Student benefits from internship through MINT programme

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the GCU Foundation and Alumni Team launched MINT (Mentoring, Internships, Networking and Talks) - an innovative programme to provide help and support to final year students and new graduates.

Entering a new and uncertain job market, the programme is designed to help students enhance their employability as they attempt to get a head start on their careers.

Class of 2021 International Marketing Graduate Sean Allan benefited from the initiative when he secured an internship working as a social media intern with GCU’s corporate communication team.

Sean took time to talk to us about his MINT internship and how it’s helped him get his foot on the career ladder.

How did you find out about the internship at GCU?

I found out about the internship at GCU through an email sent to Marketing/Journalism graduates informing us about the opportunity. The GCU careers emails are extremely helpful and targeted and without them I wouldn’t be in the role I am today.

What attracted you to apply?

I thoroughly enjoyed my four years studying at GCU. The environment, people and support from lecturers/tutors allowed me to flourish and gain a first-class honours degree. My positive experience studying at GCU attracted me to this role alongside the ability to work in the fast paced and ever-changing world of social media.

Your role is part funded via the University’s MINT programme, giving you paid industry experience in your area of expertise. What have you been your favourite elements of the job?

The opportunity to work with an amazing experienced team of people with an array of expertise. I work in the communications and public affairs team and have been able to draw on the expertise of my team and have learned a great deal.

What advice would you give current students graduating this year about graduate internships?

If there is an opportunity for an internship in your field of expertise, go for it! Try and gain as much experience as possible through your time at GCU and it will help you in the future.

The transition from student to staff at GCU has been aided greatly from the support I receive from the great people working here. In around seven months working at GCU I have learned and experienced so much. The internship has provided me with amazing experiences including covering social media live from COP26 and from Hampden Park.

Finally, what’s next for you? How do you plan to take what you’ve learned during your internship and apply it to your future career?

The knowledge and skills I have gained from my time both as a student and staff member at GCU have aided me greatly and will be applied in my future career. I have been able to work alongside and get to know some amazing people through my internship and whatever the next step in terms of my career I have the confidence it will be successful through the skillset that I have gained throughout my time here.

Find out more about the MINT programme and how it can help you

By Stuart Martin