News Archive

Companies tap into wealth of student talent – University of Reading

The University of Reading's dynamic work-placement scheme, the Enterprise Experience, has entered its second year with excellent reviews and success stories! The Enterprise Experience has generated huge interest from the local business community, drawing in projects from a diverse range of industries. It provides an exciting opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to benefit from the fresh ideas and hard work of bright young students from a range of academic disciplines. The students have helped companies with a range of focussed projects from marketing and HR, to web development and research. Students get a great chance to enhance their employability, gain a fascinating insight into the dynamics of SMEs, witness local entrepreneurs in action and see first-hand the practicalities of a business start-up. Local entrepreneur Jason Parlour has benefited hugely from the scheme, with recruits devoted to a range of HR, Marketing, PR and Development projects for his growing start-up company, The Therapy Agency. "I've recently had the wonderful opportunity to have not one, not two but five work experience students from the University of Reading!" he enthused. "I've certainly found the students highly valuable in their fresh input, keenness to help and determination to succeed. As a result of their excellent input, we've now also had more resources to work on other developments." University of Reading Entrepreneurship Manager Rebecca Miller urges SMEs in the Thames Valley area to get involved. "The Enterprise Experience is a fantastic concept, giving companies access to energy and talent at no cost, whilst giving students a great opportunity for 'real-world' experience!" The Enterprise Experience Scheme is promoted to students all year round. The details of each project are completely flexible to fit both the company and the student. The scheme is jointly run by the School of Business and the Careers Advisory Service. We ensure host companies and students are fully supported for the duration of the project. If you are interested in benefiting from our student talent and providing a project for the Enterprise Experience visit the Enterprise Experience website or contact: Rebecca Miller, University of Reading Entrepreneurship Manager T: 0118 378 6062 E: r.l.miller@reading.ac.uk Emma Sowden – Careers Advisory Service T: 0118 378 8354 E: e.l.sowden@reading.ac.uk For University of Reading media enquiries please contact: Lucy Ferguson, Press Officer University of Reading 0118 378 7388 L.ferguson@reading.ac.uk