Internship in science communication at the STFC
Q&As with Lucy Woodward, 4th year physics student, about her summer internship on the STFC's "Net Zero" project
Why did you apply for an internship with STFC?
My main aim for the summer was to gain professional experience in science communication. This is an area I am really keen to work in post-uni, so I wanted a chance to learn more about what the work involved and whether I’d enjoy it.
I applied for two summer placements with STFC, one specifically in Science Communication and one called ‘Net Zero Project Summer Placement’. Initially, I had very little idea what this involved but as someone with a strong interest in climate change, working on a communications project centred around reaching net zero seemed ideal.
What projects are you involved in?
So many! My internship was incredibly varied and I had the flexibility to focus on what most interested me. I created graphics to explain the key messages in the project’s Interim Report, ran the Twitter account, improved accessibility and design of their website and created a video which showcased the people and ideas behind the project.
What has been the highlights of your internship?
I loved attending cross-council meetings, interviewing industry professionals and hearing about so many other related areas of active work. The people you meet really do influence your experience and can help you to see a path to the future career you want.
A personal highlight for me was creating a video about the importance of making Digital Research Infrastructure Net Zero. My manager was so supportive and trusting of myself and the other intern, so we had creative freedom in arranging interviews with several members of staff, in deciding who would be best to get certain nuggets of information from and in production and editing. It was such a cool task and I loved the process of collecting ideas and creating a video that clearly communicated our message.
What have you gained from your internship with STFC?
Primarily, confidence. I learnt that I loved science communication work and that my skillset is well suited to it. I found I really liked the 9-5 life once I’d got used to it because having set hours in which to work meant that both work time and down time could be fully enjoyed.
I really improved my ability to ask questions when I don’t understand something and gained such a broader understanding of the importance and multi-faceted role that science communication plays. Finally, the amazing colleagues I worked with really.
Looking ahead
The internship showed me that science communication, particularly around climate change, is a field I would love to work in. My podcast, Lucy Talks, has also been a great outlet for exploring communication in a different format.