Should I do an internship?
Daniel Jordan is a second-year PGR student in Urban Studies researching worker organising and trade unionism in the Scottish video game industry.
Hello!
My name is Dan, and I am just starting my second year as a PGR in Urban Studies. I’ve been in Glasgow for just over a year now, after moving from York, and I have loved my time here so far. This blog reflects my experience of doing an internship at the University of Glasgow and why I recommend internships to just about every PGR I meet. [We at UofG PGRs Blog recommend it too]
My research focuses on trade union organising in the Scottish video game industry. Specifically, I want to examine why game workers are now seeing unionisation as a solution to their problems, what they aim to achieve, and how they relate to company management. Compared to other creative industries, video games have never had a particularly strong collective spirit. However, this has started to change in recent years.
I love my research, but transitioning to life as a PGR in the social sciences can be a lot to get used to. Unlike work or other degrees, your time is almost entirely your own and it is down to you to choose how to spend it. Because of this, it is important to develop a strong sense of self-motivation and organisation – two skills that an internship could help me build upon.
With this in mind, I saw an opportunity promoted through the PGR Weekly Roundup newsletter that seemed perfectly suited to my previous experience in event management. I applied in November, and since December, I started work in the School of Education on their Education, Languages, and Internationalisation Network (ELINET). This international network of academics and practitioners is working to raise awareness of the globalisation of the English language and its impact on education. My work mostly focuses on helping to organise ELINET’s international conference in Brazil this year and managing the network’s social media.
The obvious question is:
Why do an internship not in your research area?
Well, being new to Glasgow, I looked at the offered internships to learn more about the organisation and meet new people. My goal is to work in academia one day, so I felt that any relationships I can build at this stage would be invaluable. Plus, earning a bit of money on the side didn’t hurt! 🙃
Furthermore, thinking about the Researcher Development Framework for a moment – it provides the perfect opportunity to develop research skills in the real world. Training courses and workshops are good opportunities for developing skills, but there are many other experiences that can provide learning and development of skills as a PGR, and an internship is an excellent example of this. Specifically, my internship gave me a much deeper appreciation of the work that goes into communication and dissemination of research not only to other academics but also to people outside of academia who may be much closer to the phenomena we seek to understand. Moreover, the challenge of managing my own doctorate work on top of internship responsibilities provides good experience in self-management.
A photo of a panel discussion from a workshop Dan helped organise in May 2024: "Radical Pedagogies in Higher Education and Community Learning". Click on the image to learn more.
My internship experience has significantly impacted my career planning. While my research interests lie in Sociology, my internship (being in the field of Education) broadened my horizons. It allowed me to explore different facets of academia beyond my immediate field. Working on ELINET gave me insights into global education trends and language impact. This exposure helped me refine my long-term goals and consider alternative career paths. Whether you’re a budding researcher or an aspiring professional, internships provide a unique chance to test the waters, discover new interests, and fine-tune your trajectory.
Moreover, the practical skills I acquired during my internship are invaluable. While developing specific subject knowledge is essential, it is also important to consider the more general skills necessary to succeed in research. From managing ELINET’s social media [see Dan's great job on Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter] to organising an international conference, I honed my communication, project management, and teamwork skills. These real-world experiences complemented my academic training, making me a more well-rounded researcher. So, if you’re wondering how internships fit into your career puzzle, remember that they’re not just stepping stones – they’re dynamic learning opportunities.
Internships aren’t just about tasks and deliverables; they’re about people. During my time at the University of Glasgow, I connected with fellow interns, faculty members, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. I even made friends with a fellow PGR through my internship! These relationships extended beyond the workplace – they became part of my university community.
Whether it was a casual chat over coffee or collaborating on a project, each interaction enriched my experience.
These connections aren’t just for the present; they lay the groundwork for future collaborations, research partnerships, and mentorship. So, if you’re considering an internship, embrace the chance to build meaningful relationships. You never know whose guidance or friendship might shape your academic journey.
So, should you apply for an internship?
I wholeheartedly recommend internships to everyone, regardless of field. Here’s why:
Exploring new fields: Internships allow you to explore beyond your research niche. You’ll encounter new ideas, industries, and perspectives. Who knows? Your next paper idea might emerge from an unexpected internship experience.
Building skills: The skills of successful researchers involve more than just reading, writing and research methods. Internships offer an excellent opportunity to develop crucial skills you may not get while working on your research project. Whether it’s data analysis, event planning, or networking, you’ll gain skills that enhance your employability and look great on your CV.
Developing your network: Internships open doors. You’ll meet professionals, attend events, and engage with experts. These connections can lead to job opportunities, collaborative projects, and even friendships.
So, fellow researchers and curious minds, consider an internship – it’s an investment in your growth, both personally and professionally. And who knows? Maybe your next adventure awaits in an unexpected corner of academia!
The PGR Opportunities Hub offers a range of development opportunities for PGRs in the College of Social Sciences (CoSS), including paid internships.
Visit the Student Opportunities Hub pages for paid work opportunities, part-time jobs, and internships (both on and off campus) for PGRs across the university.
Explore the College Employability Programme to access flexible and interactive online courses and support your transferable skills development (for CoSS students).
