What I learnt from doing a summer internship in year one

When I signed up for a summer internship with the Department for Education in a high school’s maths department, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into. I found the opportunity at a careers network fair and was mainly inclined due to the financial incentives. But, it was so worth it! I knew I’d be helping out in lessons, but I never expected to plan and teach classes, support school trips, and get an authentic behind-the-scenes look at what being a teacher is like. Spoiler alert: it’s nothing like I imagined!

One of the biggest things that surprised me was just how unpredictable each day can be. Teaching isn’t just about delivering a lesson; it’s about adapting on the spot, answering unexpected questions, and sometimes completely changing your approach when things don’t go to plan. This is definitely a new skill I learnt! No two days were the same, and I quickly learned the importance of thinking on my feet.

Beyond that, I gained many valuable skills, like communication, problem-solving, and even just the confidence to stand in front of a class and keep their attention (which is way harder than it looks!). It was also enriching to see students grasp new concepts and know I played a small part in that.

If you’re considering doing a summer internship, just go for it! You never know what doors it can open for you. I’d 100% recommend it. Even if you don’t do an internship in your desired career path, you still learn so much and gain transferable skills that are useful in any career. Plus, you never know what you might discover about yourself. So, if an opportunity comes up, go for it! You might just surprise yourself with what you can do.