Category Archives: Student Business Partnership (SBP)

Employer Case Study: Envirotech R & D Ltd

Biosciences, Employer Feedback, Science, Student Business Partnership (SBP), ,

Name of Organisation: Envirotech R &D Ltd 

Description of Organisation:  Envirotech R & D Ltd is a family business, passionate about the environment and climate change.  Eliminating growing problems faced, such as, coastal erosion, flooding, cliff erosion, converting mining and brownfield sites, and land reclamation, using their technology to grow effectively and quickly.   

Name of Employer: Sharon Morgan 

Job Title: Director 

Internship Scheme used: 

Student Business Partnership (SBP) |Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter 

Feedback: 

“A very positive experience, the students that we interviewed were impressive. Good communication from the University and assistance throughout the process.

We will be sending through results of our trials and a full-written report on the objectives set to our Intern at the end of the project.” 

Student Quote – Link to Case Study

“I gained valuable experience in the field while also improving my scientific writing and researching skills that will be useful during, and after, my degree. It has opened my eyes to my future post-graduate opportunities and possible jobs in the environmental field. I was able to travel to the Isles of Scilly with the company to complete scientific trials on coastal erosion, an area I am very interested in, and produce significant results that could have a positive effect on the environment. “

Student Case Study: Ernest Jackson

Engineering, Manufacturing, Engineering and Processing, Student Business Partnership (SBP), , ,

Degree Subject:  MEng Masters in Mechanical Engineering 

Job Title: Electronic & Mechanical Technician

Company Name:  Ernest Jackson 

Description of Organisation: (if not known, go to job description)  

Ernest Jackson is a Devon-based company with 200 years’ experience and expertise in developing, manufacturing and marketing medicated confectionery and vitamin products. 

Offering a wide range of well-known branded products, as well as a contract manufacturing service, Ernest Jackson has been responsible for some of the nation’s best loved medicated confectionery products and has become one of the UK’s leading medicated confectionery manufacturers. 

Type of Internship:   

 Student Business Partnerships (SBPs)   

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship? 

One of my main responsibilities included taking on project management for a small improvement project of a manufacturing line. I was involved in handling the project from the start, using the university skills and guidance to see the project to a conclusion. Among other duties to the company and employees, my main responsibilities involved the research, conception, and implementation of the improvement project. I had to meet requirements introduced by the company, complete paperwork and criteria, and deliver strong presentations to ensure leading members and shareholders understood the current state of the project, while making my manager look good. 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

Collective research and improvement of the manufacturing line’s product throughout and OEE, providing profit savings and improved understanding of the line for multiple employees at different levels. 

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?  

The project took a U-turn when the research proved to show a different savings benefit from the project from before the internship had started, and therefore a different direction had to be introduced quickly and efficiently to make the most of the short time being employed.
There were many barriers to work that had to be overcome due to the hygiene requirements of the shop floor. Therefore, redesigns were typical as the process engineers detailed issues with concepts provided. 

Skills Learnt:  

  • Organisation
  • Decision Making 
  • Teamwork and collaboration 
  • Time and work load management 
  • Degree Specific- report writing, copy writing
  • Communication 
  • Problem Solving

Attributes Developed: 

  • Logical thinking 
  • Independence 
  • Work Ethic 
  • Professionalism 
  • Confidence 
  • Perseverance 
  • Motivation 

 Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector? 

“It was an extreme confidence booster. From the extra support provided and the experience/advice from both other engineers and shareholders, it was an excellent experience and has shown me that I can apply the skills and knowledge developed in the University to a workplace and adapt to the specific working conditions.
10/10 would have great banter with my manager again.” 

Employer Quote and Link to Case Study  

“Rinzey provided good working ethic, enabling us to understand the considered variables are not as big as we once thought.” 

“Working with Andrea, and the University, has led me to feel this is a positive activity that should be introduced into workplaces more often.” 

Student Case Study: Envirotech R & D Ltd

Biosciences, Science, Student Business Partnership (SBP), , ,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Student:  Saskia Hendy 

Degree Subject: Conservation biology and ecology 

Job Title: Research Assistant 

Company Name:  Envirotech R & D Ltd 

Description of Organisation:

Envirotech R & D Ltd is a family business, passionate about the environment and climate change.  Eliminating growing problems faced, such as, coastal erosion, flooding, cliff erosion, converting mining and brownfield sites, and land reclamation, using their technology to grow effectively and quickly. 

Type of Internship: 

 Student Business Partnerships (SBPs)   

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship? 

My key responsibilities were to travel to the Isles of Scilly to observe and assist in the scientific trials that were conducted on coastal erosion. Then to write a scientific report based on the result of the trials. I also conducted extra research for the company in possible areas of development. 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

My biggest achievement during the internship was the end scientific report I produced. It was around 3500 words and was described as ‘exceptional’ by the company’s owner. She has also forwarded the report to a few contacts within the environmental and enterprise area to emphasise the company’s success of the trials. I have also personally gained insight into how a start-up company operates and gains momentum, as well as increasing my confidence and leaving my comfort zone by travelling and staying with the company of the Isles of Scilly. 

