Summer Internship Scheme: Lavinia Sprigade
Lavinia Sprigade shares her experiences of participating in the Summer Internship Scheme.
My story: Lavinia Sprigade
- Course: BSc Sustainable Development and Management
- Year of study when you completed this internship: between 2nd and 3rd year
- Internship: University of St Andrews – Residential and Business Services Department (RBS)
Why did you sign up to the Summer Internship Scheme? What were you hoping to gain?
I was looking for internships to gain insight on what it involves working in an organisation. This was fuelled by my motivation to find clarity regarding my career path in the field of sustainable development. Luckily, I found the one on Food Sustainability which was perfect for me, my previous experiences, and my general interests!
How did you find the 6 week internship?
My experience was super insightful and provided me with many opportunities to grow – personally and professionally! Due to the self-directed nature of the internship, I learnt a lot about time management and actively seeking out help and feedback when needed. My communication skills improved, especially due to the fact that I was having to write so many emails – something that I always struggled with but had to overcome and master in the six weeks where I was writing multiple emails every day.
Tell us about your internship, where was it, what did you do during the week?
I was able to choose if I wanted to work from home or come into one of two offices (Woodburn, near East Sands or the Eden Campus office in Guardbridge).
During the six weeks, my research and report writing predominately focused on the study and development of a business case for hydroponic shipping containers at university. Each week, we had three team meetings to discuss successes, upcoming projects and voice problems. This was a place where I was able to meet the members of the Environment Team and discuss new ideas or ask for feedback.
What skills did you learn and how did you put them into practice during the internship?
Over the six weeks I developed a variety of skills. Firstly, my communication skills were strengthened through consistent practice of wiring emails, attending meetings, actively seeking feedback and approaching connections. Furthermore, due to the nature of the job, I was successful in developing my time-management skills to ensure my goals were reached. This ties into also the development of my research skills, by setting my own milestones I was able to ensure to stay organised while conducting research. Such as finding out most efficient resources, creating system to take notes, link webpages, write up reports.
Finally, this internship allowed me to gain an insight into how my degree subjects are related to each other.
Food sustainability is a complex topic in which I was able to explore the niche of alternative agriculture, especially vertical farming, in-depth. Writing up a business case for the Shipping Container Farm was the perfect reciprocal linking of my joint honour’s degree (Management and Sustainable Development).
What’s next for you in your career journey?
I am currently in communication with a supervisor for my next internship (potentially) in Summer 2023. This time I want to explore the private sector and its potential for me to choose it as my career path.
What would you say to someone considering signing up for the Summer Internship Scheme?
Do it! Every person that I have been in contact with across the university has been super supportive and encouraging. One tip that I would also give is to actively seek feedback and ask for check-ins with supervisors if you are stuck at any point – they are happy to help and want you to learn! I thoroughly recommend applying to the Summer Internship Scheme.