Winifred Maduko: Travel Survey Internship
Read Winifred Maduko’s experience of her Travel Survey Internship in the Transition Team at the University of St Andrews.
Winifred completed an MSc Sustainable Development in 2023. She is now studying for her PhD in Sustainable Development.
Why did you apply?
I applied for this internship because of my passion for sustainability and my interest in contributing to meaningful projects that align with my Master’s program in Sustainable Development. I have always wanted to contribute to the sustainability efforts and activities within the University, so when I saw the call for interns, I said perfect! I was excited and did my best during the application process. The opportunity to work with the Transition Team at the University presented a very unique chance to gain hands-on experience in sustainability initiatives while enhancing my analytical and communication skills.
What internship did you undertake?
As a Travel Survey Intern, I analysed the results of the bi-annual staff travel survey and produced a comprehensive summary report. My responsibilities also included developing promotional and communication strategies to encourage participation in the (then upcoming) 2023 student travel survey. Additionally, I participated in community gardening activities, which provided a practical understanding of grassroots sustainability efforts. Towards the end of my internship, I did a final presentation session with a larger staff audience within the Transition team.
Did you enjoy it?
I thoroughly enjoyed the internship as it was both fulfilling and educational. The collaborative environment within the Transition Team and the opportunity to contribute to tangible sustainability outcomes made the experience truly rewarding. We also had some team lunch get together at the beach which was really fun!
What did you learn from this experience?
This internship provided me with invaluable skills in data analysis, report writing, and strategic communication. I learned how to interpret survey data to inform decision-making and create strategies that drive engagement. The experience also reinforced the importance of community involvement in sustainability initiatives. There were also days we joined our team lead Ali, during some external stakeholder online meetings, this gave me the opportunity to experience how other sustainability organisations function.
How has this helped your personal and professional development?
On a personal level, the internship deepened my commitment to sustainable practices and equipped me with the tools to advocate for meaningful change. Professionally, it enhanced my ability to analyze complex data, communicate findings effectively, and design actionable strategies. These skills have been instrumental in my current academic research and will undoubtedly contribute to my future career in sustainable development.
Conclusion
Overall, this internship was a transformative experience that combined practical work with impactful learning opportunities. I am grateful to Santander for funding this program and sincerely hope that such initiatives continue to be supported in the future, enabling more students to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.
We are delighted to hear that Winifred had such an amazing experience during her internship. Take a look at our internships and employability experiences page to read about a variety of internships you may be interested in.