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?  

There were some challenges during the trial, with the logistics of the Isles of Scilly more complicated than neither me nor the company knew. As well as some other supply issues, however these were overcome with the determination of the company significantly evident. 

Skills Learnt:

  • Researching 
  • Networking 
  • Degree specific – report writing, copy writing.  
  • Strategic Planning
  • Communication 
  • Problem solving 
  • Teamwork and Collaboration    

Attributes Developed: 

  • Logical thinking 
  • Creative thinking 
  • Independence 
  • Work Ethic 
  • Professionalism
  • Confidence 
  • Motivation 
  • Perseverance

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector? 

“Working with a small, start-up environmental company that’s extremely passionate about the environment and making a positive difference in this climate crisis, has been a rewarding experience. I gained valuable experience in the field while also improving my scientific writing and researching skills that will be useful during, and after, my degree. It has opened my eyes to my future post-graduate opportunities and possible jobs in the environmental field. I was able to travel to the Isles of Scilly with the company to complete scientific trials on coastal erosion, an area I am very interested in, and produce significant results that could have a positive effect on the environment.” 

Employer Quote and Link to Case Study 

“A very positive experience, the students that we interviewed were impressive. Good communication from the University and assistance throughout the process.”

Student Case Study: Social Media Coordinator and Analyser

Advertising, Marketing and PR, Business and Management, Internship Schemes, Student Business Partnership (SBP), Uncategorized, , , ,

Name of Student:  Millie Graves 

Degree Subject: BSc Management with Marketing WIE 

Job Title: Social Media Coordinator and Analyser 

Company Name:  The Nest Southwest CIC 

Description of Organisation:  

The Nest Southwest is a not-for-profit, social enterprise, community interest company. It was set up in Devon by local women to support other women and girls through the major life transitions of menstruation, pregnancy, birth and menopause by providing social, emotional and informational support. 

They hold peer support groups,  run workshops, courses  and hold training sessions. They also hire out birth equipment and books. 

Type of Internship:   

 Student Business Partnerships (SBPs)   

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship? 

I was responsible for managing The Nest’s social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) as well as creating an online shop to help generate some revenue for The Nest, and creating downloadable products to be sold on that shop. 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

My biggest achievement during my internship was creating an online shop from scratch, alongside creating downloadable products to be sold on the shop. 

Skills Learnt:  

  • Time and work load management 
  • Organisation 
  • Communication  

Attributes Developed: 

  • Confidence 
  • Independence 
  • Motivation 

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector? 

“My internship with The Nest Southwest CIC enabled me to greatly develop my social media management skills, requiring me to plan content, create that content using Canva, and then schedule it using Meta Business Suite. Having had this experience, I now feel much more confident in applying to similar roles. “

Employer Case Study: Ernest Jackson

Employer Feedback, Manufacturing, Engineering and Processing, Student Business Partnership (SBP), , , ,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Organisation: Ernest Jackson 

Description of Organisation: Ernest Jackson is a Devon-based company with 200 years’ experience and expertise in developing, manufacturing and marketing medicated confectionery and vitamin products. 

Offering a wide range of well-known branded products, as well as a contract manufacturing service, Ernest Jackson has been responsible for some of the nation’s best loved medicated confectionery products and has become one of the UK’s leading medicated confectionery manufacturers. 

Name of Employer: James Norris 

Job Title: Continuous Improvement Lead 

Internship Scheme used: 

Student Business Partnership (SBP) |Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter 

Feedback: 

“Rinzey provided good working ethic, enabling us to understand the considered variables are not as big as we once thought.” 

“Working with Andrea, and the University, has led me to feel this is a positive activity that should be introduced into workplaces more often.” 

Student Quote – Link to Case Study  

“It was an extreme confidence booster. From the extra support provided and the experience/advice from both other engineers and shareholders, it was an excellent experience and has shown me that I can apply the skills and knowledge developed in the University to a workplace and adapt to the specific working conditions.” 

Employer Case Study: Frazer Nash

Employer Feedback, Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, Student Business Partnership (SBP), ,

Name of Organisation: Frazer Nash 

Description of Organisation: With offices in the UK and Australia, Frazer-Nash is a leading systems, engineering and technology company. Our work makes a difference to things that matter in the world. Our 1000 employees work from a network of nine UK and four Australian locations. 

