Matching brains to business
A project run by the UEA is finding graduates internships with local firms. Some placements have already led on to jobs. The organisers say the key to success is lateral thinking.
The first ever intern on this scheme landed a job with the company she worked for, Digital White Media, based in Norwich. The UEA’s Project Evolve see themselves as a sort of dating agency, matching suitable applicants to businesses. Over 50 graduates have now completed the scheme, with more waiting to start.
The UEA carry out the shortlisting process, so companies only have to interview the best candidates. And the successful applicant is not always the one you’d expect. A history graduate got a placement in marketing, while an arts graduate found themselves working at an engineering firm. Both firms admitted they wouldn’t have looked at those candidates, if they’d just seen their CVs.
Businesses can sign up to have an intern from 4-12 weeks, full or part-time. They pay a fee, most of which is paid to the student. The companies have to specify a project that the intern will work on, so they have a clearly defined role.
Project Evolve have found that the key to getting an interview is being flexible. They find that students often apply for a narrow range of jobs. Richard Dellahunte from the project said: “In many ways it’s about not pigeon-holing yourself. Some people send the same CV for 20 different jobs at 20 different companies, when really they need to be more adaptable.”
Over 400 businesses have now signed up for the programme, with over 800 graduates on the database. Those who are unsuccessful are given help with improving their applications. In the current economic climate, many see the project as an important route into the interview room.
One Comment to “Matching brains to business”
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Local business has been crying out for this! I hope it doesn’t get cut.