A new University of Ulster internship programme is offering top graduates a unique placement opportunity, complete with a £5,750 bursary.
The Professional Experience Programme (PEP) provides a six-month internship with a local employer as well as a Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice.
The university currently invests £180,000 per year in PEP, which reflects its commitment to both enhancing the employability of graduates and supporting them as they enter a job market with stiff competition for work prospects.
More than 20 businesses have joined up to the programme and each is required to monitor and support their chosen participant, as well as contribute £2,950 (plus VAT) towards their fees and a portion of the bursary.
Participants in the programme cover areas such as employability, managing personnel relationships within organisations and living and learning in networked communities, where the main focus is the role social media plays in the workplace.
During their internship they must complete a project, identified by their employer, which examines the quality improvement of a key business element within the organisation.
In order to provide a balance between study and employment, participants only need to attend a few on-campus workshops as the majority of learning takes place online, providing an interaction with other graduate interns and university staff.
Professor Anne Moran, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Educational Partnerships and International Affairs) said: “The Professional Experience Programme is an excellent chance for Ulster graduates to enhance their employability.
“The support provided by the university and employers, in partnership, represents a unique opportunity for our graduates to develop their professional knowledge and skills for their future careers.”
Alissa Kleist, an MA fine art graduate who gained her Certificate in Professional Practice in July, spent her internship with Belfast Exposed Photography.
“Jobs are often scarce in the arts sector so it was a real bonus to be taken on and employed by an organisation like Belfast Exposed, which has such a great reputation,” explained Alissa.
“I picked up a range of communication and organisational skills through having to manage my time effectively. I gained teamwork and administration skills through helping out with a volunteer programme and I was able to take on my own personal project which was extremely satisfying.”
For more information on the Professional Experience Programme visit www.ulster.ac.uk/pep