22 QMYOU / The Power of Internships
Pioneering collaboration creates strong internship legacy
A pioneering internship programme , which has helped improve the career prospects of students whilst making a significant contribution to the third sector , is recognised as one which will create a lasting legacy .
THOSE WHO HAVE been involved with the Third Sector Internships Scotland ( TSIS ) - a programme led by Queen Margaret University , the Open University in Scotland , and Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations ( SCVO ) – believe it has been a force for good in society . Based on a unique model involving students , universities and third sector organisations , TSIS can be used as a future template for best practice in relation to paid student internships .
TSIS offered students across Scottish universities paid and supported internships within charities , social enterprises and voluntary organisations . As well as enhancing the employability of participating students through applying their skills and building their confidence in the work place , the programme has had a positive impact on a range of third sector organisations . By bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives , interns were able to enhance and influence the work of organisations working in Scottish communities . The result was a winwin situation with students developing skills , experience and a sense of achievement , and third sector organisations harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of student involvement .
“ TSIS is unique ”, said Fiona Boyle , Codirector of TSIS . “ Internships have existed for some time , but this was the first time that there had been a programme offering paid internships specifically for students , rather than graduates . The focus on charities , voluntary organisations and social enterprises made it distinctive from all other internship programmes and with it ensuring a living wage for students , it is easy to grasp the appeal and benefits of the programme .”
Both students and employers benefitted in equal measure . But the impact on students ’ knowledge , skills development , confidence and future employability has been immeasurable .
Kallum Corke , who recently graduated with a BA ( Hons ) in Drama and Performance from QMU , undertook an internship at Stramash . The Oban-based social enterprise uses outdoors activities to promote personal social development , environmental stewardship and healthy lifestyles . Kallum produced a series of short films showing the various aspects of the organisation ’ s activities , highlighting its achievements and the positive impact on its community .
As Niall Urquhart , CEO of Stramash , said : “ Kallum ’ s input has made a real difference to the organisation , providing up-to-date skills and experience in film-making alongside training and development for existing staff . It ’ s been a valuable short and long term addition to Stramash .”
For Kallum , the internship provided professional work experience in an area related to his degree . As he said : “ The internship exceeded my expectations . It provided a wealth of other experience in terms of building confidence and insights into how an organisation like Stramash works , which is incredibly valuable .”
While the TSIS programme has now come to an end , it leaves a positive legacy . It captured the attention of thousands of student applicants , and the hundreds of students who successfully secured a TSIS internship have reaped the rewards . The impact on employers has been immense with the ripple effect creating a wave of positivity across communities , improving the lives of so many individuals served by the various voluntary sector organisations .
Fiona Boyle confirmed : “ Importantly , the project has raised the profile of Scotland ’ s third sector amongst the student population , within careers services and generally throughout higher education . Students are now better placed to view working in the third sector as a first destination career choice . This is a positive outcome for all – students , graduates , the higher education and third sectors , and society as a whole .”
Fiona concluded : “ TSIS is proof that there is power in collaboration . By harnessing expertise across these different sectors TSIS has been a force for good . Our legacy , based on our research , is the creation of a best practice guide which will continue to support employers to recruit high quality student interns – thereby changing lives and communities .”
Students are now better placed to view working in the third sector as a first destination career choice .
Listen to recent graduate Kallum Corke and Niall Urquhart from Stramash describing the internship . http :// www . 3rdsectorintern . com / students / resources / media /
TSIS reports and evaluation can be found at : http :// www . 3rdsectorintern . com / research /
22 QMYOU / The Power of Internships