The Centre for Teaching and Learning's Student Experience Internship Scheme enables students to work in partnership with academics, educational developers and other stakeholders on defined projects that enhance learning experiences for Oxford students.
The scheme is run as part of the University’s Summer Internship Programme, which offers students hundreds of funded internship opportunities during the long (summer) vacation. The programme is administered by the Careers Service's Internship Office, whose invaluable support includes promoting our scheme to students, managing applications, and overseeing the placement process.
The partnership design of our Student Experience Internship Scheme creates a unique and mutually beneficial opportunity for students and staff to work together to co-design and carry out an educational project, drawing on each other's areas of expertise and ideas.
Staff benefit from the new perspectives, innovative ideas, and fresh energy that students bring to the project, alongside their unique ability to connect with, learn from and understand current students—enabling staff to learn from students they usually wouldn’t be able to reach.
Students, in turn, benefit from valuable opportunities to contribute to an impactful piece of work that will improve future students’ experiences, gain real-world experience working in higher education, and develop their research and professional skills.
The internship gave me invaluable practical experience that helped me hone my skills, exercise judgement, and make meaningful contributions to the project's objectives. This work experience will help me immensely as I advance in my chosen profession. Another aspect of my internship that I found extremely beneficial was the opportunity to build a professional network. I had the opportunity to interact with co-workers and industry professionals. These contacts will be helpful in my future endeavours, whether for career advice, potential job opportunities, or collaborations. Aside from professional development, my internship experience benefitted my personal development. I learned how to manage my time better, improved my communication and digital skills, and gained a better understanding of workplace dynamics. In any career, these soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge.
Samira Mohammed Ibn Moro, 2023 student partner
