I am a recent graduate from MSc Inequality and Social Science at the London School of Economics, and I have just completed a six-month internship at KORI Youth Charity. I want to reflect on the knowledge and experience I have gained during my time with this organisation.
My academic interests focused on inequalities in the labour market and how people’s backgrounds can shape their access to opportunities, resources, and support. This naturally connected with KORI’s work of supporting and developing young people. As an intern I was able to learn just how a small charity plans and evaluates its work, and how research is used to support organisational goals.
Throughout the internship, I applied my learning of impact evaluation, qualitative research, and analytical skills to support several areas of KORI’s work. For instance, I helped bring together several key areas of information for KORI’s three-year plan. I researched the local context affecting young people and used this evidence to draft sections on local needs. I also supported the development of SMART objectives and identified baseline measures, designing and developing several surveys for monitoring, evaluation and learning.
As I grew in understanding I was able to move from identifying broad organisational challenges to suggesting realistic and measurable actions. Through this work, I have developed a stronger understanding of how evidence, organisational priorities and operational planning must be brought together within a strategy.
During this internship I have gained valuable support from colleagues who have shared their experience of youth work, fundraising, programme delivery and organisational development. I was trusted to contribute to meaningful pieces of work and given opportunities to explore unfamiliar areas. This has helped me become more confident in working independently, managing different tasks and communicating ideas professionally. KORI have also provided me with an Industry Mentor to support my efforts to find work.
Looking ahead, I would like to continue working on issues related to young people. Overall, my internship at KORI has been an important step in my professional development. I am grateful for the experience, the support I have received and the opportunity to contribute to KORI’s ongoing development.
Leo Sun
