Hello! I’m Charlotte, a second-year Politics and International Relations student at the University of Reading. This summer, I’m spending six weeks with Reading Voluntary Action (RVA) as a Research Intern as part of the Reading University Internship Scheme.

During my internship, I’m carrying out a research project exploring the different pathways people take into working in the voluntary and community sector, as well as what motivates them to do the work they do. Everyone’s journey is different, and that’s exactly what makes this research so valuable.

Over the coming weeks, I’ll be conducting informal interviews with staff to hear about their personal experiences. Whether you always planned to work in the charity sector or found your way here through an unexpected route, I’d love to hear your story. Even if you think your journey is “ordinary” or “not very interesting,” it could provide valuable insight and help build a better understanding of the sector’s workforce.

If you’d be happy to take part in a short interview, please get in touch with me at: charlotte.simms@rva.org.uk

I’ll also be reaching out to people whose experiences I’d particularly like to learn more about, so keep an eye out for an email from me. Thank you in advance, and I look forward to meeting many of you over the next few weeks!