Christine Jenkins looks back on her summer placement at DECIPHer, which involved drawing on her data handling skills
Summer internships are a rite of passage for many university students, offering a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. This past summer, I had the privilege of interning at DECIPHer, an organization at the forefront of public health research. Little did I know that this experience would not only sharpen my data handling skills but also expose me to the profound impact of being a part of something much larger than myself.
My journey at DECIPHer began with anticipation and excitement. Armed with a solid foundation in data analysis from my coursework, I was eager to dive into the world of research and make a tangible contribution to public health initiatives.
One of the primary tasks of my internship was to assist in managing and analyzing the vast datasets that underpinned DECIPHer’s research projects. This was where my data handling skills truly came into play. I was responsible for cleaning, organizing, and transforming raw data into meaningful insights. While it might sound mundane, the impact of these data analyses on public health research cannot be overstated. I learned the importance of data quality and integrity, as even the smallest error can lead to erroneous conclusions.
‘This journey allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, reinforcing my belief in the power of research to create positive change in the world.’
It was a humbling experience to know that my contributions played a part in shaping strategies to combat issues like peer on peer abuse. The workshop on mental wellbeing for Healthy School Wales added another layer to this experience, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation and research in creating healthier, happier communities.
My summer internship at DECIPHer was a transformative experience that combined the sharpening of my data handling skills with a profound sense of purpose. I not only learned how to navigate complex datasets but also witnessed the tangible impact of research on public health outcomes. This journey allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, reinforcing my belief in the power of research to create positive change in the world.
As I look back on my time at DECIPHer, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. It has reaffirmed my passion for data analysis and research and inspired me to continue pursuing a career where I can contribute to meaningful, real-world solutions. My summer with DECIPHer was not just an internship; it was a lesson in the transformative potential of research and the profound changes that can occur when we work together to address complex public health challenges.
To find out about on-campus placement opportunities at Cardiff University, click here: On-campus internship opportunities