In today’s increasingly competitive job market, a good degree isn’t always enough to stand out. Work experience can make all the difference. Which is where generous University donors are stepping up to bridge the gap.
The University of Reading believes that no student should take on extracurricular work experience unless it pays a living wage. Yet many charities and smaller not-for-profit organisations struggle to provide opportunities because of lack of funds.
While the University has consistently invested in services to support students, demand for these services continues to grow and makes it ever more challenging to keep pace with increasing and evolving needs.
Donors are helping to bridge that gap by giving organisations access to student talent. In the last academic year, donors enabled 48 more students to undertake internships with charities and not-for profit organisations.
CONNECTED spoke to biomedical student, Sheyla, who recently completed an internship as a Marketing and Fundraising Intern at the Berkshire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (BMSTC), to find out more about what this opportunity meant to her.
Sheyla’s story
Sheyla shared that her internship at BMSTC was “an incredibly rewarding experience.” It was invaluable in helping her to understand the marketing and fundraising landscape within the not-for-profit sector and to think about her future career.
She said: “The entire team and members of the Centre fostered a supportive and positive environment and the experience was undeniably worthwhile. I gained hands-on experience with crafting marketing materials, creating social media content, and assisting with fundraising applications.
“Witnessing the Centre’s dedication to improving the lives of those with Multiple Sclerosis [MS] was truly inspiring. I felt that my contributions, however small, were part of something much larger and impactful.
“This internship not only equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge but also solidified my desire to pursue a career that makes a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Sheyla’s time at BMSTC has also opened her eyes as to what it means to live with MS. “Before starting my internship I was aware of the biological implications of MS as a neurodegenerative disease, but not the great emotional impact it can have on people and their mental health,” she shared.
“Joining the Centre’s fundraising team was a perfect opportunity to learn more about people with MS and the important work charities like BMSTC do.”
The Centre ensures there are activities suitable for every member regardless of their physical abilities, from physiotherapy to yoga and sitting pilates.
Sheyla said: “Responses to their exercise survey showed how multiple members have seen noticeable improvements to their MS symptoms and their mental health, as a result of attending the Centre. Some members mention their balance or walking has improved thanks to the outstanding physiotherapists in the Centre, and consequently, their personal confidence has also improved as their movements now feel stronger.
“During my internship I interviewed members of the Centre and wrote case studies, which highlighted to me how the Centre becomes part of their everyday life by supporting their journey in different ways. Many brave members openly discussed their ups and downs with MS and shared with me the struggles they had faced in receiving specialised support and informed advice about their condition.”
Overall, Sheyla reflected that her time at BMSTC has been truly special and she is incredibly grateful for this opportunity. She said:
“Working here has been an unforgettable experience and my memories from here will always be cherished. Every person in the Centre, from members to staff, radiate genuine positivity, kindness and friendliness and they achieve significant milestones as a team.
“BMSTC has, and will continue to do, impactful work for the MS community, ensuring it will always have great support, love and be valued by the Berkshire community.”
New scholarships
While internship schemes support students in optimising their future employability, the University also offers scholarships as a way to support students to get to Reading – all supported by alumni donors.
One of the ways students are supported in taking their place at Reading is with the University’s new Alumni Master’s Scholarship and the Climate Stripe Scholarship.
The Alumni Master’s Scholarship was launched ready for September 2024 entry and was funded by alumni for alumni, by donors who feel passionate about supporting further education. The Climate Stripe Scholarship was made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who share the University of Reading’s passion for Climate Science and improving climate education.
Read more about how University donors are supporting the University community in our Giving Matters magazine.
