Funded internships through the University of Sussex

At the end of last year, The University of Sussex launched a paid graduate internship programme to help 2013 graduates who are living in the UK but who are not yet in a graduate role. Fully funded by the University, these graduate internships offer employers 10 weeks support for graduate level projects. Here, Sarah Springford, Chamber Director reflects on our successful application.

“Emma and I spoke on the phone before Christmas and both agreed to go ahead. We hadn’t been able to meet because of the tight timescale for the internship scheme’s application process. A risk for both of us perhaps, but she sounded sensible, intelligent, experienced and nice. I think she’d heard good things about the Chamber and had put herself forward for the role.

The deal is that she works on the Chamber’s Ride the Wave project, and some other things, for a 10 weeks period, and she’ll be paid the Living Wage through a scheme funded through the University of Sussex. The Chamber is fortunate to have one of a 100 funded internships. The scheme aims to help the class of 2013 graduates and not yet in work, to get some good quality relevant work experience.

I am under no illusions that having an intern means that initially, I will have less time to get on with my work. We are giving Emma an important job to do during this time, so she needs to be fully briefed and her work reviewed just like a member of staff. But if we do this well, she’ll be able to take responsibility and I’ll have more time.  

In return we can give her a good experience of working with the skilled Chamber team, and she’ll meet lots of businesses who could be possible employers. She’ll get some hands on experience, and will learn lots of interesting and useful skills.

In just a couple of weeks Emma has been an asset to the team. She has really stepped up to the role and is embracing the project with great enthusiasm. If you happen to attend one of our Ride the Wave events make sure you look out for her.”

To find your business an intern email internships@sussex.ac.uk

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk