Highlights from our Global Internships

21 September 2023

2023 saw the launch of Downe House’s unique Global Internship Programme for our Lower Sixth pupils. A total of twenty Sixth Form pupils undertook placements in the UK and overseas. These girls embraced the opportunity to gain an early introduction to global cultures and work styles, and their professional conduct certainly impressed our employment partners.

The Recruitment Process

The Global Partnerships team set about making the experience as true to life as possible, with the girls completing application forms, taking part in interviews and in many cases attending an introductory meeting with their internship contact either face to face or via Teams. 

Types of Internships

The girls undertook placements in a variety of sectors, including Human Rights Law in the UK, Venture Capital in Zambia, Finance and Market Research in Hong Kong, Veterinary Medicine in Australia, Education in the Gulf countries, Marketing in London, Insurance & Audit in Germany, Sustainable Development in the UK, Women’s Rights & Mental Health in Canada, and Engineering and the Chemical Industry Supply Chain in Thailand. Each girl was matched to the internship that best suited her studies or career aims.

Internship Insights

After the internship, the girls wrote thank you letters and completed evaluation forms. The internship companies were also invited to provide feedback on the girls, for insight into their attitude to work, ability to work as part of a team, quality of tasks and attention to detail. The girls rose to the challenge brilliantly, and from the comments made by their internship providers, it is clear they have proved themselves to be a real asset as all girls were noted as being either ‘very good’ or in most cases ‘excellent’ across all areas.

Allianz X GmbH

Germany

“My colleagues were very impressed that, even without any prior work experience, Zara could keep up with the pace of tasks assigned to her.”

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Allianz X GmbH

Germany

“It was a pleasure to have Zara in the team. She has set a high standard for the next work placement student. My colleagues were very impressed that, even without any prior work experience, Zara could keep up with the pace of tasks assigned to her. Compliments to the school as well, because Zara brought with her a solid knowledge of SharePoint and PowerPoint, essential for office workers!”
– Catherine Dietrich, CFO, Allianz X GmbH

Orchard Global Asset Management

UK

I gained an understanding of the financial sector and have uncovered a potential career path.

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Orchard Global Asset Management

UK

“I really enjoyed learning about ESG and Credit Research, meeting other interns and the lovely people who work at Orchard Global. I gained an understanding of the financial sector and have uncovered a potential career path.
Clemmie, Lower Sixth

“Clemmie showed a particular interest in ESG and so I have provided her with the contact details of Marc (Global Head of ESG) as she wanted to ask him some questions. I am thrilled that Clemmie had an excellent week!”
Orchard Global

Avenel Equine Hospital

Australia

“The whole experience has definitely strengthened my resolve and made me really look forward to the next stage.”

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Avenel Equine Hospital

Australia

“I watched some incredible surgeries and it was just such great experience, I now have a really rounded idea of what it will be like to be an equine vet. The whole experience has definitely strengthened my resolve and made me really look forward to the next stage. I will be seriously recommending this internship!”
– Iona, Lower Sixth

“We just wanted to say what a delight it was meet Iona and have her spend her 2 week internship with us. She is a keen, bright young woman who is a credit to the school and her family. We found her to be quite mature in her attitude and she was able to interact well with other team members and clients better than most vet students! I think she has a good understanding of what a career in veterinary practice would look like and the various career options this degree would give her. We sincerely hope that she gains a place at vet school – in our opinion she is exactly what the profession needs.
Katie Wilcox, BVSc Cert AVP Cert VBM MRCVS, Director, Avenel Equine Hospital 

Halpern PR

UK

“The team wanted to hire them there and then on the spot as they were both so helpful and wonderful.”

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Halpern PR

UK

“I have come away with a good insight into the world of PR through working closely with the beauty team, from creating pitches to picking up extra stock at Boots. All of the team were so accommodating and always helpful when I needed guidance, and I am completely aware of the time and kindness that takes. I have gained a lot of experience which I will never forget.”
Claudia, Lower Sixth

“They were both BRILLIANT. The team wanted to hire them there and then on the spot as they were both so helpful and wonderful. A total asset to Downe House and we would welcome them both back again if they ever wanted to do further work experience.
Alexandra Huxford, Executive Assistant, Halpern PR

 

30Thirty Capital

Zambia

“Over time they felt much more confident, started asking questions and brought suggestions.

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30Thirty Capital

Zambia

“One evening we went to an entrepreneur’s pitch where 5 people were trying to get funding for their start-ups. I found it really interesting.”
– Georgie, Lower Sixth

“It was a great experience having Sonya and Georgie with us. They are pleasant and bright girls. It was their first time in an office environment, which was a tiny bit intimidating at the beginning. Over time they felt much more confident, started asking questions and brought suggestions.”
30Thirty Capital

Nurture Landscapes

UK

It was really amazing to learn and discuss the theory behind everything Nurture Landscapes does, and then be able to see it on their live working sites.”

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Nurture Landscapes

UK

It was really amazing to learn and discuss the theory behind everything Nurture Landscapes does, and then be able to see it on their live working sites. I also really enjoyed learning from so many people, and just being able to talk to them and learn things that I had never come across before.
Cassie, Lower Sixth

“I really enjoyed the broadness of information received from various different departments and the in-depth knowledge about different business processes.”
– Dedee, Lower Sixth

“We really enjoyed having Cassie and Dedee with us. Cassie’s positive attitude and enthusiasm will take her far in life. Dedee’s contribution and participation on all activities was outstanding.”
– Emma Thompson, HR Business Partner, Nurture Landscapes

 

 

HR & Marketing,
Downe House Riyadh

In June, Molly and Ruby (Lower Sixth) visited our sister school in Saudi Arabia to intern with the HR and Marketing Department. The girls explored Downe House Riyadh and met some of the pupils in the classrooms before diving into work.

“HR and Marketing was super interesting and relevant to my Business A level and to what I want to do in the future. I loved getting to know the Year 11 Downe House Riyadh girls and exploring the beautiful city and learning about the culture.”
– Ruby, Lower Sixth

During their placement, Molly and Ruby developed skills in a variety of areas including HR, Event Management, Public Speaking, Marketing, Admissions and Operations. This gave them a well-rounded understanding of the school from an operational perspective.

“The girls demonstrated an enthusiastic and curious approach to all tasks presented during the internship. Thank you, Molly and Ruby, for your enthusiasm, energy and willingness to learn throughout your time with us.”
– Downe House Riyadh

Would your place of work be a good host for one of our internship placements? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us at:
globalpartnerships@downehouse.net.

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