Laura Jayne Fynney - Intern with Spotty Gift Boxes Ltd

University of Winchester, graduate

Tell us how you found out about the internship scheme

I knew about GJS from my university and searched for it through the internet. I used it on a regular basis to find out what graduate jobs were available. I noticed the internship for Spotty Gift Boxes when searching for internships in the Winchester Area.

Applying for the internship – tell us how you did this

I set up an account on GJS, filled in my details and attached my CV and covering letter to send to the prospective employer.

What made this role attractive to apply to?

Contained elements of my degree topics in the job specification. The company sounded diverse and interesting. This internship would be a huge learning curve but one that sounded fun and that would leave me with good grounding for the future.

Did you apply for more than one internship?

No I did not. I had originally wanted to go home after university and continue in my job there. It was purely a last minute decision to stay in Winchester, but it was the best decision I have made!

Tell us about the interview process with the employer

I spoke to Caroline regarding the first stage interview; she asked various questions about my background, what I want out of a job and where I look to be in the future.

She then invited me back for a second interview where I was given 3 tasks to carry out in 20 mins; this included writing a description for a child’s watering can. After this Caroline discussed what she would want and expect from an employee and ask me if I thought I would be right for the job.

Are you enjoying the internship so far? Is it what you expected?

I thoroughly enjoy the internship, in the last month I have learnt so many new skills and developed my ideas about an online retail business. My employerCaroline is great and I look forward to coming into work every day. She is very encouraging and is spurring me on to achieve more.

Fingers crossed we are launching a new website tomorrow and have another in the pipeline for release towards the end of the year.

I now have the chance to publish articles online through our website and also through blogs. This internship has opened many doors and developed my skills in ways I never thought possible.

Are there any ways we could improve the GJS graduate internship scheme or the GJS Service in general?

I think that the GJS service is great, it offers graduates a great chance to get into the working environment and gain some crucial skills in businesses that many not always seek to employ graduates.

Any other thoughts or comments?

I truly recommend GJS to all graduates!

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