Hear from Aiza, our first Volunteer Intern at Teenage Helpline

Becoming the first-ever intern at Teenage Helpline has been a truly rewarding experience, and it’s been an honour to contribute to such a meaningful mission. Over the past three months, I’ve had the privilege to be involved in some exciting and important projects that will have a lasting impact on the organisation.

I recently graduated from the University of Surrey, where I studied Law with Criminology. Like many graduates, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take with my career, but I was eager to gain practical experience and explore different opportunities. When I came across the Teenage Helpline internship, I reached out to Annelie, who introduced me to Josh and helped set up a tailored system and schedule for my role. This step was pivotal, as it provided me with a unique opportunity to delve into the legal and organisational side of a charity.

One of the key highlights of my internship has been assisting with the documentation and processes required to set up Teenage Helpline’s trading subsidiary. This involved working meticulously through complex paperwork, ensuring everything was in order, and contributing to the submission of the application to the Charity Commission. It was an intricate process, but seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying. The experience taught me so much about organisational governance, regulatory compliance, and the importance of detail in legal drafting. It also gave me deeper insight into company law, which was great to explore beyond the scope of my university module.

I had never drafted legal documents or policies before this internship, and while some minor details might have once gone unnoticed, they’re now among the first things I spot. Throughout this internship, I was able to hone my university research skills for many of the tasks and found opportunities to get creative with writing articles. Working closely with Josh also gave me a chance to explore the commercial side of things, from helping to plan campaigns and designing handbooks to crafting engaging articles. This variety made the experience not only educational but also genuinely fun.

Being the first intern has also felt like a special opportunity to help shape the role for those who come after me. It’s given me a sense of pride and responsibility, knowing that I’ve set the tone for future interns. The team has been wonderfully supportive, and it feels great to know my contributions are making a tangible difference.

Looking ahead, I’m still exploring potential career paths, but this experience has given me a strong foundation in the legal and charity sectors. I’m particularly interested in roles that allow me to combine my legal background with a focus on making a positive impact. Whether it’s furthering my legal expertise or diving deeper into the charity sector, I now feel more confident and equipped to take the next step.

This internship has been a unique and fulfilling opportunity, and I’m truly grateful to have been part of Teenage Helpline’s growth during this exciting period.