Birmingham student Matthew’s paid internship with Turner & Townsend gave him insight to an industry he’s keen to join – and support from mentor Jeremy has helped him consider potential paths to get there. This is his story.
Ever wondered what a Career Ready internship is like day to day? For Matthew Tierney, a student at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and Sixth Form, a typical day during his paid internship with Turner & Townsend started by meeting his supervisors, Ade and Nancy.
“Our first Teams meeting at 10:30 would see us meeting with a range of people from all areas of the company, teaching us about different roles and how the business operates.”
After lunch, Matthew and his fellow T&T interns would work as a group, completing tasks they’d been set for their internships.
“For example, certain tasks revolved around project management, cost management, and sustainability,” Matthew explains. “We’d then have a Teams meeting at the end of the day with the other Turner & Townsend offices, and our internship leader – Markus, from the London office. This gave us a chance to review our work and gather feedback.”
Feeling more prepared for a professional career
“The internship has given me a valuable experience of the work environment, teaching me the dynamics of an office as well as helping me to develop my professional skills,” Matthew adds.
“Completing projects as a group developed my teamwork skills and meeting deadlines for certain tasks developed my time management skills. From meeting and talking to new people around the office, my confidence improved – making me feel more prepared for a professional career.”
Getting a taste of the future
For Matthew, the internship has given him insight to the consultancy industry – something he’s keen to explore in the future.
“I’ve expanded my knowledge of the consultancy industry and learnt about a range of job roles within the company, giving me an insight into possible careers,” Matthew says.
“As an industry that already interested me, this internship has confirmed this sector as an option for me to go into after school, and the skills I’ve developed throughout will help me to get there.
“My advice to someone starting an internship would be to make sure you get the best out of it by asking lots of questions, working outside of your comfort zone and getting involved in everything.”
Working with a mentor
Matthew has also been working closely with his Career Ready mentor, Jeremy Richardson – Director, Consultant in Operational Excellence at Turner & Townsend.
“So far, the work with my mentor has expanded my knowledge on different career routes to follow after school, helping me decide which would be better suited to me,” Matthew explains.
“Additionally, he has helped me create a quality CV as well as teaching me beneficial interview skills. Before the internship, he helped me to understand how to get the best experience from it to ensure my professional skills were improved the best they could.”
Jeremy added: “Throughout our time together, I witnessed a remarkable transformation in Matthew. As we navigated the various career options and possibilities, clarity began to emerge, and, with it, a newfound confidence.
“It was deeply fulfilling to see Matthew develop a stronger sense of direction and purpose, and to watch his self-assurance grow with each step.
“By the end, I can see that he will be walking confidently towards his future, bolstered by the experience and knowledge he has gained.”
