Q1. So, Caitlin, let's start with what motivated you to apply for the Communications & Events Internship?
Being in my second year on the marketing course at Durham and I really wanted to enhance my skills that I had learned during my summer internship. What also helped is how much I loved John Snow a college. I wanted to see its communications grow in its new era at Mount Oswald to connect the student voice to overall college operations.
Additionally, the College Office’s close relationship with students and staff motivated me to apply, as I wanted to work in a role that had a visible impact on engagement, participation, and college community spirit. I saw the internship as a chance to apply my academic learning in a real-world context while developing transferable skills such as creative communication, content creation, and event coordination.
Q2. And how would you describe a typical week during your internship?
Every week was so different due to the nature of the role! The main projects that we worked on including creating college’s brand kit, social media look and feel as well as working alongside the JCR.
At the start of the week, I would usually review upcoming college activities and deadlines alongside my work partner Charlotte Dixon (who I’m still really good friends with today!) Helping to plan content for social media and internal communications such as Snow News is Good News (the college newsletter) and event promotions. Most importantly we started the content of John the Bear who we grew very emotionally attached to! 🐻
Alongside communications work, I regularly supported new ventures through the college. This included helping with logistics such as the launch of the Summit (our outdoor terrace)and providing on-the-day support during college events. After events, I often helped gather photos, feedback, and engagement data to evaluate performance and inform future planning.
Q3. Do you have anything that stands out as being your favourite moment as college communications intern?
My favourite moment as a college intern was definitely being able to write and direct an advert for the college! Collaborating with students and staff to make a cohesive and fun advert showcasing our facilities was a lot of fun and had really good engagement uptake which any marketing student loves to see!
Q4. And did being a student influence the work you did ?
I think it was really important for us as students to be able to convey the general student voice. Charlotte lived out and I lived within college which gave us a really good understanding of the different perspectives of fellow students. We also made sure that we put out as many surveys and questionnaires as possible to really capture the majority of students opinions when tailoring our content.
When running events as well we also were really lucky to interact on a personal level with the people we spoke to, to make the most authentic experiences for them which could then be conveyed through our comms.
Q5. Has this role helped you grow personally or professionally?
Personally, I got to know so many more people within college including the staff. It also lead me to where I am today volunteering as the VP within our JCR.
It also gave me massive confidence for my placement year at Warner Bros. Discovery, where I developed upon the creative skills I used as a college intern.
Q6. Do you have any advice for another student thinking about applying for a similar role?
I’d tell them to apply even if they don’t feel “perfectly qualified” because you learn most of the role by actually doing it. Be prepared for busy weeks, last-minute changes, and learning how to juggle multiple tasks at once, but also expect to gain loads of transferable skills and confidence along the way.
The creative element of the role is genuinely what you make it so throw yourself into learning canva, photoshop and video editing and you’ll excel!
I’d also say don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for things, whether that’s suggesting content ideas, or asking to try something new. The more you get involved, the more rewarding the experience becomes.
Q7. And, finally... favourite Snow Pun?
Snow Turning Back - honestly I think it encompasses snow so well. You absolutely don’t expect the love and warmth you’ll receive from day one but you end up throwing yourself in to a point of snow return 😉
