This summer, ClearDebt supported the local community by working with Altrincham school and sixth form Blessed Thomas Holford (BTH).

As part of their B-Tech qualification, we introduced a project within their graded curriculum which involved the students designing the concepts for a website to engage with young people about debt and money management; a website designed by young people, for young people.

As an extension of the project, we were so impressed with the standard of the students we worked with, that we invited some of them into the ClearDebt offices to join our teams over the summer as paid interns.

Work experience as an intern at ClearDebt

Here’s Alex’s story who joined the marketing department for six weeks throughout July and August:

“Hi, I joined ClearDebt as a marketing intern in July as a result of the work they did with us at BTH.

Whilst here, the tasks I have undertaken have offered me a great learning curve, not only in terms of finance but also with regards to a professional working environment.

I’ve been doing a variety of jobs for different departments within the marketing team such as assisting with event organisation, helping to design adverts and most visibly, creating a video which shows the project ClearDebt carried out with our course at BTH as well as helping to design the winning concept for the website they’re now going to build.

The experience has been truly worthwhile, helping me improve on my team building and research skills, writing, editing and time keeping.

Whilst at ClearDebt,  I have also been invited to take part in the Marketing Meetings – although I found these a little daunting to begin with, it was a great opportunity to understand more about “business” and after the first meeting I became more involved  – and understood a lot more than I did before.

It was a great insight – enabling me to really understand how a department works individually and how it reacts with others in the same business.

A working atmosphere

All the staff were really kind and welcoming.  They are very easy to talk to, open and friendly. If I ever needed any help I would only have to ask and I would be able to speak and discuss what I needed to do. During my lunch I would often sit in the staff room and I would be able to eat my lunch or have a nice friendly chat with the others who work here.

My perception of debt solution companies – before and after my internship

Before I came to ClearDebt I thought debt companies were just a money making scheme, however since I have been here, I have found that some are genuinely here to help you get out of debt via an IVA or Debt Management Plan.

I have learnt that money isn’t something that should be taken lightly it can be a very serious matter.

Whilst working at ClearDebt I have had more thoughts about things I buy such as clothing and electronic equipment.  I’ve been brought up with these things so I do feel it would still be hard to say no to buying them when I’m supporting myself financially but I’m glad to have had the experience at ClearDebt and gain an understanding about spending on such things – and finding more of a backbone to say no!

I would never have a credit card in the future and I thank ClearDebt for this.  Because they have shown me what credit cards can lead to – this means in the future,  I will live to a budget which I think is how our life should be done.

Whilst I have been here I have I learnt a lot of new skills and feel these would help me with a future job or employer.  I would love to be able to come back and help with future projects feel sad that I have to leave – everyone will be missed.