Top tips for new Fellows
As this year’s new Churchill Fellows prepare to travel the world seeking solutions for UK problems, we thought it was a good opportunity to share some ‘Fellowship top tips.’ We asked some of last year’s Fellows to share their dos and don’ts, to help this year’s cohort get the most out of their experience.
Don’t leave it too late to plan your itinerary. Contact the organisations you want to meet and arrange meetings well in advance.
Lois Mansfield, lecturer
Do allow flexibility in your schedule. Allocate some downtime and leave some space to fit other opportunities that may arise when you’re there.
Oscar Donnelly, mental health director
Don’t try to pack in too much in one stop. Give yourself enough time to write notes and reflect on your experiences.
Richard Jefferies, choral conductor and music educator
Do give yourself time to see the sights and meet with people in the community. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about the place you are visiting.
Rachel Bolton-King, associate professor
Do download all the documents you need on your phone, tablet or laptop so that you can access them without wifi or data. Also, take thank-you cards to give to the people you meet.
Hannah Paterson, policy worker
Don’t be afraid to become an active participant in what you are observing. Some of the best learning comes from partaking.
Philip Robinson, police inspector
Do socialise with people as much as possible. Often this is where real experiences and learnings happen.
Christian Wiggin, paramedic
Do record conversations with the people that you meet. This will be really useful when writing up your findings.
Simon Shaw, programme manager
Don’t forget to take lots of photos of the places that you visit and the people that you meet. This will help bring your report to life.
Daniel Glaser, neuroscientist and writer
Don’t forget to plan your report. Start thinking about how you want this to look before you travel.
Sue Sharples, social worker
Do enjoy it! It’s a once in a lifetime experience so embrace each moment and take every opportunity given to you.
Ian Brown, forestry worker
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.