My 20-Week Internship Experience: Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership

In this post blog, Olufemi Oloruntimehin (Law Student and CVSL Intern) shares his experience with the 20-week CVSL internship. He covers both the practical experience and reflects on his key takeaways. The cogs and machinery image symbolises how according to him, life is continuous, meaning that we must continuously learn and adapt, be resilient, and appreciate that collaboration and teamwork are vital. 

Image generated by Olufemi on AI

Throughout my 20-week internship at the Open University's Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership, I gained an understanding of the relationship between leadership, Black and Minority Ethnic identity, and social justice in the professional workplace. This internship expanded my knowledge of the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in leadership roles. I closely worked with a manager and mentor (Dr Fidele Mutwarasibo) alongside other heads of projects, researchers, academics, partners of the centre and a fellow intern. I gained skills which encompass programme planning, advocacy, communication, research, and cooperation.

Professional Development and Skills

Throughout the internship, an area in which I learnt and grew was programme coordination and administrative support. I assisted in organising the workshops for the Minority Ethnic (MEL) Programme, including panel discussions and leadership training sessions aimed at empowering people from underrepresented communities across six cities in the four UK nations, from April 23^rd to May 12^th. Through these activities, I learned how to plan events, collaborate with other planning members, draft agendas, coordinate logistics, and allocate resources and funds. These tasks helped improve my project management and planning and reminded me of the importance of communication, attention to detail, adaptability, and collaboration.

Another area I gained was education research; I contributed to researching the insights of previous learners and how to improve the programme by identifying potential shortcomings. This task enhanced my listening and questioning skills and broadened my understanding of how structural barriers limit access to leadership positions for members of minority ethnic groups.

Cultural and Social Awareness

The internship emphasised the importance of the intersectionality between race, ethnicity, gender, economic status, and other issues, as reflected in the lived experiences of various minority groups. I participated in multiple meetings and workshops, which allowed me to witness the importance of collaboration with other sectors, particularly the public sector and other aligned organisations.

Personal Reflection

The internship provided me with numerous opportunities for reflection. I developed self-awareness, moderation, and greater insight into the experiences of minority communities and the resilience they have demonstrated in their struggle for social justice, equality, and inclusion.

I understood the importance of solidarity and forming alliances. This experience has taught me to listen more effectively, to collaborate more collaboratively, and to deepen my vision of equality and justice. 

Conclusion

My 20-week internship with the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership was a valuable experience which broadened my knowledge of equity and justice, project organisation, collaboration, and leadership. I conclude this programme with a powerful sense of having contributed to inclusive leadership and change in addressing the systemic barriers that persist in our society. I am equipped with tools to enhance leadership, advocacy, and social consciousness.