SDBTT Internship Scheme
Are you hoping to work in the charity sector? Are you looking to develop your professional skills, boost your CV and make a real difference to the work that we do? If you’re a graduate or considering a change in career, we’ve got a number of volunteer internship opportunities for you to build on your existing skills and gain new ones. Our internship scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to get involved with Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (SDBTT) by working with our experienced staff on projects, events, raising awareness and fundraising.
SDBTT internships are available for 3-6 months and can be part-time in our main office in Farnborough.
Current Internship opportunities:
The internship scheme starts as a rolling programme in January 2012.
What else do you need to know?
These are some of the most common questions and our answers. If you have more queries, do get in touch: 01252 749990 or email enquiries@sdbtt.co.uk
1. When do you recruit?
SDBTT recruits interns throughout the year on a rolling basis. There are more opportunities available from January, but we host a continual stream of internships during the year.
2. What is the time commitment?
This varies by internship, but generally most are for 3-6 months with a minimum of 3 days per week. Some internships are full time and people often start on 3 days and then soon come in every day. Where possible we try to be flexible about the days worked so interns can fit them in with other commitments.
3. Are all of your internships in Farnborough?
Yes. It is good to be part of a team and to experience what it’s like to be in a busy office. But you will often be out and about and for some of the internships, you may need or want to work from home or in London some days.
4. Who can apply?
We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds. The specific criteria of roles will vary, but in general the following minimum criteria are required:
• Graduate
• Basic computer skills
• An interest in working in the voluntary sector
• Fluent written and spoken business English
We also welcome applications from those returning to the workplace or looking for a change in career.
5. I am from outside the EU. Can I volunteer?
Interns must be resident in the UK for the duration of their internship. If you are from outside the EU you will need a valid visa which allows for volunteering in the UK, such as students on a higher degree programme, dependents of work visa holders and so on. For certain countries you are allowed to volunteer in the UK without requiring a visa if you are allowed visa free access with your country’s passport. Specific rules will vary according to nationality. It is your responsibility to check whether they are legally allowed to volunteer with us and to evidence it. We are unable to support visas or help with arranging accommodation.
6. Do you accept speculative applications?
Yes. If you think you have a skill to offer and we aren’t currently advertising the role, do send us your CV and a covering letter stating why you think we should create the internship position you have identified and how it will benefit the charity.
7. How do I apply?
Please send us your CV, covering letter and supporting statement to the contact for each. You may also send us references or any other supporting document you feel are relevant. If you have a portfolio you think we should see, feel free to send us brief examples. They will not be returned to you so send
us copies!
8. Can I apply to more than one internship?
Yes. There is no restriction on the number of internships you can apply to at one time. The only requirement is that you must fill in separate covering letters and supporting statements for each.
9. What is involved in the assessment process?
After we receive your internship application we will short-list and send out emails inviting successful applicants to an interview to assess competencies and skills as required for the role. We will then generally call you to inform you whether or not you have been selected. If you are unsuccessful in being shortlisted, you will receive an email within 2 weeks of your application informing you. Once you have attended the interview, you will have to do a short task and then have a chance to meet some of the team and ask any questions you might have.
10. Will I get paid?
All internships are voluntary positions, however we will cover reasonable travel expenses incurred in carrying out the role and lunch expenses (up to £5 per day).
11. What training or skills development courses do you offer?
As an intern you will have access to internal training and development, mentoring and CV writing and interview skills support.
12. Will you provide me with a reference?
All interns will receive a reference upon completion of their internship.
13. What about full employment? Will I be offered a job?
Generally, internships do not lead to job offers with us. However, as an intern you will have access to our internal jobs list and if things go well – who knows!
14. What are some of the areas I can volunteer in?
Internships have been held in every department in the charity: Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Research, Policy, Support and Finance.
15. What is good about the SDBTT internship scheme?
Interning in a small charity means you get to experience a wide range of projects and activities and will often have the opportunity to help out in high profile events, meeting inspiring families or coming up with mad community fundraising ideas; doing things that you wouldn’t ordinarily have the chance to do. We offer a mix of flexibility and structure. Many other organisations offer highly structured schemes that run in cycles throughout the year or only during the summer, while others only offer positions on an inconsistent or ad hoc basis. SDBTT recruits positions regularly throughout the year and tries to tailor them to your needs.
16. How am I supported?
Interns have a supervisor who is their first point of contact. The supervisor will be responsible for monitoring the work you are doing, giving feedback and discussing progress. You’ll have a feedback meeting every two weeks or so and a final debriefing discussion held at the end of the internship. You will also be supported by a mentor who you can talk to about any worries you have, support in getting a fulltime paid post and any other personal development issues.
17. Will I have real work to do?
Yes. We assume that you want to be an intern with us so you can work and learn. An internship helps us to do things that we couldn’t otherwise do. There is no doubt, as with any job that some of the things you’ll do might seem tedious – data input or giving out leaflets at an event. But you’ll spend the majority of your time working on substantial projects, which contribute to the vital work of the organisation.
18. Am I part of the team?
Yes, you’ll be included in everything the team does – meetings, events training, social events, cleaning out the fridge. We’ll try and give you experience of being part of lots of things as well as in the daily life of our workplace.