Black History Month is a key observance at Strathclyde. The Race Equity intern will assist in celebrating the diversity of our community and enabling conversations on race and race equality in both celebration and contemplation, providing a forum to engage with and reflect on the demographics and histories of our locality.

The 2024 programme will be co-produced directly with students. The intern will gather evidence around how students prefer to engage with Black History Month (for example in-person or online events, synchronous or asynchronous activities, and events focused on culture, history or entrepreneurship); what they would like to see on campus; and how they can shape the programme of activities. Later, the intern will survey students on the effectiveness and appeal of the programme and how it could be improved for the future.

The 2024 programme will be co-produced directly with students. The intern will gather evidence around how students prefer to engage with Black History Month (for example in-person or online events, synchronous or asynchronous activities, and events focused on culture, history or entrepreneurship); what they would like to see on campus; and how they can shape the programme of activities. Later, the intern will survey students on the effectiveness and appeal of the programme and how it could be improved for the future.

Black History Month (BHM) encompasses the history of African, Caribbean, and Asian people in this country; people who often have a direct link with Scotland through slavery, colonialism, and migration. Black History Month focuses on people whose sacrifices, contributions, and achievements against a backdrop of racism, inequality and injustice are often overlooked or forgotten about.

Responsibilities of the intern may include providing input on the programme of activity, designing surveys and communications, conducting focus groups, and producing reports and resources in collaboration with students and staff on a variety of themes such as Black histories, decolonisation, anti-racism, and inclusive curriculums. This work will enhance student and staff awareness of and engagement in the month and ensure that student voice and co-creation is prioritised in the programming.

This internship provides a paid opportunity for a Strathclyde student to work in partnership with the Equality & Diversity Office at the University of Strathclyde and with Strath Union to support Strathclyde's ongoing commitment to advancing race equality at the University

Aims of Internship Project

• Working alongside Strath Union and the University to support the development, promotion, and delivery of a programme of activity for Black History Month 2024.
• Enhance student and staff awareness of and engagement in Black History Month and related themes.
• Prioritise student voice and co-creation within the Black History Month programme of activity.

Main Activities/Responsibilities

• Gathering evidence around student engagement in Black History Month through surveys, focus groups, and more.
• Work with University and Strath Union staff to plan, organise, promote, and deliver an exciting and engaging programme of activity around Black History Month 2024 for staff and students.
• Work with students to co-create activities, events and communications for Black History Month 2023 that prioritise student voice.
• Build links and collaborations with external organisations, universities, student groups and individuals already working in this area.
• Work closely with staff in the University's Equality & Diversity Office and Strath Union, alongside the student executive and elected student representatives.
• Prepare a final report outlining key activities undertaken and reflection about the internship experience itself.
• Participate in regular meetings with staff and provide regular a progress updates.
• Any other duties deemed appropriate by the Project leads.

Person Specification

Educational and/or Professional Qualifications

Essential

• A current undergraduate or postgraduate student at Strathclyde with an interest in, and commitment to,equality, diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrable interest in, commitment to and understanding of racial equity and justice, including key observances such as Black History Month

Desirable

• Experience of organising and facilitating events online and in person
• Experience or knowledge of preparing literature reviews, reports and formal papers
• Experience of presenting information using different media (e.g. videos, infographics etc)

Job Related Skills and Achievements

Essential

• Good verbal communication skills, proven ability to communicate with a wide range of groups and individuals
• Good written communication skills, proven ability to write documents / reports / emails / social media in a professional manner
• Excellent research skills including desk-based research, proven ability to gather evidence, perform analysis, evaluation and write up findings or results
• Strong organisational and planning skills, and proven ability to manage multiple tasks
• Good time management skills, and proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and within a team, seeking guidance where needed
• IT skills including Outlook, Microsoft packages, and Zoom

Application Procedure

Applicants should complete a CV and a Cover Letter. The Cover Letter should be no more than 500 words. In your letter, please discuss:

• What attracts you to this internship and what you aim to gain from the internship
• What skills, knowledge and experience you will bring to the internship
• How this internship will help you with your future academic and career goals

All applicants are encouraged to look at the resources provided by the Careers Service to help you structure your CV and cover letter.

CV and Cover Letter resources

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Simran Kaur and Tessa Qiu.

Other Information

In keeping with the University's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage applications from all sections of the student community, and particularly those from currently underrepresented backgrounds such as students who are Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnicities.