. I have learned that consistency and attention to details are key in marketing. 

Overall, Business West’s supportive work environment and support for career development have been valuable. Based on my experience, I can confidently say that Business West is a great place to work.

How is it beneficial for me?

As an international student, this internship has been a game-changer. I always wanted to learn practical aspects of marketing and immerse myself in an organization that fosters my growth to the fullest extent. And this internship fulfilled my desire to learn and work in this specific field. It nurtured me to become a more confident professional at managing projects and organizational communication. 

I highly recommend that students from underrepresented background in the West of England apply for the Strive internship. No prior experience is necessary and all you need is a strong desire to learn and bring a fresh perspective to the organisation. This internship will significantly impact your early career.

If you're an organisation looking to make a difference in the community and help young students succeed in their careers, I highly recommend getting involved in the Strive program. Please email striveinterns@hl.co.uk or visit Business West's website to find out more.