Name of Employer: Ben Gaskin 

Job Title: Group Leader – PWR & Systems Engineering

Internship Scheme used:  

Student Business Partnership (SBP) |Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter 

Feedback: 

“Amelia was great to work with, had a fantastic attitude towards the work she was set and asked questions where she didn’t understand. We have provided her with an offer of a full-time position once she has completed her degree. “

Student Quote:

“Over the past 3 months of summer, I worked as a freethinker and problem solver summer intern at Frazer-Nash Consultancy. During my internship, I gained valuable experience of working as an engineer in industry. This taught me technical and transferable skills that I couldn’t have learnt otherwise, and I believe that this was an amazing opportunity. I really enjoyed my time there and can’t wait to return as a Graduate Engineer next year. “

Student Case Study: Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC)

Advertising, Marketing and PR, Business and Management, Law and Legal Services, Student Business Partnership (SBP), ,

Name of Student:  Elizabeth Trunceite 

Degree Subject: LLB Law with European Study 

Job Title: Membership and Marketing Manager 

Company Name:  Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) 

Description of Organization:  

SBJBC UK is a not-for-profit membership association which works closely with the Department for International Trade and British and Saudi Chambers of Commerce to strengthen business relations between the UK and Saudi Arabia, introduce new companies to the market and support those already on the ground. 

 Type of Internship:   

 Student Business Partnerships (SBPs)   

 What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship? 

Mostly my key duties were events management, marketing initiatives, receptionist duties as well as interacting with clients in promoting the company and gathering new members. I was also involved in securing sponsorships, as well as organizing logistics for sector focused events. 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

The biggest personal achievement for me was building a professional rapport and greater confidence in my own abilities. Also, the many projects and opportunities which I was able to get involved in that provided for a variable experience! 

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?  

Working to close deadlines was a challenge which I faced but this was overcome with good teamwork. 

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure 
  • Organization 
  • Communication 
  • Teamwork and collaboration 
  • Customer service 

 Attributes Developed: 

  • Logical thinking 
  • Creative thinking 
  • Independence 
  • Work Ethic 
  • Professionalism 

 Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organization or sector?

“It was a lovely experience with a great team and an inclusive working environment. I worked there for nearly 5 months, and it was a great hands-on internship that taught me so much.” 

Student Case Study: NHST

Administration, Advertising, Marketing and PR, Business and Management, Internship Schemes, Student Business Partnership (SBP), Uncategorized,

Name of Student:  Nathan Boyle

Degree Subject:  Business and Management

Job Title: Sales intern

Company Name:  NHST

Type of Internship: Student Business Partnerships (SBPs) | Career Zone | University of Exeter

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

My 10 weeks mostly involved client outreach with the goal of generating subscription leads. Alongside this, I was able to work with the editorial department and carry out multiple research tasks.

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

Hitting £25,000 worth of lead generation

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?

Initially, making calls felt uncomfortable and hearing no was unpleasant but over time, you adapt to the business setting. Hearing people tell you no is vitally important in career growth.

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Organisation
  • Networking

Attributes Developed:

  • Independence
  • Work Ethic
  • Professionalism

Your message to other students considering a similar job role, organisation or sector?

Over my short tenure with NHST, I felt I have gained confidence in client based scenarios and I am now certain I am able to carry myself properly in a business environment. I would urge any student to undertake an internship even if it isn’t in the field you ultimately wish to go into.

Employer Case Study: University of Exeter, Student Comms (Law)

Administration, Education, Teaching and Research, Employer Feedback, Internship Schemes, Law, Student Business Partnership (SBP), , , ,

Name of Organisation: University of Exeter, Student Comms (Law)Name of Employer: Student Communications Manager

Job Title: Jo Cole

Internship Scheme used: : Student Business Partnerships (SBPs) | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Feedback:

“Our intern made a real impact in terms of rising engagement rates, particularly through social media and newsletters. I think he navigated quite a complex organisation, really took time to meet people and understand their needs and was focused on improvements

Our intern was a dream. He was passionate about his role, worked hard, got on well with everyone and was always happy to learn new skills and share his own experiences with us. It was a pleasure to work with him.”

Employer Case Study:  White Willow Partners Limited

Administration, Employer Feedback, Human Resources, Recruitment and Training, Internship Schemes, Management and Consultancy, Student Business Partnership (SBP), ,

Name of Organisation: White Willow Partners Limited

Description of Organisation: A bespoke HR consultancy focusing on the individual needs of every customer. White Willow provide a service which is designed around you and your business requirements. There is no “one fit” when it comes to HR so our services are tailored exclusively to you. They help recruit, develop and retain the right people for business’

Name of Employer: Carrie White

Job Title: Company Director

Internship Scheme used: Student Business Partnerships (SBPs) | Career Zone | University of Exeter

Feedback:

“We’re operating in a hybrid world where we don’t always need to go into the office, our intern worked well in that he was completely remote, we connected through technology, and he was able to get up to speed quickly with the work we set him. We were keen for him to support us on a new product we had recently launched, creating the infrastructure sitting behind the Leadership Development Programme to enable us to deliver a fully accredited programme which leads to a professional qualification. He developed new processes which support our route to accreditation, and which will now be used to support our quality assurance reviews annually.

We also asked our intern to support us with development of new training materials that would be used to develop summer interns for one of our clients. He successfully designed/delivered three modules complete with facilitation materials and resources for us to share with our client’s interns. We also got him involved in developing our organisational presence in the Southwest working with our marketing manager, he was able to identify new contacts and supported on business development through the creation of new marketing materials which will be used in new business pitches.

I would recommend this scheme and have already signed up to use it again.”