What have our past interns thought?

• I’ve learnt how the herbarium works and the research that goes on there, learnt about a wide range of topics from genetics to landscape conservation and improved my plant ID and collection skills. This has really stimulated my interest in botany and I am leaving the internship feeling truly motivated and inspired. Thankyou!!
• The Internship Program was invaluable in helping me clarify my career goals in plant science and in biodiversity and conservation, and in teaching me how to achieve them. The experts on-hand were approachable and always willing to provide support and advice. There was an ideal balance between the practical and the theoretical, and a real sense that just as we were benefiting from what we were learning, the Herbarium was benefiting from our work. I cannot recommend the Program more highly. It was one of the highlights of my professional life.
• The program has given me a great boost in confidence.  I have new skills & knowledge that has already benefited me in my return to studies & I can trust in the future of my work in this field. 
• I found the 2007 Plant Science Internship to be an invaluable experience. The information presented was first class and backed up by practical experience. Also the contacts and friends I’ve made will stay with me forever.
• The program overall gave me a different perspective of my previous studies/work experience and helped to build my confidence. The practical experiences have improved my chances of getting employed in this field. All the seminars have updated my awareness of current research and conservation issues, and taxonomic issues. It has broadened my mind!
• The program provided me an opportunity to work and learn from many of the leaders in the fields of botany, ecology and systematics. I came out of my summer break with a wealth of knowledge having made good friends and contacts for future work in the area.
• The program was such a valuable professional and personal experience. I came out of it feeling so much more passionate, informed and motivated about Botany and Plant Conservation. It was refreshing to work with such inspiring and interested people.
• The program was great. It was constantly focused towards our training and broadening our knowledge base. The training and experience I’ve gained in such a short period is invaluable.
• I was very impressed by the organisation and also by the generosity of everyone involved in the program.
• When I applied for the internship program I wasn’t confident in getting accepted but I was seriously thinking of going back to tertiary study. As soon as I heard that I was accepted I resigned from my employment and, so far, I believe I did the right thing. I would do it all over again without hesitation and I would recommend this program to anyone wishing to work in this area. It is really worth it!
• The internship program gave me confidence and motivation, and increased my passion for botany and plant conservation. It also improved my prospects to get a job. Learning from the experts in the field and combined with extensive field training, this was an experience I will always cherish.
• This program has been the most worthwhile step I have taken so far towards my career.
• The 2008 Plant Science Internship was the best thing I have ever done. It opened my eyes to the magical world of botany and I don’t think I will ever turn back! I learnt so many practical skills, made great friends and important contacts. Thank you so much RBG - I am now on the path to an exciting science career!
• If anyone is even vaguely interested in horticulture, botany, ecology, research or herbariums, just drop your pen and your pre-conceived ideas, and get your application in to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.
• The seven weeks of this internship have been crammed with so many different experiences and training sessions that I’ve lost count. I can’t remember undertaking a more worthwhile academic or professional programme.
• It is difficult to picture an institute with such extensive collaboration between experts, and I count myself privileged to have experienced that intoxicating atmosphere. The combination of herbarium training seminars and practical field work provided a solid foundation for my future botanical career.