An inspiring work placement arranged by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has helped a graduate land their first job in a new career.
Lucy Pandit said the experience she had working with a global volunteer group helped give her the edge she needed to break into the world of marketing.
The 23-year-old graduated from DMU with a First in Education Studies and History. After this, she applied to be part of the university’s Graduate Champions programme.
The Graduate Champions scheme allows recent graduates the chance to take up a paid, six-week long internship with a leading UK business to enhance their CV and help them stand out from the crowd when looking for the first step in their chosen career.
Lucy’s placement was with Soroptimist International, a worldwide organisation which works to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.
The skills and experience that placement offered marked Lucy out among applicants and she was subsequently offered a position as Account Manager for Punch Communications, a PR and communications firm in Market Harborough.
Lucy said: “Coming out of the three years of my degree course, the Graduate Champions scheme was an ideal way to gain some experience. I spent six weeks planning and preparing an exhibition on women's involvement in WW2 in conjunction with Soroptimist International.
“The placement also involved working alongside a fellow history graduate, which was great as we were able to use knowledge from our degrees to help inform the exhibition. During our graduate champions internship we also had the opportunity to work with the BBC.”
Lucy, who gained her place at DMU through Clearing, said it was the variety and usefulness of the projects offered to students at DMU which helped her so much.
She said: “Going to DMU was the best decision I ever made and I don't look back. I gained a place through clearing as I decided very last minute to go. I am so glad I made the decision, it's a fantastic university with a great support network both during and after your degree.
“There's always a great atmosphere on campus and so many things to offer, such as #DMUglobal and Graduate Champions. “
In the last year, DMU has been named as the most improved in the UK according to The Times and the Sunday Times league tables, while the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey put DMU in the Top 25 in Britain for graduate employment.
Posted on Tuesday 25 August 2015