One of the first tasks we asked our interns to do was to write a profile blog to introduce themselves and share their message for employers. Meet Afra…

Hi! I’m Afra a third-year Sociology student at Loughborough University. When I was first introduced to Sociology as an A-level subject, I was fascinated by the way in which society is a complex and diverse social organization governed by power and injustice. 

Studying the experiences of disadvantaged individuals and the role of social policies in tackling inequalities, have played an important role in shaping my views of the world and my ambitions in regards to the role I want to play within it. 

My personal and career goal is to fulfil the duties of an active citizen of the global society we live in today and fight against inequalities by helping underprivileged social groups. 

My interest to work as an intern for Access Generation is because it is a social enterprise that has recognised that many inequalities are affecting young people but is also conducting research and providing businesses with recommendations that can guide them into becoming an organization that provides equal opportunities for all social groups regardless of their social background. 

These are values and objectives that resonate with my personal views as I believe that identifying an issue is not enough to solve it, instead, creating a strategy to tackle it will ensure that this problem is dealt with appropriately and competently. 

Following the recent Black Lives Matter protests all over the world, I learnt that, although there is some reluctance from governmental organizations and businesses it is their duty to help reduce social inequalities and ensure that underprivileged groups’ needs are met. Similarly to Access Generation I believe that these entities are in a position of power and can provide younger generations with great guidance, support, and equal access to opportunities that will allow young individuals to progress up the social ladder. 

I am excited to learn more about young people’s experiences of marginalization and apply my research skills to provide positive recommendations for employers. I am looking forward to work alongside my colleagues, have an open and constructive conversation with businesses, hold them accountable for their shortcomings and help them restructure their company in a way that is more accommodating and welcoming of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

I look forward to acquiring digital skills and further develop my communication, teamwork and presentation skills learnt in education and employment. 

My message for employers is: “now is the time for everyone to get comfortable with being in an uncomfortable position”. 

This year has been characterised by social instability, re-evaluations and restructuring. These stages of social change have empowered the younger generation: a generation that has realised that progress cannot start without open-mindedness, empathy and a wider understanding that citizens have power to hold larger corporations and the government accountable for, respectively, failing to meet the needs of their customers and represented citizens. My generation does not fear change for equality, we strive for progression and expect our employers to share the same eagerness and willingness to “be on the right side of history”.

Related articles

Top tips for working with interns 

Did you know…?

Universities typically have an employability team who work to match students with employment opportunities including internships. An internship is often a short paid work experience and a chance for the student and employer to ‘try before they buy’. Internships are often part or fully funded.
Afra has joined us via Loughborough University’s Talent Match Programme which is part-funded by Santander. For more information, visit their website https://www.lboro.ac.uk/services/careers/employers/sme/lborotalentmatch/