A North East agency has partnered with Newcastle University to launch an internship initiative. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
Through the NCL Internships programme, Vida Creative offers students practical experience, enhancing their employability and benefiting local businesses.
Partnership with Newcastle University
A North East agency has launched a new internship programme in collaboration with Newcastle University. Vida Creative has partnered with the university’s Careers Service to join the NCL Internships programme. This initiative aims to provide valuable industry experience to university students.
Introducing Jay Barber
Jay Barber, currently pursuing a Masters Degree in International Marketing at Newcastle University, is the latest addition to the Vida Creative team. Barber will dedicate 300 hours over the summer to gain practical experience as part of the internship programme.
Student’s Perspective
Barber shared her excitement about the opportunity: “I’ve been really enjoying putting the concepts that I’ve been taught into practice, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know about what clients Vida work with, because it’s such an interesting range of people and businesses,” she said.
Barber emphasised the importance of hands-on experience: “It’s great to get out of the lecture hall and actually see what it’s really like to work in whatever field you are studying, because it can be so different to what you’re taught. And it’s a good way to figure out what your actual skills are, what sort of things you want to do.”
Career Aspirations
Having studied English Language at an undergraduate level, Barber aspires to work in a marketing role within publishing. She is keen to leverage this agency experience to refine her career path.
Barber advised fellow students to explore internships: “For me, at least 50% of uni is what you make of it outside the classroom, whether it’s volunteering, sports, societies or part-time jobs. It makes sense to see what’s out there in terms of internships, because when else are you going to get the chance to spend a few weeks working in a school or with a company or on a farm or whatever else is offered?”
Funding and Support
Newcastle University Careers Service provides funding to North East companies like Vida Creative to subsidise internships. This support not only offers valuable experience for students but also aids local businesses.
Ellen Hedley, co-founder of Vida Creative, praised the initiative: “It is fantastic to be partnering with Newcastle University on this initiative to support emerging talent.”
Hedley added: “At Vida we are committed to nurturing our people at all levels, so to have Jay with us putting her academic learning into industry practice is brilliant.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between Vida Creative and Newcastle University highlights the importance of industry experience in shaping future careers. Both parties stand to benefit greatly from this partnership.
The partnership between Vida Creative and Newcastle University exemplifies the mutual benefits of academic-industry collaborations. It provides students with essential practical skills while supporting local businesses.
Such initiatives are vital for nurturing future talent and fostering a robust connection between education and the professional world.