countless opportunities within smaller and more local companies. Mik Parsons, senior
lecturer at Bournemouth University, knows the value of interning at a smaller company. “Large companies are often geared up for placement and the student can observe and participate in a range of work and activities,” he acknowledges. “Smaller companies sometimes give students real workloads and, depending on levels of trust, this can often result in a wage being paid.” Richard Stobar, MD at
SKIP
Unboxed Consulting which has offices in London and Cape Town, explains: “We started our internship programme to meet
intelligent students and catch them early in their career. The real-world processes and experience that we offer will be invaluable to them. At the
AN INTERNSHIP ON YOUR CV WILL UNDOUBTEDLY MAKE YOU STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
same time we believe they will add to the company.” Internships have, in the
past, had a somewhat bad reputation. However, if a graduate or undergraduate chooses carefully, their internship could be a practical way to gain experience, and potentially
a job. Brass is a UK-based marketing agency that created the Sh! Award, which offers a student one year’s paid internship with the agency. Ian Rossin, creative director at the company, he believes they offer an invaluable opportunity. “I’m sure some companies exploit the internship ethos,” he says. “But the majority don’t, and provide fantastic opportunities for interns to get to experience a company from the inside.” In a job market that looks
set to become increasingly demanding, an internship on your CV will undoubtedly make you stand out from the crowd and offer a tangible path into full-time employment.