Intern with Impact, Project Co-lead for the Charity Re-Brand Internship role with the RSCDS Review

As Project Co-lead for RSCDS's rebranding initiative, I collaborated with the team to manage the organization's brand review.
On a day-to-day basis, my responsibilities included:
1) Planning and conducting focus groups and surveys with members, volunteers, and staff
2) Researching branding approaches of similar cultural organizations
3) Analyzing feedback and data to develop insights and recommendations
4) Writing reports and preparing presentations for the Management Board
5) Working with the RSCDS team to develop rebranding strategies across print and digital media
6) Creating detailed brand proposals, including audience analysis, tone of voice, and key messaging
7) Preparing briefs and documentation for design agency implementation

Yes, I was given significant responsibility as Project Co-lead for RSCDS's rebranding initiative. I was trusted to manage significant aspects of the organization's brand review. I was responsible for organizing and running focus groups and surveys with key stakeholders, analyzing the data, and developing recommendations based on these findings.
A particularly significant responsibility was developing multiple rebrand proposals for the Management Board's consideration. This involved independent decision-making and strategic thinking, as these proposals would shape a century-old organisation's future visual identity and messaging.

During my internship with Interns with Impact, I developed new and enhanced existing skills. I gained practical experience conducting focus groups and stakeholder surveys, which was entirely new. Working on brand strategy and creating design briefs taught me valuable professional skills I had not encountered in my academic studies. The experience of presenting to a management board and creating comprehensive brand guidelines was a significant learning curve.
The role helped strengthen my existing abilities, too. My communication skills improved through daily interactions with a variety of stakeholders, including volunteers and board members. Managing the rebranding project enhanced my organizational and time management abilities, while researching the branding strategies of similar organizations helped refine my analytical skills.
Working in a hybrid environment between Edinburgh, St Andrews, and remote locations also developed my adaptability and virtual collaboration abilities. These professional experiences have complemented my academic studies and provided practical insights into organizational development and strategic communications.

During my internship at RSCDS, I received excellent support from both the University of Aberdeen and the host organization. The University's Interns with Impact team was particularly attentive, regularly checking in to ensure I was getting the most from my experience. They maintained consistent communication and guided the internship, encouraging me to take on challenges and maximize learning opportunities.
The university team was proactive in stimulating us to gain as much as possible from the experience, organizing regular check-ins and providing a supportive framework to reflect on our development. This helped me to identify learning opportunities and make the most of my role as Project Co-lead.
This dual support system from both the university and RSCDS created an ideal learning environment where I felt confident to take on responsibilities while knowing guidance was always available when needed. The university involvement really helped enhance the overall internship experience and ensure it was both challenging and rewarding.

The culture at RSCDS was incredibly welcoming and had a truly international character. As an organization dedicated to Scottish Country Dance, it naturally attracted people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities who share a passion for Scottish culture and dance. Working between the Edinburgh Head Office and St Andrews Summer School exposed me to this rich cultural diversity, with staff, members, and volunteers from various countries coming together.
The atmosphere was consistently supportive and collaborative. Despite being a well-established organization with a century of history, there was a genuine openness to new ideas and perspectives, particularly during our rebranding discussions.

This internship exceeded my expectations, providing valuable professional experience while being genuinely enjoyable and engaging throughout.

Yes