As summer comes to an end, so does Grace's internship with us. We asked her to share her experiences of stepping into the water industry and into MOSL's Digital and Data Teams.
When I began my journey with MOSL as a Digital and Data Intern in July 2023, HR manager Ian playfully dubbed me a ‘MOSLer’. Little did I know that this journey would not only equip me with professional skills, but also introduce me to a community of kind-hearted individuals – the ‘MOSLers’. This is a team of welcoming individuals who communicate well and thrive in a respectful and cooperative environment.
My role in the Data Team allowed me to turn aspirations into a reality. Having completed courses in SQL, Python and Power BI, and applied GIS throughout my degree, I was eager to expand my skill set. At MOSL, I have had the opportunity to lead my own projects and utilise all four technical skills while learning from seasoned team members. From running operations using automation in GIS with Python scripts to having creative freedom in designing dashboards, I not only explored my analytical side but applied creativity via problem-solving and design.
Beyond the world of data, I was captivated by the water industry’s potential to drive sustainability. MOSL’s focus on water efficiency seamlessly resonated with my passion for sustainability. I eagerly joined the Green Team, contributing insights from my minor in sustainability to support the team’s water and carbon initiatives. As a member of the Young People’s Cohort, I had the privilege of participating in the charity hustle day, amplifying the social and community dimension of my experience.
The true highlight of my journey has been the support I’ve received. The Data Team’s willingness to share insights, provide lessons on various software, and empower independent growth has been invaluable. As I look ahead, I envision a future of continuous learning within my work life, supported by a community that embodies this spirit of collaboration and growth. Much like MOSL’s ethos as a learning organisation, this experience was exactly what I hoped for. MOSL is more than a workplace; it’s a thriving community for personal and professional growth.
Grace McNeil, Data and Digital Intern 2023
About MOSL's Internship Programme
As a knowledge-based organisation, MOSL recognises the value of education and continuous learning. We are committed to working with local academic partners to train a future workforce with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle these challenges. This includes providing students with real-world work experience, offering internship opportunities with a clear focus on our sustainability goals and promoting the water industry as a great career choice. We also see our educational connections as a way to support our diversity aims relating to gender, ethnicity and social mobility by aspiring young people to consider a wide range of futures in the sector. As part of our Sustainability Plan, we are building strong relationships with educational partners, such as the University of Southampton, to provide students with opportunities for work experience, internships and employment opportunities.
Find out more about our internship programme.
