19th September 2024
Supporting new talent into the philanthropy sector is important for us at Prism – here our latest Intern and newest full-time employee, Eoin Hallam a recent graduate from Bristol University shares his experience of joining our team at Prism and his big take aways so far.
As I hit the three-week mark of my internship at Prism the Gift Fund, I am excited to announce that I have been offered a full-time position! It has been a whirlwind experience so far that has been characterised by lots of learning, opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of the charity sector and its innerworkings.
A much deeper understanding of philanthropy
When I entered the role, I fully understood that Prism were leaders in their field in facilitating the movement of funds from individuals and foundations into areas of society that needed them.
However, you never fully understand how an organisation works until you are in the midst of it and working with the people facilitating this change on a daily basis.
From day one, I could see the efforts that Prism go to in making sure that money donated is being channelled as efficiently as possible to so many different charities, whether this be from Donor Advised Funds (DAF) or Collective Funds (CF).
This wasn’t your stereotypical internship role
One worry I had when coming into the workplace as an intern was that I would be filling the stereotypical intern role of rounding up coffee orders and sitting by watching the team go to work. However, it has been anything but.
Over the course of the last three weeks been assigned various responsibilities from supporting the team in processing DAF and CF payments to analysing narrative and financial reports from charities. These tasks have not only made me realise the intricacies of giving and the requirements involved but also made me hungry to keep learning and begin my career within this sector.
Support through the internship
The work culture is extremely positive. I’ve experienced this first-hand starting from the top with the leadership team, they have been incredibly generous, mentoring me and giving me time, ensuring I had a running start. Management set time aside to go through my weekly targets and instil a sense of responsibility. It was a fantastic feeling to be entrusted with this at such an early point. Alongside this, I received actionable feedback on tasks which has massively aided my development in this role and has set me up well to start my permanent position.
Seeing Prism’s values in actions
Whilst many organisations tend to be measured by their financial contribution, I quickly came to learn at Prism they pride themselves on ensuring funds are channelled as quickly and efficiently as possible to the charitable impact they were intended for.
Working alongside the changemakers using their wealth for good
A mission that resonates deeply with me. As a recently graduated student I am yet to build the financial capabilities to channel positive change. However, through my work at Prism I have the opportunity to work with those high-net-worth individuals/collective funds who are able to contribute significant funds and resources to those charitable causes that really need them which is incredibly exciting.
Channelling their donations into the areas of society that need it most is incredibly rewarding work in which I can contribute to meaningful change.
Internship applications for 2025 Open
If you know someone who might be interested in applying for our summer internship next year there is more information here https://prismthegiftfund.co.uk/careers/
You will also find details of working at Prism and our latest vacancies.
Image: Here’s Eoin as part of the winning Prism rounders team this summer
