Why become a Macmillan intern?

Zoe Hubbard, Corporate partnerships intern Back to top

Why did I choose to intern at Macmillan?

After university I moved straight into a cabin crew role working for British Airways. After eighteen months in that role I decided to think seriously about my career and decided to kick start it by doing an internship.
Macmillan is a large charity with an excellent reputation and brand – I thought it was an ideal organisation to include on my CV.

Main responsibilities

I worked with the account coordinator on big partnerships such as Barclays, Poundland and npower. I had the opportunity to help with donor care calls and emails, and general employee engagement. I also attended corporate partners’ events and delivered presentations. 

My Macmillan moment 

One moment that sticks in my mind is speaking to an employee of one of our partners who raised tons of money for us. Their mother had just been diagnosed and I was able to refer them to Macmillan’s Support Line for advice. Hearing about how fundraising had been a positive experience in getting through this difficult time was inspiring and motivating.

What am I doing now?

I was thrilled to get a paid job within Macmillan as PA to the Heads of Fundraising. This role involves extensive diary and email management, arranging meetings, liaising with external and internal stakeholders and networking.

Nugget of advice

I would say the key thing is to be positive and to say yes to things. Ask lots of questions about the areas you are interested in. Offer to volunteer at the various events in the evenings and weekends to get experience and network and arrange inductions with departments which are of interest – you’ll find people are more than happy to speak to you. 

Annie McGrath, World's Biggest Coffee Morning intern Back to top

Why do an internship with Macmillan?

Macmillan has a structured and professional approach with enjoyable interview process, induction day, two weeks shadowing and an intern information pack. The Essex team are a supportive, friendly and enthusiastic team and they always found answers to my queries and acted as sounding boards to my ideas. I also had a mentor who was extremely positive, interested in what I had to say and willing to share details of their own work history.

Main responsibilities

I was heavily involved in PR and media focussing on increasing social media activity, securing online and print newspaper coverage and getting air-time for WBCM on local radio; I chose to follow this route because I enjoyed it so much and my fundraising manager encouraged me to do so, when I applied for the role I didn’t realise I would be allowed to work so autonomously and present myself as a spokesperson for the charity.

My Macmillan moment

I spent every day working on a project I believe in, had the opportunity to meet the people Macmillan supports and put my skills towards helping others through one of the toughest fights they will ever have to face.