Dozens more graduates from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) are gaining essential work experience and boosting their job prospects this month by taking part in the pioneering Graduate Champions scheme.
And all of them have said graduates offered the chance to take part in the paid internship programme should grab the opportunity with both hands.
DMU Graduate Champions offers our recent graduates the chance to take up a six-week long intensive work placement to enhance their CVs and help them stand out from the crowd in a furiously competitive jobs market.
Each graduate is contracted and paid by DMU to complete 18.5 hours a week of graduate-level work over the six week period, and the university pays the Living Wage of £7.65 per hour.
The scheme was launched last year and hundreds of graduates have already signed up to the scheme to work for major businesses across the UK, with many securing permanent jobs as a result. All have been able to build their confidence by applying their skills in the workplace.
The latest round of DMU Graduate Champions has garnered praise from graduates and their employers, who say the innovative internship programme is a brilliant way to benefit both parties, offering hands-on experience for the graduates and the chance for employers to tap into a wealth of fresh knowledge and ideas.
Ivah Sule is working for Orean Personal Care Ltd, one of the leading manufacturers within the hair, body and skincare markets, after graduating in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science.
She has been plunged straight in at the deep end, working on a project to create a body moisturiser for the shower.
Ivah said: “The work is really interesting and I have learned a lot. Everyone here is really nice and they are looking after me! It is great to get stuck in with a project.
“DMU Graduate Champions is definitely a great idea and the fact the university is also paying us for the internship makes things even better.
“I would definitely recommend DMU Graduate Champions. If you get the opportunity to join the internship then grab it.”
Amy Turner, graduated in International Marketing and Business, and is now working as a marketing intern at Leicester Tigers, the UK’s biggest rugby club.
Amy said: “I am absolutely loving the work. Although I am only an intern for six weeks I have been dropped straight in at the deep end which I really like.
“It is just so hard these days to walk into a graduate training scheme because it is so competitive and to be given the opportunity to work as a marketing intern at one of the most famous brands in rugby is just incredible. To be able to put that on my CV is amazing.
“I would recommend Graduate Champions to everyone. If the opportunity comes your way then grab it.”
Jacob Landers has a joint honours degree in English Language and Journalism and is working as a journalist associate at Sporting Edge, one of the UKs leading providers of training for business, sport and education.
Jacob said: “I am really enjoying the experience. It is a really good kick-start for getting into the industry which is invaluable for a graduate.
“I think the skills I am learning and developing through the DMU Graduate Champions programme are incredibly useful.
“I am writing articles to go on the Sporting Edge website, helping with the social media strategy and coming up with good content to really drive business and promote the brand.
“The hardest thing about getting into an industry is getting your foot in the door and DMU Graduate Champions is helping us do that. I would definitely recommend the scheme to everyone else. It is so important to get good work experience, and once you have it nobody can take it away from you.”
Sanjay Bhogaita, of Sporting Edge, said: “We have been impressed with the calibre of students. They are really professional and really hard working. I think DMU Graduate Champions is a great scheme. The graduates are a valuable asset because they bring a level expertise from their degree that we would not have had otherwise. We want them to apply their knowledge and expertise and help us to grow. We are looking forward to working with the Graduate Champions team in the future.”
Posted on Friday 11 July 2014