By Alexa Hendon

While I was searching for a graduate job in my final year at Nottingham University, I decided to volunteer for Oxfam to improve my work experience and do something to help alleviate global poverty.

I was accepted onto the graduate intern scheme and volunteered as part of Oxfam Tradings Human Resources Team.

As Oxfam has the largest network of charity shops in the country, the work carried out by Trading is incredibly complex. I met a huge number of people and learned an incredible amount.

My internship involved working on a project about the factors affecting staff and volunteer recruitment and retention. Coming from an arts background as a student, working on the project was initially very challenging but I soon got to grips with it.

Although my main placement was in Trading Human Resources, I also become involved in a project in promoting student fundraising with the Youth Strategy Team, allowing me to build on the volunteering experiences and knowledge I had from University.

From my work at Oxfam, I decided that I would like to pursue a career in Human Resource Management, and have now secured a place on a graduate management development scheme.

I think my success was due in no small part to the work I undertook in Trading HR, both in giving me work experience, and in providing me with affirmation that this career path was right for me.

Oxfam's new internship programme is divided into three intakes throughout the year January to May, June to August and September to December. Although unpaid it provides an allowance for lunch and travel expenses. The hours are flexible so you can get a part-time job.

There is no guarantee of paid employment after the internship, but it is a great way to develop skills in an international NGO. It is also good experience for your CV. There are both short and long-term opportunities.

For more information see Oxfam's Generation Why website.

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