What It’s Like to Be an Intern at Centre4

When I first walked through the doors of Centre4 as a marketing intern, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of what this place means to people. I expected maybe a few interviews and a social media draft or two, but what I found was a supportive hub where lives are being changed everyday.  

I learnt that support doesn’t have to be complicated, instead how small acts can make the biggest difference. Anything from helping someone with meal vouchers, to having a friendly chat ends up rippling out. Another thing was how much Centre4 embodies the meaning of community, and the promise they make to each and every person who walks through the doors: No matter what your circumstances are, you’ll be heard and helped.  Everything here is designed to bring people together, with no judgement just connection and practical help. 

My time here was really enlightening, I’d never experienced a work environment before and having such a welcoming and inviting place as my first real experience in the working world, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I always felt like I could ask for help, regardless of the issue because of how approachable everyone here is. My initial doubts of being too out of my depth at this internship were soon quashed with how supportive my line manager was. He made me feel like a valued member of the team immediately, with any questions answered. As I began to settle into the role, I appreciated having guidelines as to what my work should eventually turn out like but it wasn’t set in stone. This was helpful for me because whilst I was given clear guidelines, they weren’t set in stone, and so I had the independence and freedom to grow with my work and learn on the job. This excited me because I felt as if I was growing with the role and I could expand both my knowledge of the working world and what it means to work in a marketing role.  

I’m very grateful to both my line manager and the Centre4 team because my first experience of the working world will stay with me forever.  It made me excited to pursue marketing in the future as it’s a sector that I am passionate about, and I can’t thank everyone enough for allowing me the space to grow whilst also feel welcomed. I also now have this experience to take pride in, with published works that I can look back on. My line manager very much had the view of I should be able to leave with something tangible from this experience, as well as the knowledge and skills, which he called ‘a line in the sand’. This starting point and knowledge I’ve gained I’ll be able to carry with me into not only my next job, but also my future career.