University of Northampton student bags work placement alongside her studies

When Nina Castravet, a Business Entrepreneurship and Events Management student at the University of Northampton, joined the Northamptonshire Growth Hub team last year, little did she know that her three-month placement would lead to her securing a full-time paid position.

Nina’s journey with the Growth Hub started at the end of her first year of study when she joined the team on a three-month internship provided by Santander through Unitemps providing administration support and helping the team to set up and run successful events.

At the end of the three-month internship, Nina was offered a part-time position as an Administration Officer so she could continue to work with the Growth Hub whilst studying.

The team were so impressed with Nina’s work that they decided to offer her a year’s placement in the post of Events Manager and CRM Administrator. Nina has recently completed her second year and has been working with the Growth Hub in her new role since May 2017.

Nina’s main responsibilities are supporting the smooth running of two University-led European Regional Development Funded projects – Ready2Grow and Innovate Northamptonshire, both of which have the key aim of stimulating growth in Northamptonshire’s economy.

She is also tasked with planning and organising a portfolio of project events, including workshops, training sessions and awareness event, as well as maintaining the project’s CRM system, updating client information to monitor participant progress through the projects and to provide clear reporting for compliance purposes. Additionally, Nina is helping to manage the marketing activity for the Growth Hub and its projects.

Along with working for the Growth Hub, Nina has also been actively involved within various activities with the University’s Students’ Union, including running the Romanian Society, which has almost 100 members. She is also a member of the Societies Development Committee.

At the recent Societies and Volunteering Awards run by the Students’ Union, Nina and the Romanian Society members received no less than five awards, including: Best Society International and Faith, Most Improved Society and Personality of the Year.

Nina commented: “Hard work and passion are well rewarded at the University of Northampton. I have passed all my assignments with A grades and this is a testament that real work experience can have a great impact on a student’s results.

“Working for the Northamptonshire Growth Hub has had a great impact on me and my degree. There were so many times when I could see the topics discussed in class being implemented and working in real life. I was so lucky to have this opportunity and I look forward to working full-time with such a dedicated team of people.”

Malcolm Johnston, Head of Enterprise at the University of Northampton and Northamptonshire Growth Hub Manager said: “Nina has done a fantastic job for us since she came on board last summer as a Santander intern and has seized the opportunity we have given her with the Growth Hub and shown great commitment and dedication to her role.

“It is really inspiring to see a young person with this kind of work ethic and I think she is an excellent ambassador for the University.”