Tag Archives: UK

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.” 

Student Case Study: Frazer-Nash Consultancy

Access to Internships (A2I), Access to Internships - WP, Engineering, Internship Schemes, Physics and Astronomy, ,

Free Photo Of Female Engineer Working On Her Workspace Stock Photo

Name of Student:  Amelia Toghill 

Degree Subject:  Physics  

Job Title: Freethinker & Problem Solver Engineer Summer Intern 

Company Name:  Frazer-Nash Consultancy 

Description of Organisation:  

Frazer-Nash is a leading systems, engineering and technology company. They help organisations deliver innovative engineering and technology solutions to make lives safe, secure, sustainable, and affordable. With over 1000 employees, they work from a network of nine UK and four Australian locations. 

Type of Internship:   

Access to Internships (A2I)   

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship? 

I worked on two projects, one was to test the code written to model patient flow for a hospital, and the other was a private venture to write a code to optimize a device for nuclear fusion. I had to work to a high standard to meet deadlines. 

What was your biggest achievement on your internship? 

My biggest achievement was producing a piece of code that included techniques that I wasn’t familiar with and writing a report to summarise my findings. 

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?  

My biggest challenge was moving from general physics at university to engineering in industry and learning how to apply transferable skills to industry specific tasks. I overcame this by talking to other colleagues and having practice over time. 

Skills Learnt:  

  • Organisation 
  • Decision Making 
  • Communication 
  • Time and workload management 
  • Problem solving 
  • Degree Specific – report writing, copy writing 

 Attributes Developed: 

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

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

“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. “

Employer Quote: 

“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. “

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. “

Employer Case Study: Reeds Solicitors

Access to Internships (A2I), Employer Feedback, Internship Schemes, Law, Law and Legal Services, , , ,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Organisation: Reeds Solicitors 

Description of Organisation: Reeds is a successful and progressive firm and has established itself as one of the leading criminal defence and family law practises in the South of England. They have taken time to carefully recruit a team of exceptional police station representatives, paralegals, and solicitors, based not only on their recognised legal knowledge, but also their passion and genuine commitment to achieving the best possible results for our clients. They are a fun and flexible firm with good opportunities for development and career progression. 

Job Title: Office Manager 

Internship Scheme used:  

Employer Subsidies – Access to Internships | Employer Engagement & Student Employment | University of Exeter  

Feedback: 

“Overall, it was very easy, Isabelle though made that so. She is pleasant, confident and enthusiastic which all goes towards slotting into the workplace smoothly. Four weeks was not long enough but I hope that Isabelle found it useful and informative in regard to her future career choices and perspective of where she might end up. “

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: Oxford Heartbeat

Access to Internships (A2I), Health Care, Internship Schemes, Sport and Health Sciences, ,

Name of Student:  Zain Ahmad

Degree Subject:  Medicine BMBS

Job Title: PR & Comms Intern

Company Name:  Oxford Heartbeat

Type of Internship: Access to Internships (A2I) 

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

– producing written material for company website, including blogs, and articles
– interviewed staff for a “Day in the Life” series on the website
– produced long form social media posts for LinkedIn and Twitter
– conducted market research for medical devices in the US and EU

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

I produced a market research report on stenting across the UK and US markets

Were there any challenges and how did you overcome these?

Challenge was adapting to a non-healthcare environment and developing my commercial understanding

Skills Learnt: 

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Focus on Goals and Outcomes

Attributes Developed:

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Confidence
  • Initiative
  • Professionalism

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

Working for Oxford Heartbeat was an amazing experience and I am grateful that I was able to work with such a great start-up team. I was impressed at how qualified the staff were, and for me this created lots of opportunities to learn. I’d be speaking to the business development manager with a Biomedical PhD background in one moment, and then talk to a developer with a PhD in Machine Learning!

I learnt a lot about commercialising Medical Device products in the NHS, and this is a perspective I would not have gained in my normal degree programme. I’d encourage anyone interested in healthcare and tech to pursue a start-up internship. My only complaint was that I could only work for one month!

 

Student Case Study: Digital Humanities UofE

Administration, Education, Teaching and Research, Geography, History, Internship Schemes, Student Campus Partnership (SCP), , , ,

Name of Student:  Isabel Moon

Degree Subject:  BA History

Job Title: Digital Humanities Intern

Company Name: University of Exeter

Type of Internship: Student Campus Partnerships (SCPs)  

What were your key duties and responsibilities during your internship?

Lab work, Front desk, Project work

What was your biggest achievement on your internship?

The website I made for the Namibia For All disability in Namibia awareness project

Skills Learnt: 

  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Time and Workload Management
  • Problem Solving

Attributes Developed:

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Confidence
  • Professionalism

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

I have greatly appreciated my internship experience this year. I have learnt more about the world of work within the humanities sector here than I have anywhere else. It has been a great opportunity to work on projects that interest me and to work with like-minded people. I’ve loved being able to work hands-on with historical items and working on meaningful projects. I have always been passionate about preserving history and spreading awareness of it and this internship has been a brilliant opportunity to do so and to gain the skills and experience I would need to do so again in the future. I am happy to have been offered a part time role within the team.