Has your department got a key project that needs completing?

Have you considered recruiting a talented University of Birmingham student to undertake it over next summer? The Birmingham Undergraduate Internship Programme (BUIP) could be the answer.

Since 2011, BUIP (managed by Careers Network) has seen 23 students complete an internship at University of Birmingham. The programme has since seen internships hosted across a range of university departments including Academic Services, Enterprise and Innovation, the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and Alumni Relations to name a few. The summer of 2013-14 has seen the highest number of interns take part so far, with 10 students completing internships by the end of September 2014.

Students not only gain direct experience by undertaking real life projects but also develop employability skills through a dedicated training programme, appreciate the benefits of working in a successful Higher Education institute and gain responsibilities and exposure as a real member of staff.

“The high level of responsibility and independence I was given was the best aspect of the internship. It felt like a genuine experience of a career in this sector. A huge step from my previous work experience”

The benefits don’t end with the students though. Departments have also gained a huge amount from hosting an internship. BUIP has become an effective tool for professional services to utilise the wealth of knowledge, skills, passion and enthusiasm amongst our talented student base. Additionally it provides our departments with that all-important student perspective, which can help shape the services we deliver. All hosts from this summer felt that having an intern had a positive impact on their departments.

Internships can last any length between 4 and 12 weeks over the summer and we’re looking for host departments to offer real projects. Careers Network will look after the programme administration, marketing and training. 

Like what you hear and interested in hosting an internship? We’d love to hear from you.  To find out how you can get involved send an email to Harjinder Kundra at h.s.kundra@bham.ac.uk. We’re aiming to advertise all internship opportunities in January 2015 therefore it is recommended to get in touch before the end of the autumn term to find out more.

You can also read about the projects and activities previous BUIP interns got involved in here. 

Colleges

Professional Services