Career boost for Teesside University interns

A trio of Teesside graduates are celebrating landing dream jobs after excelling on the University’s innovative internship scheme.

The three graduates are among many who have secured permanent employment as a direct result of their involvement in the scheme.

More than 80 of Teesside University’s 2012 graduates took part in the three month internship scheme and were placed at various companies in the North East. The scheme, which ran from January to March, is designed to offer graduates valuable paid work experience and help them kick start their careers.

Ben Robinson, Emma Limon, and Nick Twiname are among the successful interns who have secured employment and credit the scheme for giving them the knowledge, experience and confidence to excel in the job market.

As well as the vital work experience, the internship scheme also included fortnightly workshops at the University which covered subjects such as interview techniques, CVs and applications and digital identity.

Ben, 23, who graduated with a BA (Hons) International Management, was placed at Entrust in Newcastle, which offers customised solutions for start-up, growing and established businesses. He has since been offered a six month contract with the company and hopes to turn that into a permanent position.

'I applied for the internship scheme because it seemed like a great opportunity to enhance my knowledge,' explained Ben.

'I learned a lot of theory during my degree and this was an opportunity to put that theory into practice.

'The three months were so in depth and it has brought me on leaps and bounds. It has been a breath of fresh air to have an opportunity like this available. I will be approaching the next six months in the same way I have the last three – finding out more about the company and hopefully excelling in my role.'

Nick Twiname, 30, graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Applied Exercise Science). He completed a successful internship at Time Out of the Box and has since been successful in gaining a position on the Marks & Spencer Graduate Management Programme.

'It is an amazing opportunity that can launch my career,' said Nick.

'The internship scheme and the Careers Service in general at Teesside University have been so beneficial and I feel a lot more confident now going into Marks & Spencer’s Graduate Management Programme as a result of the support I received from the University.'

Emma Limon, 22, graduated with a BSc (Hons) Psychology and completed her internship at Sanctuary Supported Living, where she has now been taken on as a Carers Outreach Worker.

She said: 'The internship has been a really positive experience and I have learned a lot about the sector. I am happy to have secured a job with the company which is relevant to my degree.'

Professor Eileen Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Student Experience), is delighted with the success of the internship scheme and the fact it has led to further employment for a number of graduates.

She said: 'Here at Teesside University 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 provide an ideal opportunity for graduates to gain vital experience and enhance their CVs.'

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