Amy Lock
Cancer Research UK
Name: Amy Lock
University from which you've graduated:
University of Bath, BSc Natural Sciences with professional placement (Majors: Pharmacology and Chemistry)
Which societies/sports clubs were you a member of:
Natural Sciences Society
Student Ambassador for Natural Sciences
Home town:
Taunton, UK
Host institution:
Cancer Research UK
Why did you apply to the graduate trainee scheme?
I was in the middle of revising for my January finals when I came across the CASE scheme. I had really enjoyed working in Higher Education and the Charity sector so thought the scheme would be a great opportunity to take after graduation. The 12-month duration and structured training really appealed to me; it meant I could gain a fast-track knowledge in fundraising from the best in the sector.
What are you hoping to achieve from your year on the scheme?
I'm hoping to gain an insight into all areas of fundraising, from regular giving to principal gift level, regional donors to international corporate partners, and to see how the donor-journey is handled differently in each case. I'm excited about working with a variety of teams and meeting lots of new, interesting people. This scheme will also help to advance my softer skills in areas such as project management and strategy development, both of which are great career progression opportunities.
What are you career ambitions?
I am still unsure of where I want to take my career, but I'm ok with that!
I've always kept my doors open and strive to take opportunities as they're presented to me. As part of my degree I underwent a 12-month placement, also at CRUK, but in their Research & Innovation directorate. I learned so much about how a large organisation works and fell in love with the warm environment of working for a charity. This definitely played a role in deciding to apply for the CASE grad scheme and filled me with confidence when returning to the charity as a CASE grad.
What are you hobbies/activities outside of study/work?
I love to keep fit so I'll regularly attend a range of classes at my local gym - from circuits to core strength to spinning, I love it all!
I'm an avid Netflix-er and love a good music gig. My go-to genre is indie-rock but I'm a sucker for golden 80s!
Proudest moment?
Successfully completing a forward 1 ½ somersault off the 3m springboard at the London Olympic Aquatics centre, in front of my family and friends.
LinkedIn profile:
Anything else?
While I was on placement I underwent CRUK's ‘Ultimate High Diving Challenge'. This entailed a 3-month training regime at the Tom Daly Diving Academy culminating in a showcase competition in front of over 100 people, including my family and friends...but also strangers! I raised over £1100 and was the most exciting (+ nerve-wracking) experience of my life!