21 March 2014

Leeds celebrates employability excellence

University of Leeds entrants made it as finalists in three categories at this year's National Undergraduate Employability Awards.

The Careers Centre was shortlisted for 'Best University Careers/Employability Service' in recognition of its outstanding support for and advice to students searching for undergraduate work experience.  This includes the Leeds Internship Programme, which has placed over 100 students and graduates into paid projects in local small businesses, charities, and the University itself.

Laura Rimkute and Antonia Jones of ISS

Physics student Laura Rimkute was nominated as 'Best Intern' for her outstanding work at the IT Help Desk as part of the Leeds Internship Programme during the summer of 2013.

Laura's achievement recognised the significant impact she made to ISS during her placement.

Last but not least, Magpie Communications were 'Highly Commended' as runners up in the 'Top Small to Medium-sized Undergraduate Employer' category.

Magpie is a Leeds-based creative communications company run by Leeds alumni Becky Edlin and Ged Savva.  They impressed the judges with their attitude to work experience and the opportunities they offer to students, which include paid undergraduate and graduate internships as well as enterprise advice and support through workshops, talks and mentoring.

Spark, the Careers Centre business start-up team, has supported Magpie Communications over the past five years as it has grown to a team of 21 and increased its workspace.

Ged Savva, Becky Edlin & Helena Krzeminski of Magpie Communications

The nominations reflect the importance of work experience to undergraduates, the hard work of interns and the vital role the Careers Centre plays in organising internships.  Although many students turn their thoughts to big name companies for their summer or year in industry, internships based on campus or with local small companies have proven to be just as valuable.

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