A huge congratulations to Salima for securing an internship with Civil Service Fast Stream. Here she tells us of her experience during the application process.
Why did you choose this firm and this role?
As someone studying science and observing what scientific research entails, I realised that a career in the scientific field is not right for me because I'm someone who enjoys seeing wider pictures rather than specialising in very niche fields and making more direct impacts in society. The Civil Service's SDIP is the ideal internship for me to explore my interests and appreciate how policy and policy delivery are carried out in order to help the country and it's people flourish.
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?:
The toughest part for me were the initial tests. I felt very unprepared and nervous about these because they weren't like anything I had done before.
My favourite part was most definitely my telephone interview where I was able to simply show my enthusiasm for the role and prove my skills with all the extra-curriculars I do and have done.
Were you surprised by anything in the process?
Not particularly! I had read up on the process quite thoroughly and looked up previous experiences of applying to the internship before.
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
1) Have real enthusiasm about the work that is carried out by the Civil Service, give evidence on how you are affected directly by policy
2) Be confident in your skills and experience. No matter how big or small, anything within or outside your studies is worth talking about if you have learned good lessons from it.
3) Relax. The telephone interview should be a space for you to enjoy talking about potentially taking part in the internship and how well you fit their criteria.
What was the toughest question you faced at interview?
Perhaps the one on proving you can adapt to change.
