Over the past six weeks at JMA, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a Research Intern. What stood out the most about this experience was a) the professional way JMA operates, and b) the level of ownership I was encouraged to take from day one. Looking back, it’s clear the way JMA invests in its people (even interns like me!) reflects its values of Quality, Trust and Care.
One of the first things I immediately noticed was the planning behind, and structure of, the onboarding process. My first week was very clearly organised, and I spent time getting to know the team and understanding JMA’s values and expectations. With such a strong foundation, I was able to start learning and contributing with confidence. As an intern, you sometimes feel a bit redundant, even left out of the ‘main action’. But at JMA, it felt like space was made for me to contribute meaningfully and gain valuable hands-on experience.
As the weeks went by, I found myself taking greater ownership of my work. Thanks to the strong foundation provided during my training, I was able to manage my time independently, prioritise tasks, and develop a clearer understanding of what was expected of me. As I became more familiar with the research process, I also began to identify and share with the team patterns within talent pools across the different geographies I was researching. It was rewarding to feel that my perspective was valued, and that I could contribute not only by completing tasks, but by thinking critically about how we worked.
Having secured a graduate role at another executive search firm prior to the internship, I approached this experience differently to past opportunities. I was more intentional about strengthening my communication skills, taking greater initiative, and fully immersing myself in the working environment. The team knew this before I joined, and I genuinely felt their commitment to integrating me into the team and supporting my development in these areas.
My experience made me reflect on the role internships play for students and graduates more broadly. The right internship can be an indispensable step on the path to building a successful career, particularly in an increasingly competitive and unpredictable job market. Beyond strengthening a CV, internships offer insight into how organisations operate, and build confidence in professional environments. In many ways, they have become the new ‘entry role’; no longer an optional addition to a graduate’s CV, but an expected standard.
Here are some of my tips for making the most of an internship opportunity:
- Be intentional with your time: You’re only with an organisation for a limited time, so set goals early, and figure out what you actually want to leave the experience with.
- Learn to manage yourself: Don’t expect to be told exactly what to do every minute of every day. Your time and your tasks are your responsibility.
- Keep track of your experience to build your CV: Detail the types of projects you worked on and the skills you learnt, as well as any outcomes you helped produce. You may forget by the end, so keep note!
My time at JMA has been rewarding and informative. I’m extremely grateful for the support and trust I was given throughout the internship, and I’m glad to say that I leave with a stronger sense of confidence in my abilities!