Holly Randhawa, 23 and from Birmingham, was an intern with the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Education Trust for six months. She arranged the placement through the Institute for Cultural Practices’ placement scheme, a course offered to postgraduate students at the University of Manchester.
“My official title is sound archive assistant, which involves creating digital sound clips from various oral history interviews in the Trust’s archive,” says Holly.
“The aim is to make the oral history collections more accessible for people, especially researchers who don’t have time to listen through all the material. I am also involved with the marketing and promotion side, which includes managing the Centre’s social media platforms, writing blogs about the archives and producing digital media content.
“The trust has taught me the importance of preserving local BAME history, which has helped to shape Manchester as a culturally diverse city. The role has also greatly improved my written and verbal communication skills, archiving skills, digital and marketing skills – all of which look great on a job application.
“Forming good working relationships is extremely valuable, especially as I need good references for a future career. Also, just getting experience in an office-based environment was really interesting and helpful.
“The Centre and Trust are a great organisation and do some amazing work. I’ve had a brilliant time working there!”
