Taking up a marketing role with the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust, James was pleasantly surprised to discover how much he could achieve as an intern.
鈥淚 worked on the social media and website, writing stories and posts. I quickly realised I had gained a lot of transferable skills in my English degree, critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to sit and focus on a task for an extended time. So, while I was working in an unfamiliar field, I was quickly able to learn the skills for the role,鈥 he says.
鈥淚 went into it not having a lot of confidence and feeling quite nervous about an office environment. As it turned out, it wasn鈥檛 as scary as anticipated and has opened so many doors for me looking to the future.鈥
At the end of his internship, James accepted a part-time job with the trust and is also studying towards a UC听Master of Arts degree in Writing听(惭奥谤颈迟).
This year, he鈥檚 managing social media marketing for Elmer鈥檚 艑tautahi Elephant Trail, a family-friendly sculpture trail project that will raise money for the Trust鈥檚 work supporting people impacted by traumatic brain and other complex injuries throughout Waitaha Canterbury.
鈥淭his is my first real job and I think it would be hard to find a better place to work. They have been so supportive 鈥 I work with the greatest people!鈥
Several UC students have been PACE interns with the Laura Fergusson Trust. The trust鈥檚 marketing and communications manager, Jasmine Harris, describes it as a win-win as the trust gets much-needed help while students gain real-world experience.
鈥淲e have a limited budget and I work part-time, so having these interns is awesome,鈥 she says. 鈥淲e were thrilled to recruit James to work with us as a marketing and communications assistant. He fits in so well and brings so much to the role, including filming events and doing our social media.鈥
James says he is looking forward to completing his MWrit at the end of next year while continuing to grow his marketing skills with the trust.
