My Master's Summer Business Project: Data Analysis Internship at S6 Sheffield Foodbank

For me, participating in this business project was purely serendipitous. While filling out the application form, I was still studying for the last final exam of the spring semester when I happened to receive an email from the school. It mentioned a brand-new 60-hour internship opportunity exclusively for master's students from SUMS. Without hesitation, I carved out a few hours from my study time, earnestly completing the application form and answering its questions because this internship came at the perfect time. I was eager to spend some time during the summer before graduation to prepare myself for my future career. Unfortunately, the University offered very few projects for students in the management school. Hence, this newly launched business program was undoubtedly the best and wisest choice made by Management school! After successfully passing the application and interview process, I was incredibly fortunate to secure an internship opportunity at the Sheffield S6 Foodbank.

My role at the food bank involved evaluating the efficiency of their existing customer data information system and optimising the process. The work I did had significant relevance to management consulting, but it also required a certain level of proficiency in Excel. I had the flexibility to work remotely or in the office, and my line manager was incredibly patient and fun to work with. He guided me through anything I was unfamiliar with and prioritised my well-being, wanting me to approach each day's tasks with a happy mindset. During my internship at the food bank, I had the opportunity to observe firsthand how the organisation operates. My thinking was always guided by real-world problems encountered in the workflow, which differed significantly from the theoretical learning of business knowledge in school. Another noteworthy difference from the academic setting was the learning pattern at work, where I had to make the most of fragmented time, learning and implementing new skills simultaneously. Thankfully, my colleagues were always understanding when I encountered unfamiliar knowledge and skills, giving me the space and time to learn what was necessary.

Through this learning process, including tasks I had never done before, such as data-related work, I managed to produce some valuable results. During this journey, my manager trusted me greatly, allowing me to create an improved session list for the food bank's daily operations, which was implemented in the latest weekly sessions. The workload was balanced each week, allowing me to simultaneously work on my graduation thesis while gaining valuable work experience to aid in my transition to the professional world.

Throughout this one-month internship, I gained some invaluable experiences. First and foremost, I learned that any problems or challenges at work should not be carried alone. It's essential to seek help from others, as the purpose of an internship is to step out of your comfort zone, learn unfamiliar things, and even tackle tasks you've never done before. Secondly, just as important as the work itself is the rapport with colleagues. A pleasant working environment and friendly atmosphere enhance the internship experience significantly. Learning is not just about knowledge; it's also about how you interact with people who have different personalities, work styles, and habits. Lastly, one should be brave in trying out new things and tasks at work while learning to manage time effectively. Due to my free-spirited nature, my time management skills have never been the best, but through this business project, I gradually found my rhythm in balancing daily work, studies, and personal life. For instance, to adjust my biological clock and overcome my difficulty in waking up early, I made a conscious effort to go to the office in the mornings rather than working from home. These experiences are not gained merely by sitting around; they require action!

Through this internship, I feel more confident about my future career planning. It's essential to pursue what I want without setting any limitations for myself!

Written by Jiayu Chen, August 2023.