Last summer, a new group of students arrived with a shared curiosity about how universities build lasting relationships, inspire generosity, and turn ideas into impact. From their first day, the interns got to work. They sat in on team meetings, contributed to live projects, and discovered how Cambridge’s different strands come together to make a real difference. They sat in on team meetings, contributed to live projects, and discovered how Cambridge’s different strands come together to make a real difference.  

Our interns worked closely with Cambridge’s cultural institutions and priority areas such as AI, conservation, and environmental sustainability, helping to shape how the University connects its research, collections, and communities with philanthropic support. Their projects reflected this focus, ranging from analysing principal gift portfolios and developing multi-year communications plans to designing Giving Day strategies, refreshing alumni networks such as the Pembroke College Circle, and building funding roadmaps for Trusts and Foundations. 

Alongside their project work, the cohort met each week for shared learning sessions led by colleagues from across the development community. These sessions combined hands-on training with space to explore the history of philanthropy, the values that guide ethical fundraising, and the many career paths within advancement. For many, it was the first time they saw just how interdisciplinary and dynamic this field can be.