Placement opportunities, work experience or internships are a fantastic way to supplement your studies, providing real-world experience in your chosen field.
Placement opportunities, work experience or internships are a fantastic way to supplement your studies, providing real-world experience in your chosen field.
For final year Business School students Jacob and Isabel, the chance to undertake summer internships has given them more confidence, access to industry networks and clarity on their future career goals.
Marketing student Jacob Grace undertook a summer placement with Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, after the organisation visited campus as part of an industry week. Jacob worked two days a week at Knowlsey Chamber, alongside his job, involving managing social media and website updates for a lettings agency.
Following an application and interview process, Jacob secured the role and had the opportunity to work alongside members of the Chamber team and its clients, taking on tasks from event management through to communications.
Jacob said: “I came to university knowing that I definitely wanted to do a placement because I wanted to leave with experience on my record. During my placement, I felt like a valued team member and my opinions and viewpoints were taken on board. I felt like I was having an impact there and did have some influence. I was interested in Knowsley Chamber because they have so many connections across different businesses. It was a good networking opportunity
“I went on the website before my interview, and I looked up everything about the organisation and did thorough research. My advice for anyone doing an interview is that if you are prepared and you're confident about what you're talking about, it won’t feel as daunting. If you’re thinking of doing a placement, absolutely do it!”.
Liverpool Hope University has a valued relationship with Knowsley Chamber and these opportunities for internships provide real value to not only the student but also the employer.
Olivia McGuinness, Business Engagement Manager at Knowsley Chamber said: “Through our strategic partnership with Liverpool Hope University, Knowsley Chamber was delighted to host Jacob for a 100-hour internship. During his time with us, Jacob gained valuable insight into the world of business and developed essential workplace skills. He met a range of Chamber members, supported events, and experienced first-hand the value of networking and business collaboration.
“Students like Jacob bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and new ideas to our organisation. Placements such as this help bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing students for the realities of the workplace while adding real value to our team. We’ve greatly enjoyed working with Jacob and continuing our collaboration with Liverpool Hope University to support the next generation of professionals.”
Isabel Wells is studying Business and Musical Theatre, giving her the opportunity to combine her love of performance with practical business skills.
Through the help of Business School colleague Lyndsey Burkert, Isabel landed a placement opportunity at Debate Academy, a primary school programme helping children develop skills in public speaking, persuasion and listening.
Isabel said: “I got nominated for the Hope Insight to Business Awards where businesses offer internships but ultimately I didn't get it. I happened to be sitting across from Lyndsey at the awards ceremony and she kindly offered me help through her own networks. It was from here that I landed a summer placement at Debate Academy. I still work for them now part time alongside university and I’m very grateful to Lyndsey for her offer of support. Staff at Hope are always willing to help because they genuinely care - it’s one of the things I enjoy about studying here. I can go to a lecturer and they know who I am. They know my name.They know about me and will always stop to ask how I am.”
On the role, Isabel said: “We work alongside schools, so I do a lot of communication and I've been organising taster sessions for this week as well as Christmas competitions for schools in St Helens. I’m involved in looking after social media accounts too.It’s very hands on and I feel like an integral part of the team. I’m trusted to use my initiative and take control of my own work. Having this experience definitely helps me visualise things in class a little bit easier, and the added benefit of having interview experience and industry connections is so valuable.”
Isabel also recently undertook a research project surveying for a project around green consumerism in Gen Z between the UK and India. When she’s not studying, Isabel is also a key member of the Musical Theatre Society where she is a producer; putting her management and communications skills into practice.
On combining the two objects for study, Isabel said: “I love education anyway but it's a nice way to have balance. The subjects help to build my skills, particularly for sales roles as I'm a performer, I'm used to being in the spotlight and talking to crowds of people. I'm not scared to communicate with people or present and that has helped me so much in business.
“Doing an internship is so much fun. It gives you such a good experience. You'll learn a lot of skills you have to put your knowledge into practice, which will then give you more and more skills to add to your CV, as well as important connections.”