Final year student spices things up and takes SEED award
Monday, 04 October 2010
Rhian taking part in one of Spice's many activities - a 200ft abseil
'One of the activities I took part in was a 200 foot abseil - I never would have done that before so working with Spice has really helped my confidence grow.'
Third year student, Rhian McPhail, has been awarded first place at the Summer Enterprise Experience and Discovery (SEED) award ceremony, for her contribution to adventure, social and leisure activity company, Spice.
Rhian, who is studying Consumer Behaviour and Marketing, was one of 17 students who participated in the scheme and showcased their achievements at the awards ceremony on 1 October. SEED is run by the Careers Advisory Service and offers valuable paid work experience for students and provides organisations with welcome additional resources.
Rhian worked for Spice Thames Valley & Solent, which organises hundreds of social and networking activities every month. Spice are always looking for new members, so during her placement Rhian worked on a project to implement an internet marketing strategy, to help raise awareness about the Thames Valley and Solent branch.
In her time there, Rhian helped establish links with 14 new suppliers/activity providers, established Spice's profile on a number of social bookmarking sites, and increased the amount of website hits by 13%.
Joy Atkins, who leads Spice activities in Berkshire, said "Rhian has made a real difference, which is exactly what we wanted, and we've loved having her around." In fact, they are so impressed with her that they have offered her a part-time job during her last year at the University.
After receiving first prize Rhian said, "I was so overwhelmed to hear that I had won! I got to meet some fantastic people and had a great time on my placement. One of the activities I took part in was a 200 foot abseil - I never would have done that before so working with Spice has really helped my confidence grow. The range of activities available is huge - from chocolate making, meals out and skiing holidays, to bowling, walking weekends and yachting - so there is really is something for everyone."
Not only did Rhian enjoy her placement, she gained some valuable experience too: "I now have a much better understanding of finance and business organisation, and my time with Spice has given me the knowledge and confidence to put together my own business plan."
The SEED judges were impressed by Rhian's determination and ambition. One of the judging panel, Mike Shepley, UK Learning & Development Manager at Baxter Healthcare, said: "Rhian is an absolute firecracker in her approach to the placement and was a real inspiration to the panel. We are delighted that she will still be involved with the company."
If you are interested in finding out more about Spice in the local area visit their website: http://www.thamesvalleyspice.co.uk/home.
For more information about the SEED scheme please visit http://www.reading.ac.uk/careers/seed.