Are you a graduate looking to start your career?

If you are a graduate looking to start your career have you considered a six month paid internship? 

The University is working with small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to develop six month paid internships. Every intern will be employed to undertake graduate level work and will be paid a salary of at least £17,000 per annum pro rata.

One of the advantages of considering SMEs as a future employer is that there are always companies looking for fresh, new talent to help develop their business. 

What about my longer term employment prospects?

The experience of the Northumbria Graduates Into Business project was 75% of the Graduate Interns were offered a full time permanent position by the SME at the end of the internship.

Still not convinced?

Many graduates only consider large employers for their first step on the career ladder however smaller employers offer many positive opportunities for Graduates.

Here are some quotes from Interns who undertook paid Internships in SMEs through the previous project, Northumbria Graduates Into Business:

“Working with the small business has given me real professional confidence and developed my communication skills to be able to interact with a wide range of people. It means I have been able to take on more and more responsibilities during my time here.”

“Things are going really well. I feel well integrated and utilised as part of the team. I’m given the time and support in order to learn the ropes while still being productive. I'm very happy with everything.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to have entered into the internship scheme through Northumbria Uni. It has been a positive experience with the SME and a good step in the right direction for my career.”

It is not just the recent Graduate who benefits from the Internship.  Have a look at the positive comments from the SMEs below.  This might be a short term employment contract however it is an opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge and positive working attitude to a specific employer who may be considering this post as a trial role.

So whether you took time after graduation to travel, pay off some student debts or are simply considering your next steps why not consider a Graduate Internship with a SME? A Graduate Internship could be a great start to your career.

What Next?

If you’d like to register your interest or would like to read more please visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/nebs.

If you’d like to contact the project to discuss the potential opportunities available through Graduate Internships with SMEs Victor Ottaway, Graduate Internship Manager, or Fiona Mackison, Graduate Internship Co-ordinator will be pleased to hear from you. You can contact Victor and Fiona via email at sy.internships@northumbria.ac.uk or by ringing either (+44) 191 227 4044 or (+44) 191 227 4539.