University of Exeter and UKTI launch innovative internship programme

The 25 students selected to take part will undertake a week of intensive international trade training, delivered by UKTI specialists. Students will work on real life projects to put into practice their learning, culminating in a presentation to local employers. The trained students will then take on paid internships working for SMEs on international trade projects over the summer period.

Paul Blackmore, Head of Employability & Graduate Development said: “This is an incredible opportunity for our students. Not only will they be gaining unique sector-specific training, they will also be using these new skills and knowledge in the workplace, adding real value to prospective businesses in the region. This is an opportunity that will be a worthwhile addition to their CVs and future career prospects.”

One employer who has already benefited from the University’s partnership with UKTI in the Post Graduates for International Business Programme is Georgina Foster, Owner of Beauxoxo, a beauty products business based in Dorset, who recently recruited ‘Early Market Researchers’ for four countries. Georgina commented: “I am incredibly impressed by the students from Exeter; they submitted some of the best applications I have ever had. As a result, picking just one student for this project has been challenging, so I ended up employing four of them to research markets in South Korea, Japan, Australia and Canada.”

Russell Jones UKTI Regional Director South West said: “UK companies that export and do business overseas can benefit greatly from the skills and expertise that students bring from an internship or overseas placement. From language and research skills to direct operational knowledge of a new export market, working with students can help organisations formulate export strategies and develop a lasting impact on the business.”

Professor Mark Goodwin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Affairs) said: “The University is delighted to be working alongside UKTI in this exciting and innovative venture. The initiative will greatly assist the development of career prospects of our students whilst helping to facilitate the growth and prosperity of businesses across the South West. The shared global ambitions held for the regional economy by the University and UKTI further highlight the strategic synergies of both organisations that have helped create such far reaching benefits for all involved.”    

Russell Jones UKTI Regional Director South West concluded: “The potential for growth in trade and investment over the next decade is enormous with demand picking up for British goods and services particularly in high growth overseas markets. We are delighted to be supporting this initiative to inspire a new generation with insight and foresight into international trade who we hope will go on in their careers to become internationally recognised entrepreneurs and business professionals.”

More details regarding the scheme are available here.