United Nation’s International Youth Day - Miya Nahil
The 12th of August marks United Nation’s International Youth Day, a special event which commemorates the talent and creativity of the next generation, whilst also spreading awareness about engaging and encouraging the participation of upcoming generations in important initiatives. This year, that focus is on promoting the importance of green skills for the youth. The shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical not only for responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As a proud member of the United Nation’s Global Compact, we are fully committed to and in support of our five chosen Sustainable Development Goals which we believe enable us to make the biggest difference. We recognise that in order to work towards our commitments to these goals, we need the continued support of the next generation and that is why we invest so heavily in our internship and apprenticeship programs. Recently we caught up with our Group Product Intern, Miya Nahil, to find out more about her time in the company and what sustainability means to her.
Miya:
Where does your internship role sit within the wider organisation of Owen Mumford?
During my internship I have worked as a group product intern as part of the product team for medical devices. I reported into Julica Beaton, Rachel Chapman and Gigi Atkins in my time at Owen Mumford. I have been involved in critical analysis of the market across projects in women’s health and blood collection and have interacted with the local markets to discuss opportunities for market growth and expansion within the business.
What’s been the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt here at Owen Mumford?
Working at Owen Mumford I have seen the value in teamwork and the importance of listening to one another. Collaborating and allowing everyone to contribute ideas allows for fresh perspectives on tasks and as a result hopefully the best outcome can be achieved.
Reflecting on your internship, what skills or knowledge have you acquired or developed that you believe will be valuable in your future career?
On reflection, I have acquired the ability to analyse market data and make assumptions about potential market size, improved my presentation skills enabling me to speak more confidently and effectively when delivering messages to different members of the business whether that be a manager or a director. My engagement in interacting with multiple people across the business has challenged my communication skills but developed my capability to connect with people from different walks of life.
How important is it that companies futureproof their business with forward-thinking, innovative, young employees?
In a constantly evolving marketplace, young employees are agile and adaptable. When unexpected situations arise, young people are equipped to respond. In the modern workplace, technology has become an essential facet of business. Young employees have grown up around technology so their natural affinity for social media and tech sets them apart from other generations in the workplace. Additionally, young employees tend to have an openness to celebrating difference, valuing equity and inclusion.
In what ways did sustainability play a role in your time at Owen Mumford?
Sustainability has been integral in shaping my role at Owen Mumford. Whilst doing research on women’s health and blood collection I looked at the sustainability angle as we have a strong focus on sustainable initiatives as a business. I looked at the sustainability targets of the business and had to identify how many of our products are single use plastic items and how this impacted the responsible credentials of the products and alternative solutions to help reach our targets.
How do you envisage sustainability playing a more central role in the business world of the future?
In today’s society, consumers have a highlighted interest on our environment and in response the future for the business will have a strong emphasis on sustainability embedded within our strategy. We have targets to reach net zero by 2045 and this will influence decisions within the business whether that be on development of new products or marketing communications.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about applying for an internship?
When searching for my internship, I only looked in the marketing sector. I would say it is useful to extend your search beyond one sector. I think when undertaking an internship or new job role don’t limit yourself - make sure to ask questions and be inquisitive to maximise your learning potential. I have tried to get involved in tasks that don’t come completely under my job description to get a wider understanding of how everything links between the product and comms teams. After undertaking my internship, I am more aware of the direction I’m heading in for my future career!