The Life of a Solas Project Communications Intern

At the beginning of 2015, after graduating with a degree in Media and Public Relations in the previous summer and taking some time to travel in Chicago, I began searching for an internship to introduce me to a career in the world of communications. During one of my many 'googling' sprees, I stumbled across an advertisement for a Communications Assistant role in Solas Project which sounded just like what I was looking for so I applied for the position and got called in for an interview. Not too long after my interview with Clodagh, she got in contact to say they would like to offer me the position and I was over the moon! 

When it came to my first day in Solas Project, I was a bundle of nervous energy. As with any new job, I didn't quite know what to expect. I spent the first week or two meeting all the lovely staff and other interns and familiarising myself with all things Solas Project and soon my nerves were a thing of the past. Everyone was so welcoming right from the start and I knew the next 9 months were going to be great.

My favourite part of this whole experience has been the fact that no two days were ever the same. From organising events, to managing and overhauling a website design, to spending time in various programmes getting to know the amazing young people supported by Solas Project, there was never a dull moment. Throughout the last 9 months I had the chance to be on the committee to help organise the first ever Solas Project Black Tie Ball, I attended WebSummit with the wonderful kids who invented BullyBug which was an incredible experience, I got to single-handedly organise the Solas Project Christmas Fair (despite the weather trying to ruin my plans!), I completed the revamp of the Solas Project website alongside the wonderful Jaclyn Visbeen and I got to meet some outstanding people along the way. These are only a few highlights of my time spent working with this incredible organisation, I would be here all day if I was to list everything! 

I have been shown so much support and kindness from everyone I have met throughout this experience and I will be forever grateful for it all. Not only have I gained invaluable knowledge for my career but also for general life. If you get the opportunity to carry out an internship with Solas Project, then please do. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made!  

I want to say a huge thank you to my wonderful mentor Clodagh O Reilly, who looked after me and guided me over the last 9 months, it was great to have someone who genuinely cared and wanted me to get the most out of my experience. 

It's safe to say I will miss all the staff at Solas Project a lot, thank you all for being so warm and welcoming to me right from the start!

Katie x