A groundbreaking digital graduate scheme has been launched through a unique partnership.
The collaboration aims to reshape how graduates enter the digital marketing industry.
A Revolutionary Approach in Graduate Recruitment
Each year, as part of this innovative scheme, two graduates from the University of Leeds will have the unique opportunity to initiate and manage a not-for-profit digital marketing enterprise. This programme, born from a collaboration between the Leeds University Union and the digital marketing agency Epiphany, aims to challenge and reinvent traditional graduate recruitment methodologies. By establishing a ‘micro agency’, this endeavour is set to offer digital marketing services that initially focus on supporting various Union projects, events, and activities.
The Role of Leeds University and Epiphany in the Initiative
The responsibility of defining and setting up the enterprise falls on the shoulders of the inaugural graduate intake. **Leeds University Union** will provide guidance through core business training, encompassing vital disciplines such as human resources, finance, and governance. This lays a strong foundation for the graduates, equipping them with essential skills for success in the digital marketplace. “Leeds is an entrepreneurial city,” remarked Aidan Grills, Leeds University Union’s chief executive, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a digital marketing hub.
Enhancing Skill Sets and Building Networks
Epiphany will extend its expertise by offering digital marketing training, leveraging its valuable partnerships with industry giants like Google and Microsoft. Graduates will have the chance to tap into resources and networks, gaining skills and contacts crucial for thriving in digital roles. The scheme is designed to create avenues for students from various disciplines—be it mathematicians, biologists, or geographers—to participate and contribute fresh perspectives. This diversity aims to push the envelope of strategic thinking within the industry. “If we get this right, it would benefit both our business and the Union,” stated Tom Salmon, Epiphany’s MD.
A Strategic Vision for Leeds and Beyond
The ambition driving this project extends beyond immediate gains. This initiative is set to shape the future landscape of digital marketing in Leeds. The experiences and connections that graduates accumulate during their 12-month tenure are intended to segue into permanent roles within the city. This aligns with the strategic vision of nurturing local talent and maintaining Leeds as a nucleus of digital innovation. The project’s board of trustees, drawn from both participating organisations, is poised to offer invaluable oversight and mentorship to ensure the success of this vision.
Projecting the Future of the Digital Sector
Graduates will benefit from the collaboration, drawing on the vast undergraduate base at Leeds University. This collegiate environment fosters a sense of community and allows graduates to lead and execute a diverse array of projects. As the micro agency matures, their services will be made available across Leeds, marking a pivotal step in the agency’s evolution. The programme aims to cultivate graduates who are not only skilled but also adaptable to the rapidly transforming digital landscape. It signals a forward-thinking approach to career development in a sector where change is the only constant.
Empowering Tomorrow’s Digital Pioneers
Training from Epiphany will encompass digital marketing techniques, alongside the support of strategic alliances with Google and Microsoft. Meanwhile, the Leeds University Union will contribute by coaching graduates in core business competencies. **The dual focus on digital prowess and business acumen is unprecedented** and positions graduates as frontrunners ready to impact the digital marketing field. This partnership symbolises a commitment to innovation and excellence, preparing a new generation of digital leaders poised to redefine industry norms.
Conclusion: A Template for Success
Ultimately, this partnership between Leeds University Union and Epiphany presents a pioneering paradigm in graduate training, one that could serve as a model for similar future collaborations. With a robust support structure in place, these graduates will become integral to the Leeds digital marketing scene, equipped with the skill sets, experiences, and industry connections necessary to excel. This scheme does not merely anticipate the future; it actively creates it, crafting leaders who will shape the digital landscape.
This scheme is a model for future collaborations.
Graduates will possess skills and connections to thrive in Leeds’ digital scene.