The Graduate Intern Programme will allow recent graduates to work full or part time, for between four and 12 weeks, at a business in the eastern region.

Internships are mutually beneficial for the company and the graduate, allowing the graduate to gain paid work experience and the business to get an innovative or outstanding initiative off the ground, or to experiment with a new role or potential employee.

The programme hopes to build on the success of a similar programme at UEA that began in 2009, which saw hundreds of graduates placed with companies, some of whom went on to find permanent employment with the businesses.

“Many local companies have already expressed an interest in participating in the new Graduate Intern Programme,” said Julie Schofield, business development manager at UEA.

“UEA is responding to employer demand for a way of trying out new ideas or roles within their businesses, without an immediate permanent financial commitment. The process of engaging a graduate intern for your company is straightforward, and there is help and support in choosing the right graduate for you.”

One business that benefitted from having an intern from the previous programme was Proxama, a Norwich-based company who specialise in Near Field Communications – technology designed to facilitate payment and marketing using mobile phones.

English literature and philosophy graduate Chantal Galvin was taken on to assist the business with their marketing strategy. During her 12 week placement, she worked on a number of projects and proposals for customers that were worth tens of thousands of pounds to the business. At the end of her internship, Chantal was offered a full-time permanent contract with the company.

UEA pro-vice-chancellor Prof Tom Ward, who has responsibility for student experience, said: “In the current economic climate, programmes like this one are extremely important for graduates, enabling them to gain valuable insights into companies and industries that might have otherwise been inaccessible to them.

“The high calibre of our graduates, who bring enthusiasm, ability, and fresh ideas, means that the scheme is equally beneficial to businesses.”

If you are a business or recent graduate who would like to know more about the Graduate Intern Programme, phone 01603 593917, email internship@uea.ac.uk, or visit www.uea.ac.uk/internships.