Internships work for Hans and Stephen

Two master’s students secured their ideal jobs through our Graduate Internship Scheme.

When Hans Luchoo and Stephen Brown graduated last year, Britain was in deep recession. Both wanted to stay in the region, but knowing it would be tough to get their foot on the career-ladder they turned to the University’s award-winning careers service for help.

Also contacting the careers service was Maurice Olum, an entrepreneur and owner of Solumac Ltd, a Stockton-based company specialising in software development and web-based applications. He was looking for a couple of graduates to help build up his business. They were put in contact with each other by Jan Harris, business adviser in the University’s careers department, who recommended the Government-backed graduate internships.

The Government internship scheme was launched earlier this year and is supported nationally by the Federation of Small Businesses and by a number of universities, including Teesside. Hans came to Teesside from Mauritius to initially study for a BSc (Hons) Computer Studies followed by the MSc Web Enterprise, while Stephen, from Hartlepool, completed the MSc Visual and Web Applications.

So impressed with the graduates Mr Olum said: 'We’ve had graduates on placement before, but I was so impressed with Hans and Stephen that I offered both of them permanent jobs when their ten-week internships finished. The scheme gives businesses financial support from the University, so it was easier for us to offer the placements to graduates looking for paid work experience.

'Hans is working on web development and helping us to market the business, while Stephen is a great computer programmer and has been helping us to develop lots of tailor-made applications for clients. I’m very impressed with both of them and delighted we were able to employ them full-time.' Hans, 28, said: 'The placement really fitted in with what I’d studied during my master’s. I was able to put the skills I’d learned into practice. Internships offer a good opportunity to continue learning and develop skills while gaining vital experience working in the role. I found it a very positive experience.' Stephen, 41, said: 'I was seeking a new direction and decided to complete the MSc part-time. In the past I’d completed schemes designed to help get people back into work, but I found the internship was really tailored to what I was aiming to do. It offers a chance to gain vital work experience while developing the skills you’ve learned at university.' Jan Harris, from the University’s careers service, said: 'I am really pleased that graduates are able to access this programme to increase their employability. The Graduate Internship programme allows us to help graduates of the last two years to attain work experience which may lead to a permanent job.

'The University’s careers service has the Matrix Quality Standard, which is a National Quality Standard achieved by organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services for learning and work.'

For more information about the University’s Graduate Internship Scheme call 01642 384409. For more information about Solumac visit www.solumac.com.

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