My journey to becoming a Graduate Intern at York St John University

Hi! My name is Grace. I’m the new Marketing and Digital Experience Graduate Intern at York St John University.

Life as a student

I started at York St John as a student in Creative Writing and Media, not fully knowing what to expect. I had just left a larger university in a much busier city, and I found it hard and overwhelming to navigate such a big student body. Lectures felt impersonal, and making friends was challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was searching for a place where I could feel like part of the community, receive support, and ultimately feel a sense of belonging. I was able to find this at York St John University.

Over the course of my 3 years at university, I had the privilege of meeting some incredible people, friends whom I still consider lifelong. Each of these friendships has played a significant role in helping me get to where I am today. I am truly grateful to the university community for facilitating these connections. My lecturers were consistently supportive and understanding. This was particularly important for me as a Creative Writing student. It was essential to find a university where the lecturers took the time to develop my writing style and how my ideas flowed onto the page. Additionally, the city of York itself inspired me on my journey. It is a beautiful, vibrant place steeped in history, and it felt safe and welcoming, almost like a large town rather than a bustling city.

Transitioning from student to Graduate Intern at York St John University

After finishing university, I became aware of the Graduate Intern positions open to recent graduates. After the experience I’d had, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to carry on my journey with York St John University. Starting my professional role at the university felt incredibly rewarding. The sense of belonging grew stronger as I transitioned from a student to a supporter. I was now able to guide students through a journey I’d experienced myself. It was exciting to walk through the halls I knew so well with different eyes, seeing it from both a staff and student perspective. It was a fulfilling way to honour my time at the university while embarking on my professional journey.

I am now transitioning into my second Graduate Internship at York St John University, and I feel so privileged. Having this opportunity has allowed me to gain skills that I believe will help me thrive in my future career.

Reflection

As I reflect on my journey from student to Graduate Intern, I realise just how transformative my time has been. The community I found, the friendships I forged, and the support I received have all played a pivotal role in shaping my personal and professional growth. As I step into this new chapter, I feel a deep sense of responsibility. It’s exciting, contributing to the university, helping current students feel the same sense of belonging that I experienced. This opportunity has allowed me to not only give back but also to continue learning and growing in an environment that has shaped so much of who I am today. 

Find out more about what career support you can receive during your time at YSJ, by reading Amelie’s blog where she shares her experience with YSJ career services.

Learn more about Graduate Internships at York St John University here.