Getting involved in interactive education through internship placements.
Many of our students learn more about themselves and their career options by taking on an internship or placement through MyCareer, our online careers portal.
Final-year history students Joanna and Krzysztof had the chance to pass on their love of learning to the next generation, while also gaining invaluable hands-on teaching experience, during a two-week internship at Ufton Court – a children’s experiential education charity in Berkshire.
After applying for the positions following a careers-focused lecture in their second year, Joanna and Krzysztof joined the Ufton Court team to support interactive learning opportunities, sharing tales about Vikings, Romans, Saxons, Tudors and Ancient Egyptians, along with fellow student interns.
Their time on placement involved everything from teaching history while dressing up in period costumes to getting stuck into activities in the great outdoors.
“I absolutely loved going outside, getting a bit muddy, and interacting with the children in a playful way, while giving them lessons about the past, which can be applied to us today,” explains Joanna.
Using the knowledge they had developed on their course at Southampton, and a newfound love of teaching, both students engaged young people and children in discovering more about our past – not just shadowing and supporting the delivery of sessions, but leading and creating their own.
By the end of their time at Ufton Court, they were able to lead sessions for up to 30 young pupils.
“It was great to be part of such a wonderful team and environment,” adds Krzysztof. “Being able to not only teach but have fun while doing it was something I really enjoyed!”
“I was interested in making history exciting for students,” he adds. “I believe that I made a lasting impression not only on the staff who work there but on the students we welcomed.”
The lasting impact of Joanna and Krzysztof’s presence is still felt at Ufton Court after their placement ended.
"Students and Internships are a great asset to us here at Ufton, and that has never been clearer than when Joanna and Krzysztof joined us, they threw themselves in with full force,” says Grace Jeffrey, History Manager and Student Placement Coordinator at Ufton Court.
“Ideas that they brought to our banquets have now been spread across all our eras and transformed how we integrate historical lifestyle across our programmes. They both had such a natural connection with children, and it was amazing to watch them grow in confidence as the weeks unravelled."
Internships like this are a fantastic way for our students to not only develop new skills and strengths but also enhance their studies, empowering them to start the next year of their course with renewed focus and a deeper understanding of how to apply their degree to future careers.
“Being able to develop my skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, in a practical and supportive environment, attracted me to this placement,” explains Krzysztof.
I was able to enhance all of the key skills which any future employer may look for, and it has further fostered my ability to present history to non-academics, which has developed my perspective when writing my essays.
The placement also helped Joanna to see her chosen subject in a new light.
“It made me think about how the public consumes history, and how history can be phrased in a way that is appropriate, digestible and interesting for children,” she shares.
“This is completely different to what I do in my degree, which I find especially valuable, as looking at different perspectives of seeing a subject is important in both an academic environment and in everyday life.”
For Joanna, her time at Ufton Court has been instrumental in deciding what she wants to do after graduation.
“This was my first real, hands-on experience of teaching, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The experience has massively helped me with my future career aspirations as it has inspired me to know exactly what I would like to do once I’ve finished my degree,” she says.
“I was uncertain whether education was something I wanted to do before my internship, but after having such a fantastic and meaningful experience, I now think that is the direction I would like to go in for the next few years!”
My internship has helped me put my studies into the context of a bigger career plan, which means that I feel a lot more reassured about my options after university. It’s taken the pressure off my final year, as I have something to look forward to!
For anyone considering applying for an internship or placement, particularly through our Careers and Employability team, both students have a clear message.
“Just go for it,” says Krzysztof. “I really did not expect to get this internship, but I thought that I had nothing to lose when applying. As a result, I was able to take part in such an enriching opportunity.”
“Do it!” echoes Joanna. “Internships and placements are fantastic experiences that can help you formulate future career plans, understand the skills you want to improve, gain a network of connections, experience things you never thought you would enjoy or be good at, and enrich your studies and CV.
“They are brilliant for helping you learn more about yourself and setting goals for the future.”
