Graduates finding new path to employment

Teesside University graduates are being given an ideal opportunity to kick-start their careers thanks to two innovative new schemes which provide vital skills for the workplace.

The University has helped some 70 graduates with its internship programme and leadership and entrepreneurship masterclasses, which both started in January.

The Teesside internship programme helps those who finished studying in 2011 gain vital work experience while being paid. Three month internships were created for graduates, either working in the University or with a partner organisation.

Michael Comerford, who graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Performance for Live and Recorded Media, secured an internship with ARC in Stockton.

He works as an Artistic Associate, helping to create activity around ARC’s current programme and getting more people involved in the arts.

Michael, 22, is planning to study a master’s degree in the future but is delighted to be gaining invaluable industry experience.

A fantastic scheme

He said, 'It fits in perfectly with my degree. As well as gaining experience and building contacts, I think the internship will give me more confidence when applying for jobs in the future and is something positive to put on my CV.

'I think it is a fantastic scheme. It shows that Teesside University is not only concerned with attracting people to study at the University, but also places great emphasis on helping them when they leave.'

The Teesside internship programme has provided a route into work for Laura Heanan, 22, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

During her degree, Laura completed work experience with the Creative team in Teesside University’s Department for Marketing & Student Recruitment. She made a positive impression and was successful in securing an internship.

Laura said, 'I decided to do work experience in my second year because I wanted to enhance my CV and get some practical experience in a real life working environment. I really enjoyed the work and when the internship was advertised I didn’t think twice about applying.

'It’s a fantastic opportunity. The job market is very competitive and hopefully this will give me the edge to go on to a full-time career as a graphic designer.'

In addition to the internships, the University is offering a free programme of leadership and entrepreneurship masterclasses.

These provide an opportunity to learn key employability skills, with topics including finance, business planning and networking.

Graham Hill, 43, achieved a part-time BA (Hons) Business Management degree at Teesside and enrolled on the eight week programme as he hopes to start his own business offering materials handling equipment training services.

Practical skills

He said, 'I have always had a dream to become an entrepreneur and an academic and this course represents steps towards both of these goals. It is giving me the practical skills to get my business off the ground and I can feel my confidence growing week by week.'

Joanne Baxter-Smith, who also graduated with a BA (Hons) Business Management, is also on the programme.

She said, 'I loved every minute of my degree and this programme brings it all together and helps me put it into practice in the real world. I want to start my own business and this is the perfect way to follow my degree.'

The Teesside internship programme and masterclasses are new initiatives for Teesside University and will be rolled out on an annual basis.

With the difficult economic climate and changing needs of employers, they will help graduates get their first foothold on the career ladder.

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Student Experience), said, 'Here at Teesside we want to equip our graduates with all the skills they need to find employment or start their own businesses. We understand that employers are often looking for experience and entrepreneurship alongside qualifications and these schemes will provide an ideal opportunity for graduates to gain vital experience and enhance their CVs.'

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