University – University of Edinburgh
Qualification – MA(Hons) Social Anthropology
Job hunting experience – Trying to find a job after graduating was really tough. I wanted to find a role that matched my skills and interests but I knew that I was up against candidates who had much more experience and who were not fresh out of university. Although I did secure an internship quite early on (I graduated in July and started in September), it certainly felt much longer at the time and I remember feeling disheartened and confused by the job-hunting experience.
Roles and responsibilities – My first internship through Adopt an Intern was with the Life Changes Trust, a charity that’s working to improve the wellbeing of two vulnerable groups in Scotland: people affected by Dementia and Care Experienced Young People. Based within the CEYP team, my work focused on a pilot project that delivered individual grants to young people with care experience, including the initial assessment of grant applications and overall project evaluation.
The skills and experience I gained during my work with the Life Changes Trust helped me to secure a second internship with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, an educational charity and Scotland’s National Academy. As a member of a small team, I am responsible for coordinating and administering several differing award schemes that provide funding for academics and early career researchers across a variety of disciplines. From advertising the awards and processing applications through to liaising with award recipients and arranging and facilitating events, I feel fortunate to work for an organisation which supports research that contributes to Scotland’s cultural, economic and social wellbeing and for my small role in the process.
Where are you now? – I now have a permanent position with the Royal Society of Edinburgh which is ideal as after completing the two internships, I knew that I wanted to continue to work in the third sector and I am particularly interested in social research and it’s benefits for Scottish society.
The working environment at the RSE is fantastic and the staff have all been very supportive; one of my favourite staff rituals is Scone Club which takes place every Friday and where staff gather for a chat and to put the world to rights over a cup of tea and a scone!
Hannah Ormston
Adopt an Intern Alumni
Care Experienced Young People Programme Assistant with Life Changes Trust & Research Awards Officer with Royal Society of Edinburgh
Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn
