Our On-Campus Intern shares his positive experience with us

Jayden Wordley, a Psychology student shares his ‘enjoyable’ and ‘rewarding’ On-Campus Internship experience with the Learning and Teaching Academy this year.

1.Why did you apply for the On-Campus Internship Scheme in the first place?  

After my placement, I still wasn’t sure on what I wanted to do with my future. Knowing I was interested in both research and teaching I decided to apply for a project researching student study habits, as it would give me good insight into either – research skills, but also knowledge on how to support future students the best. I also wanted to boost my CV further and knew that this scheme would provide a lot of invaluable skills.   

2. What attracted you to the specific internship you’ve undertaken?  

My interests in psychology have always been individual differences and student experience. This internship provided a project on what I was most interested in, and gave insight into how I could fit my interests into research.

3. Was the On-Campus Internship what you expected? Can you describe the experience?  

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, and I am sad that it is over so soon! My supervisor Katy Burgess was incredible, and the flexible remote working was great too. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to.

4. What is the most valuable thing you have learnt during your internship? How will this impact your future studies / career choices?  

Aside from the research skills – data analysis, report writing skills etc – the most valuable thing I am taking away from the project is what I want to do with my career. I learned a lot about my interests and what my career could look like, and that’s really exciting! I am definitely going to pursue a PhD in Psychology, and hope to focus on individual differences within the student experience, investigating how to support students learn the most effectively.

5. What has been the most challenging element of undertaking your internship? What has been your experience?  

The most challenging aspect has been writing the paper on the project. We are hoping to get this published (which is an incredible opportunity!), but it was a lot of pressure to get it right.

6. What are you hoping to do once you’ve finished your undergraduate studies?  

PhD in Psychology; focus on individual differences within the student experience, and how to support students to learn the most effectively.

7. What advice / top tips would you give a student who is thinking of undertaking the internship? 

Go for it! It is honestly such a rewarding experience! Show off your skills in your application, and make sure you convey how interested you are. Work hard and you’ll gain so many invaluable skills and learn so much!

8.  Is there any additional support that the Learning Teaching Academy could have offered before, during or after your work experience?  

N/A – felt very supported throughout!

About the scheme 

The On-Campus Internship scheme provides students with a range of opportunities to undertake a paid placement with staff over the summer recess, and fosters collaborations between staff, students, external organisations, and universities. 

The scheme gives students valuable work experience, as well as the chance to sample postgraduate research, enabling them to examine whether they should progress to postgraduate study. For staff, the scheme provides an opportunity to receive valuable additional resource to work on their research during the summer, and a chance to have the student perspective feed into their projects.  

Find out more about the scheme and our new On-Campus Internship blog.  

Cardiff University staff can apply for next year’s placement funding by 15 January 2025.