24 QMYOU / The Power of Internships
Santander Internship helps graduate land role with creative agency
New graduates are being offered incredible opportunities to kick start their careers through the help of the Santander Universities SME Internship Programme , which is run in collaboration with QMU .
GRADUATES HAVE TO compete for the internship opportunities but those who are successful are presented with fantastic opportunities with a variety of interesting companies . The chance to earn £ 1,000 per month for three months is also very attractive and a great way to start working life .
One recent graduate who has taken every opportunity to develop his employability skills is 22 year old Cody Edwards from Carlisle . Cody was mentored by a highly experienced PR professional as part of QMU ’ s Employer Mentoring Project . His mentor encouraged him to apply for a PR & Social Media position with the Santander Internship Programme . Cody took the advice and beat off stiff competition from fellow students to secure the sought-after internship with one of Edinburgh ’ s top creative agencies .
Having just graduated with a BA ( Hons ) Media Studies from QMU in July , Cody was able to start his media career almost immediately with Tanami , a video production , public relations and social media agency .
Building on his previous work experience with the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the BBC , Cody hopes to widen his skills set by getting hands-on experience of managing public relations campaigns for ambitious start-up companies to global market leaders . Tanami ’ s clients include Magners , Peugeot , the Scottish Government and Chevrolet .
Commenting on his new internship role , Cody said : “ I ’ m really excited about joining one of Edinburgh ’ s top creative agencies so soon after graduating , and getting my career off the ground .
“ The continued advice and support I ’ ve received through QMU ’ s Employer Mentoring Scheme was extremely beneficial and gave me confidence when it was most needed in my final year of study . The experience encouraged me to explore new career options in public relations and led to some interesting creative opportunities with QMU ’ s Marketing and Communications Office .
Donna Cochrane who works in QMU ’ s Development team has helped set up a wide variety of Santander internships for QMU students and graduates . She explained : “ Internships are becoming increasingly important as employers are also looking for practical experience in addition to academic achievements . The Santander Universities SME Internship Programme is a great way to help equip students and graduates with the skills , knowledge and experience they need to help them build successful careers .”
The internships are part-funded by Santander Universities which provides £ 1,500 towards the cost of the intern ’ s salary .
Donna continued : “ The internships offer a variety of benefits for both the interns and the SMEs which participate in the programme . It provides our students and graduates with the opportunity to gain the all-important practical experience and valuable industry insight , as well as the chance to build a network of contacts for their future careers . SMEs find the Santander funding hugely rewarding and they also have the advantage of accessing a motivated talent pool .”
If you are an SME interested in participating in next year ’ s programme , contact Donna Cochrane in QMU ’ s Development Office E : dcochrane @ qmu . ac . uk ❒
As part of the Employer
Mentoring Scheme , Cody got the chance to help create a new student recruitment film for QMU , which he also starred in . The film has just been launched on the QMU website and on social media and can be viewed online at : https :// goo . gl / o6nYZE
Cody Edwards with Tanami ' s founder , Jemma Caldwell .
24 QMYOU / The Power of Internships