GCU graduate finishes University on a high by securing an internship and a Masters course 

A GCU student has celebrated a successful step in their life, after graduating University and starting a job as a Research Assistant until the start of their Masters course in September.  

4th year Social Sciences student Amy Cowan was delighted to have bookended her time at University with a new MINT (Mentoring, Internships, Networking and Talks) Internship; a programme of support designed by the GCU Foundation and Alumni Team in collaboration with the GCU Careers Service.  

Amy’s internship will involve working as a Research Assistant at GCU, which focuses on researching domestic abuse workplace training, in the hopes to pursue her plan in developing a career in research.   

We spoke to Amy about how she feels to have so many exciting plans ahead of her:  

Firstly, how does it feel being at the stage you are in your academic journey?   

“It feels a little crazy that I am about to graduate. It's always been a dream to get into University – and, as the first in my family, it was a massive achievement for me. After a tough few years in my personal life, graduating, starting my MSc in Human Rights and completing my MINT Internship as a Research Assistant; it really feels like a new and more positive chapter in my life. One which I am very excited about!”  

Do you have any plans set out for when you finish your Masters?  

“My aim has always been to make a difference in the world so I am really looking for a career in which I can leave an impact and really help people. I also really enjoy learning, so a career in which I could continually progress would be ideal. As such, I am considering going down the PhD route and possibly becoming a lecturer and focusing on research.”  

Is there anyone you would like to thank?  

“I'd like to thank the lecturers on my course, especially those who have supported me throughout the past few years, and for the sense of community within the Social Science department that has kept us all going through the pandemic. I'd also like to thank my friends for their continued encouragement and support.”  

Find out more about the MINT programme at GCU on their webpage  

By Rachael McAlonan    

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media  here