Tehya is four months into their graduate internship with Frontline, England’s largest social work charity. They discuss what they are learning in the role and reflect on what working in an accessible and inclusive environment means for them
What attracted you to Frontline’s graduate internship?
I am an Art and Film graduate who has a background in marketing and communications.
I have previously completed internships at other charities and have absolutely loved working for organisations which aim to deliver positive social change. This was one of the initial reasons that attracted me to Frontline’s graduate intern role, as well as an interest in social work itself, and the opportunity to learn more about the sector.
What have you been involved in as an intern?
The Frontline graduate internship provides you with a great opportunity to work closely with the recruitment team. As an intern, you get involved in all aspects of the initial Frontline programme recruitment process, from tracking applications to facilitating at assessment centres.
Facilitating at assessment centres forms a large part of the internship and is the most challenging – but also one of the most rewarding. There is a great sense of satisfaction when you manage to resolve a technical issue that a candidate has struggled with or are able to quickly adjust the schedule to avoid imminent timetable chaos! Facilitating provides you with an invaluable, transferable skill set and the ability to problem-solve quickly under pressure. It also provides you with the opportunity to talk to and engage with candidates, which is an aspect I really enjoy.
How have you connected with the wider organisation?
There are so many affinity groups that you can join, to get involved in cross-team projects and initiatives. The more you join, the better! I have been part of the Recruitment Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and the Disability and Neurodiversity group. I have cerebral palsy, so it is important to me to work for a disability-positive employer, in an environment which is accessible, supportive, but perhaps most importantly, adaptive, and receptive to development and improvement.
Frontline actively strives to create these supportive spaces, putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to their culture of freedom and responsibility. In my time here, I have also felt that feedback is welcomed and that you have an active voice in collectively creating a more inclusive environment.
Perhaps though, the thing that I have enjoyed most about working for Frontline, is the team. Regardless of whether a colleague is in a more senior position or not, everyone is incredibly approachable and friendly. Even as an intern, I have always felt like a valued member of the team.
What is next for you?
The internship has confirmed my desire to continue to work within the charity sector. I have gained a wider and broader knowledge of child and family social work, administrative and problem-solving skills and been able to participate in professional development training. For now, I am unsure as to what my future role may be. However, my experience at Frontline has been invaluable and I have met some amazing people along the way.