Graduate’s future is looking brighter thanks to internship

One recent graduate secured herself a permanent job with a local company, just 24 hours after her internship with them finished.

Lucy Holmes graduated in September this year with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and since then has been a Junior Account Executive intern at Orange Juice Communications.

Her general duties included writing press releases, creating digital animations and social media graphics as well as developing and producing podcasts, a new area for Orange Juice.

The internship finished at the end of last month, but Lucy’s output benefitted Orange Juice to such a degree she has been kept on as a permanent member of the team.

Of her internship and appointment, Lucy says: “I liked a bit of everything I worked on as the internship gave me a real mixture, but I do like writing press releases! But the one thing I am really proud of is the podcasts I have helped deliver. We produced podcasts for two clients that involved a lot of planning and sourcing guests to take part.

“To go from being an intern one day to a permanent member of the team the next feels really great, the internship helped lay the groundwork for all of this. I’m really happy to be a fixed member of the Orange Juice team.”

The internship was provided through ALPHAS which helps create capacity within businesses for further employment and retain graduate talent within the local area.

Lucy feels the ALPHAS programme is an opportunity that other students should readily take part in: “It’s worthwhile because it allows you to take your university learning, to get really stuck in with a role you really want to work in. With Orange Juice being a smaller-sized business, I’ve been able to see so many aspects of it and further expand my skill set. I really encourage people to take part, as it’s a great way to get into working life. It should help you secure a permanent job – just like it has for me!”

Dan Owens, Director of Orange Juice Communications, said: “Lucy has been an excellent addition to Orange Juice. She is part of our editorial team and as well as significantly contributing by writing press releases, news stories, social media content, and newsletters, she has also brought new skills to the company. For instance, we now produce and publish podcasts, all thanks to Lucy.

“The University’s Changemaker team has been excellent throughout Lucy’s internship with us. They have been very helpful and provided help and advice at every stage of the process. We have already recommended them to other businesses.”