Intern Stories

Meet Tom 

Tom is currently a Customer Engagement Intern at Redway HR, an organisation operating in Southeast England. Through the GSP programme, he has gained valuable insight into the world of HR. 

Tom’s employment journey has been varied, with its fair share of hurdles. After graduating with a degree in archaeology, he aspired to build a career in the field. However, challenges within the sector led him to work in hospitality and retail while volunteering in museums—his true area of interest. Unfortunately, this did not result in paid employment. Struggling to secure sustainable work due to inaccessible recruitment practices, Tom often had to rely on others for support with online applications. Determined not to let his visual impairment stand in the way of a meaningful career, he applied for the GSP internship, which led him to develop an interest in human resources at Redway HR. 

Through the programme, Tom has gained invaluable insights into HR while honing his communication skills, particularly in client outreach. He has embraced opportunities to learn and received consistent support from the Redway HR team. In turn, Tom has contributed significantly to Redway HR by enhancing their understanding of data analytics — an area previously overlooked. His strong analytical skills have helped the organisation improve its data-driven decision-making. Additionally, Tom credits the Google-accredited Data Analytics certificate provided by TPT as an invaluable asset to his professional growth. 

 Support and Inclusion 

Tom cannot overstate the level of support he has received from both TPT and Redway HR. Simple adjustments and a culture of understanding have made a profound difference in his experience. For instance, Redway HR invested in a 360-degree microphone to ensure he felt fully included in meetings, as he works entirely remotely due to additional health conditions. Even small gestures, such as receiving a voucher to enjoy food and drinks during the staff party, made him feel valued and included despite being a remote worker. 

 Beyond workplace support, Tom has also benefited from peer support within the GSP programme. He highlights the energy and engagement during TPT development days as particularly inspiring. The opportunity to share experiences, learn from fellow interns, and participate in mutual learning and development sessions while respecting one another’s views and ideas has been invaluable. 

 Future Aspirations 

The GSP programme has shaped Tom’s career ambitions, revealing the intersection between data analytics and HR. This realisation has helped him refine his career goals, equipping him with both the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful employment in the HR sector. From networking and mentorship to stakeholder management and practical skill development, Tom believes the GSP programme has set him up for success. 

 Advice for Visually Impaired Job Seekers 

Tom wants visually impaired job seekers to understand that finding meaningful employment is a two-way process. “It’s just as important for you to want to work for an organisation as it is for them to want you,” he says. “Assessing whether you’ll be valued within a company is key to securing fulfilling employment.” Tom also notes the importance of seeking the right support from trade unions “because you never know when you might need their help when facing challenges within employment.”