Plan your future
Originally from India, Garima Singh, BA Politics and International Relations, knew from a young age that she wanted to study and work in politics. When she realised that Manchester had always been a hub of political debate, she knew that the University was the place for her.
Why did you choose Manchester?
I came to Manchester because the degree I wanted to do wasn’t feasible in India, and my parents wanted me to be a bit closer (not in Canada for example), so I chose the UK. There are so many universities here but I kept going back to Manchester because of how politically aware it is and I wanted to study Politics and International Relations.
What stood out most for you about the University?
The University empowers students, I was reading about how students had gone onto work in the government and it blew my mind.
How did the University help you with your internship?
The Careers Service helped me prepare for my interview and helped with my CV. My lecturer sent me an induction pack before I started with tips and advice on what to do during the internship like documenting things and networking and you just don’t think about that sort of stuff beforehand. I feel like the University really helped us to be prepared and continued to support us during the internship.
How did the internship help you prepare for the working world?
University life is amazing but I like knowing that I’m prepared for life afterwards and an internship helps with that. It gives you the insight into the real world; it prepares you for time management and managing yourself. Because it was a research internship I definitely improved my research skills which helped with my final year dissertation. The process of getting an internship is good as you prepare your CV and you have an interview. It also helps develop your presenting skills and makes you defend your report at the end which helps to make you a better presenter.
Are you still involved with the Red Cross?
I got so much out of my internship and I now work as a part-time case worker, helping people who have lost contact with their families through conflict. We cooperate with the whole of the Red Cross across the world and do our best to get them back together. Going into the internship I was more research orientated but when I was working there and seeing the people and the results I realised my skills could be used better, working first-hand with those on the ground.