For the past decade, MIAA’s Internship Programme has provided a meaningful, paid 12-month work experience opportunity for second and third-year university students. In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University, the programme has offered students hands-on exposure to the fields of finance, technology, and risk assurance, all while making a real contribution to public sector work.

As our 24/25 cohort completes their placements and prepares to return to university, they reflect on a year filled with professional development, personal growth, and first-hand insights into the structure and operation of public sector environments.

Personal Growth, Professional Impact: In Our Interns’ Own Words

Dominic Birkbeck – Technology Intern

“During my placement at MIAA, I have had the opportunity to gain invaluable exposure to a wide range of experiences that have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and I have felt strongly supported at every moment.

The past year has enabled me to develop strong auditing practices while also enhancing key personal skills such as communication, time management and adaptability.

The diverse range of audit reviews, organisations, and client engagements throughout my placement have provided valuable insight into various management styles, technologies and effective organisational practices. It has also equipped me with a deeper understanding of the structure and operations of the NHS.

It has been gratifying to see myself grow as a person throughout the course of the year. My growing confidence in my technical ability, as well as the ability to engage with clients, has been exponential—this will undoubtedly shape my future career in a positive way.

Overall, I have deeply enjoyed my placement year, which I believe has been an immensely rewarding experience. I would strongly encourage other students to pursue a placement year in industry as it presents a highly valuable and immersive opportunity for personal growth and professional development.”

Mithujhana Nagenthiran – Audit Intern

“My placement year at MIAA has been a transformative experience that challenged me and shaped me in ways I never anticipated. Stepping into a field I was initially unfamiliar with, I quickly became immersed in the dynamic world of internal auditing, where each task brought new insight and every challenge pushed me to grow.

One of my proudest accomplishments was being trusted to independently lead audit reviews. Contributing meaningfully to projects, communicating effectively with clients and colleagues, and seeing my input genuinely valued was extremely rewarding.

It enabled me to build critical abilities in analysis, problem-solving, time management, and professional communication, which I will carry with me into the future.

The culture at MIAA stood out just as much as the work itself. From day one, I was welcomed into a team that encouraged curiosity, celebrated progress, and fostered an environment where I felt confident to ask questions, share ideas, and take ownership.

As I return to university, I do so with greater clarity, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the kind of environments I thrive in. What began as a step into the unknown became a journey of unexpected learning, growth, and discovery. I’m incredibly grateful to MIAA and the people who made this year such a positive and empowering experience.”

Jack Lemmons – Audit Intern

“During my internship at MIAA, I have undertaken a wide range of audits with a variety of clients across the North West, which has provided me with valuable insight and practical experience of the public sector.

MIAA provided me with a diverse and challenging workload, which enabled me to develop a solid understanding of audit procedures, testing, and reporting.

I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to conduct numerous site visits throughout the year. These visits helped me develop good relations with clients and enhanced my practical skills in on-site audit testing. As these were new experiences for me, they were especially useful, and I feel confident that this knowledge will benefit me in my future.

Working with a range of different colleagues across multiple audits has also really helped my understanding of how to accurately and efficiently produce reports in a timely manner.

I look forward to building on the foundation I have gained at MIAA and to continue contributing to accountability in public services. I am grateful for the opportunity and to the people who have helped me gain beneficial experience throughout the year.”

Looking Ahead

As we mark 10 years of the Internship Programme, MIAA is proud to have supported the development of future professionals through meaningful, real-world opportunities in the public sector. The experiences shared by Dominic, Mithujhana, and Jack highlight not only their achievements, but the lasting impact that this programme continues to deliver.

We look forward to welcoming our next cohort of interns next month and continuing our valued partnerships with local universities.