Intern to Employee with 10K Black Intern Programme

After graduating from university, I struggled to find a job in my preferred field despite having the necessary qualifications. Every company I applied to emphasised the importance of experience, something I didn’t have. While talking to a friend about this, he recommended the 10,000 Black Intern programme. He had taken part the previous year and secured a placement at PwC, which led to a job offer. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to gain experience. 

I applied for Market Research, Media and Marketing and Advertising and roles. Having graduated with a degree in Media and Communications, I had studied modules related to each of these areas, so I wanted to put that knowledge to use. I thoroughly enjoyed the subjects I had focused on, and the application process was straightforward in terms of what was expected from me, I simply wrote about the topics I loved. 

The interview process was swift, and despite some nerves, I stayed calm. The 10,000 Black Intern programme provided pre-interview and pre-internship sessions led by industry experts, which was extremely helpful. It gave me a sense of relief, knowing that they were there to support and guide me every step of the way. They genuinely want to see you succeed. This support filled me with a huge amount of confidence, not only to start my internship but to begin my career journey. 

Once the interview process was over, I was offered a placement at Market Research Agency, The Nursery Research & Planning. My placement was for three months, starting in June of this year. The experience was unforgettable. Before my first day, I was informed that I would have a work buddy, someone I could reach out to with any questions or concerns. This reassurance made me feel supported and welcomed even before I started, as I knew I wouldn’t be facing the experience alone. Having someone so ready to guide me through my first steps truly eased my nerves and helped me start on a positive note. 
 
Initially, I was assigned to the quantitative side of research. I gained experience in collecting data on consumers, competitors, and the marketplace, consolidating this information into actionable insights, helping create top-line reports for clients. I enjoyed helping preparing presentations, attending project meetings, scripting surveys, and formatting questionnaire content. At first, it was overwhelming. I felt like I had no clue what I was doing. But within a week, I started to find my rhythm, thanks to the incredible support of my team. This experience helped me overcome my apprehension toward numbers, and I realised that data could be engaging and insightful. 
 
After gaining confidence with quantitative research, I moved to the qualitative side, which meant I experienced conducting interviews, organising focus groups, and managing email communications to gather in-depth insights. Engaging with participants directly allowed me to understand the human side of research, giving me a balanced view of both data-driven and people-oriented approaches. 
 
This experience made me feel both accomplished and empowered, as I was trusted with responsibilities that truly challenged me to grow. I felt like I was becoming the best version of myself, with each task pushing me further. It was at this point after proving my abilities and dedication that the company offered me a full-time position, even before my internship had officially ended. I was beyond thrilled to accept, knowing that I had found not just a job, but a place where I could thrive and continue to learn. 

I owe a huge thanks to the 10,000 Black Intern programme. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Finding jobs after university was a tough journey for me, but the programme gave me the opportunity to gain the experience so many companies require. With this opportunity, I was able to show my abilities, which led to securing this role. 

I would also like to thank The Nursery for giving me such a warm welcome and helping me grow not just as a professional but also as a person. I have finally found my work home!  

I highly recommend the 10,000 Black Interns program to anyone looking to kickstart their career. Without their support, I wouldn’t have had this incredible opportunity.