David, a college student with a passion for finance and figures, recently completed a four-week internship at Shepherds Friendly.
The internship was arranged through Career Ready, a UK charity that boosts social mobility by delivering a structured programme of mentoring, masterclasses, and workplace visits for young people from under-represented backgrounds.
A multifaceted role
David’s internship spanned several departments, including Member Services, Operations, Finance, Development, Business Intelligence and Marketing.
One standout project was contributing to the planning of a video for our upcoming 200th anniversary, where he helped shape the timeline, visual style, and even advised on camera angles and wardrobe choices.
Reflecting on the hands-on experience, David said, “It was amazing to be taught how everything works.”
Learning and growth
The most rewarding part of the internship, David shared, was the sheer amount of information they absorbed. “It was a real eye-opener. I had no idea there were so many career paths in the financial services industry.” He particularly enjoyed working in Operations, where he found the practical, detail-oriented tasks both engaging and satisfying.
While the internship was mostly smooth sailing, he acknowledged that it was a challenge at first. However, the supportive environment at Shepherds Friendly, along with structured guidance, helped him overcome these hurdles.
Skills and surprises
Throughout his time at Shepherds Friendly, David honed several skills: critical thinking, problem solving and communication. The respectful and welcoming culture at the Society also helped to boost his confidence.
“One of the biggest surprises? That work can actually be fun!” David recalled the social events like Together Days and companywide quizzes that give our Society the feeling of being a close-knit and connected team.
Shaping the future
The internship has had an impact on David’s career aspirations. “It’s opened my eyes to all the roles available in finance, including Marketing.” He was especially proud of his ability to think on the spot and meet deadlines – skills he knows will serve him well in any future role.
His advice to future interns? “Approach it with an open mind. You’ll experience a lot, learn a lot, and enjoy it.” And the lesson he’ll carry forward? “Patience is key.”
Final thoughts
When asked to sum up his internship in three words, David chose: eye-opening, motivating and wonderful. And as for the age-old office debate – tea or coffee? “Neither”, David laughed.
At Shepherds Friendly, we have multiple routes to work, including starting your career with us as an intern. If you’re interested in working with us, you can find out more about upcoming opportunities, and the culture on our Careers webpage.
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