My Summer Internship with the Learning and Teaching Academy
11 September 2026
Written by Josh Done, second year Physics student, and Marianna Majzonova LTA Digital Education Specialist.
Josh’s reflection
This summer, I had the opportunity to work as an AI and Digital Literacy Intern within Cardiff University’s Learning and Teaching Academy. Going into the internship, I was interested in gaining experience of working in a professional environment and developing skills that I could use beyond my degree. Alongside this, I was keen to contribute to how the University’s guidance around AI was developed and adapted.
When starting the internship, I spent time getting to know the team and understanding the work of the Learning and Teaching Academy. I was able to familiarise myself with projects I would be contributing to. Having the opportunity to meet different members of the team and understand how their roles fitted together helped me gain a much better understanding of the work that happens behind the scenes to support students and staff. I also had the opportunity to work with Library Services, which highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the work and allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from different areas of Cardiff University.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the internship was the variety of work I was able to get involved in. A large part of my role focused on AI and digital literacy, including researching how students use AI and considering how guidance and resources could help students use these tools effectively and responsibly. I also worked on student-facing resources covering topics such as managing your online presence, which involved considering how information could be presented in a clear, engaging and accessible way for students.
A major part of my internship involved developing student-facing resources around AI and assessment. This involved thinking carefully about how information could be clearly communicated to students. Alongside my main project work, I also supported a range of ad-hoc tasks for the Learning and Teaching Academy, including creating video content on topics such as Panopto and blended learning. The variety of these tasks gave me experience of adapting my communication and approach depending on the topic and audience.
This was one of the more unexpected things I learnt during the internship. Before I undertook this role, I had not fully appreciated how much consideration goes into producing what can initially look like a simple piece of student guidance. Small decisions about terminology or layout can make a significant difference for students.
I also feel that I developed personally throughout the internship. I became more confident working both independently and as part of a team, taking an initial idea and developing it into something more complete. Receiving feedback from colleagues and adapting my work was another valuable part of the experience, as it helped me become more comfortable refining work and seeing things from different perspectives.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed both the work itself and being part of the team. The internship has given me experience in areas that I would not normally encounter through my degree, whilst helping me develop skills in communication, research, content creation and working in a professional environment.
For future interns, my main advice would be to make the most of the variety of opportunities available and be willing to throw yourself into new experiences. Don’t be scared to ask questions and make sure you speak to people across the team. You should be willing to get involved in work that may be outside your comfort zone. Some of the most useful things I learnt during the internship came from doing exactly that.
Marianna’s reflection
Cardiff University’s Summer Placement and Internship opportunities are designed to provide students with meaningful, paid work experience that enables them to develop professional skills, gain insight into how the University operates, and contribute to projects that have a tangible impact on learning, teaching, research, and student support. A key feature of the scheme is the collaboration aspect between students and staff, creating opportunities for students to contribute their unique perspectives while developing confidence, employability skills, and professional experience.
It has been a pleasure to work with Josh throughout his internship. His perspective as a current student helped us ensure that resources were relevant, accessible, and responsive to student needs. This reinforced the benefits of working with students as partners and demonstrated how student insight can enhance the quality and impact of project outcomes.
He approached every opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to producing high-quality work. Watching his confidence grow, his ideas develop, and his understanding of learning and teaching practice deepen has been particularly rewarding. Equally, his participation highlighted the wider value of Cardiff University’s internship programme in fostering authentic and purposeful partnerships between staff and students. Josh’s contribution demonstrated how working with students as partners enriches projects, enhances outputs, and ensures that resources and services remain firmly grounded in the needs and experiences of the students they are designed to support.
On behalf of the Learning and Teaching Academy and Library Services, we are grateful for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.
Internship Outputs
- Environmental Impact Review
- AI Use-cases and scenarios (coming soon)
Get in touch
On-campus internship is open to staff across the university. Find out more about the student summer placement on the staff intranet (for internal staff only).
The Learning and Teaching Academy support staff with Digital Education and host a program of Continuous Professional Development courses for staff. Take a look at the courses or contact us on [email protected].