There is a saying which goes ‘no experience without a job, no job without experience.’  The City of London Business Traineeship (CBT) Programme addresses this paradox by helping high achieving students from the City fringe boroughs to obtain worthwhile paid work placements in City businesses. This year, I was one of over fifty trainees to secure a CBT placement for two months over the Summer and it has been an experience I will never forget.

I was introduced to the programme in early Spring and was immediately keen to take part.  After submitting my CV, I was invited for an interview and then offered an internship at the City of London’s Economic Development Office.  Having an ardent interest in politics and economic regeneration, the placement appealed to me and I began on 7th July.

The first few weeks of my placement were spent with City Action and the Corporate Responsibility Team. Having never worked in the world of ‘CSR’ I was quite apprehensive.  I was immediately thrown in at the deep end creating questionnaires for the charities that City Action helps as well as assisting Corinne with her projects. I even had the opportunity to co-edit the City Action Summer newsletter which I enjoyed thoroughly. 

Networking events I attended such as the City Comm. event and the City Action Community Tour of Islington were fantastic as I got to meet people from both charities and businesses - that are entirely different ends of the spectrum.  The Community Tour was particularly impressive as we were shown the inspirational work of the charities in Islington - which is in fact one of the most deprived boroughs in the country - and how a little help can go to great lengths.   

Throughout my time at City Action I recognised the importance of CSR not only to the charities that are always in need of volunteers but also to the businesses.  The benefits that a CSR programme can bring to a business are remarkable - such as improving staff morale, raising brand profile and increasing staff recruitment and retention. 

My three weeks with City Action taught me a number of things, one of them being the importance of community involvement. As well as valuable experience, this placement has provided me with friends and colleagues who are very supportive and encouraging. 

As I go to university to study Politics and East European Studies in September, I will always remember my time as a CBT and how fascinating working in CSR is.  Thank you to everyone at City Action for making my placement so enjoyable.