By Nicolle Hanselmann
I was lucky to be accepted into the School of Engineering’s summer internship programme. While everyone knows students are often broke (yes, money does help), my motivation came from somewhere deeper.
A little background before I dive into my experience.
I’m a mature student studying Mechatronics, about to begin my third year on an Integrated Master’s degree. Excited, and maybe a bit scared, I chose this path to save time, which meant skipping the usual placement year that helps students stand out after graduation. Placements can often be the golden ticket during interviews, but for me, internships became the bridge, the opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, and see where I might belong.
So, what was the experience like?
And would I recommend it to other students?
The answer is: Absolutely, yes, without a doubt.
What I Did
The variety of things I got involved in was incredible, and to be honest, fun. And how many people can say that about work?
My very first task was helping at the Cheltenham Science Festival, where we welcomed families, schools, and curious minds from all walks of life. It was my first real taste of making science accessible and enjoyable. I found myself explaining technical ideas in simple, playful ways, testing not just my knowledge, but my ability to connect.
We had children (and enthusiastic adults!) building wind turbines out of cardboard. Some people had never done anything like it before, and that meant a lot to me, because I am “some people.”
Other events I supported included:
- Festival of Nature, Bristol: I greeted passersby, encouraged them to join in, and helped run our “Find the Sustainable Job Posters” activity (which came with well-earned stickers!)
- UWE Family Fun Day: Welcoming families, helping with activities, and watching kids light up as they explored the engineering building
- Women Like Me Mentoring Scheme: A mentor–mentee programme where I had the chance to share thoughts and be part of conversations that matter.
- Leaders Awards Day: A celebration of creativity and potential young minds, and I got to be part of the team behind it
- Unlock Cyber Taster Day
- And, of course, the behind-the-scenes stuff, setting up, packing down, and tidying. Because every job, big or small, matters.
New Skills and Unexpected Growth
One of the highlights for me was blogging for the School of Engineering, with my reflection featured on the official UWE Engineering Blog:
I also found myself developing science communication skills in ways I never expected. No, I wasn’t giving formal speeches, but I was constantly talking to people, answering questions, guiding activities, and breaking things down in real time. That kind of spontaneous, human-centred interaction is public speaking, just more personal, more alive.
I learned how to tailor conversations depending on who I was talking to. A five-year-old? A retired engineer? A curious parent? Every moment taught me something.
These are the skills I’ll carry forward, not just in my studies, but in life.
A Heartfelt Thank You
This internship showed me a new side of engineering, not just circuits and code, but people, purpose, and passion. I got to work with some of the most down-to-earth, inspiring science communicators I’ve ever met. They believed in me, supported me, and gave me the space to show up as myself.
To brag a little (because sometimes it’s important!), here’s what Elaine Brown MBE, one of the staff I worked with, wrote to my supervisor Sarah Behenna, after the Unlock Cyber Taster Day:
“Just wanted to say thank you for introducing Nicolle, who was an absolute superstar. She was my go-to meet and greet person, welcoming all the schools as they entered the building. I don’t know how many steps she took during the day, but she made sure everything ran smoothly.”
A reminder that it’s not just about what you do, it’s about how you show up.
Final Thoughts
I now proudly include this on my CV:
Outreach and Engagement Intern – UWE School of Engineering
May–July 2025
- Delivered interactive STEM activities at public events and festivals
- Contributed a published blog to the UWE Engineering site
- Supported event planning, coordination, and inclusive engagement
- Gained hands-on skills in science communication and team collaboration
If you ever have such an opportunity, take it. It might just be the thing that connects the dots in your journey, shows you what you’re capable of, and reminds you why you chose this path in the first place.

