Mandisa from Birmingham joined her Career Ready mentor Sally for a paid internship at financial education charity, Money Ready. This is their story.
“I could see what a powerful opportunity Career Ready would be – both to deepen my understanding of young people, and to give something back,” says mentor Sally, who is Midlands Manager for Money Ready.
“I hoped to make a real difference to my mentee, and I knew I’d grow from the experience too.”
Sally was paired with Mandisa, a student at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Sixth Form.
“Sally gave me so much help and guidance,” Mandisa says. “I could ask as many questions as I wanted and get as much help as I needed.”
Joining the team
Over the summer, Mandisa had the opportunity to join Sally at Money Ready for a four-week paid internship.
“Before I started, Sally asked me questions about what I wanted to get from the internship, which helped me prepare,” Mandisa says. “She gave me lots of advice and encouragement about the workplace environment, so I wouldn’t be scared.”
The experience helped Mandisa build a better understanding of the world of work.
“My internship opened my eyes to the different roles and departments needed to make a company,” she says. “I gained an interest in working in charities, and data analysis too.”
Building new skills
“I developed a lot of confidence through taking opportunities, getting feedback, and growing from it,” Mandisa says. “I also learnt time management, skills like Excel, and about public speaking by observing colleagues who were delivering financial education sessions.
“Interning at a financial management charity also meant I learnt a lot about financial education, too. I even did a two-day course to gain a money management qualification.
“There are so many things that I can take with me into any career I’d want to do.”
Understanding myself
As well as learning about the organisation and building practical skills, Mandisa’s internship was an opportunity to learn more about herself.
“I learnt about the ways I like to work – for example, I enjoy organising, and especially liked organising data and putting it into graphs – and how my characteristics, like adaptability, can work well in the work environment.”
A rewarding experience
“Getting to know Mandisa and watching her fly has been the most rewarding part of this programme,” says Sally.
“I watched her truly bloom over the year. By helping her to see the potential she already had within her, she was able to realise it for herself. That shift in confidence was remarkable to witness.
“The programme is brilliantly organised and you’re very well supported, with plenty of resources and guidance every step of the way.
“But most of all, you’re making a genuine difference to a young person at a pivotal moment in their life – and right now, that matters more than ever.”
