Getting on a foot on the career ladder after graduation can be challenging but more student internships are providing essential footholds. Image With winter graduations underway this week, it reminds us how tough the job market is for new graduates.At the University we understand it is essential for students to get relevant and challenging work experience and, with this in mind, we are expanding our internship programmes overseas, on campus, and, with the support of Santander, in businesses.A global perspectiveEmploy.ed Overseas offers students international internships which are not only an incredible way for students to gain experience, but provide employers with an intern who is eager to work and brings fresh skills and new ideas to the workplace.The programme was piloted this summer with 18 students taking part in paid internships around the world from Thailand to America. One student, Catherine Struthers, who is studying Social Anthropology, interned at Ashinage in Tokyo.I now have a more nuanced understanding of how cultural differences can impact on day to day working life.Catherine StruthersCloser to homeEmploy.ed on Campus allows departments across the University to offer 2nd and 3rd year undergraduates paid internships during the summer break.One of this year’s summer interns was ancient history student Declan Sheridan. While on placement in the University's Careers Service, Declan gained new skills in public speaking, report writing and preparing and delivering presentations.It was an opportunity that Declan views as essential for student development and one that clearly benefits both parties.They made a great deal of progress during the 8 weeks they worked with us, both personally and in terms of their impact on our department, and we have been delighted that both of them have chosen to continue to work with us on a voluntary basis. We are looking forward to hosting more Employ.ed interns next summer.Serena FredrickLibrary & University CollectionsA helping handThe Santander Universities SME Internship Programme offers small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) the opportunity to employ a recent graduate, a final year undergraduate or a postgraduate on a fixed term project.This collaborative scheme, lasting either 3 months full time or 6 months part time, is match funded by Santander who contribute 50% of the funding for the internships. The remaining costs are met by the company.Our illustration intern was first class and produced a whole series of illustrations for a digital book which will soon be published.Frances O’NeillGet involvedIf you would like to offer an internship please find out more by visiting the internships section of the University website, or email Jenni Dixon.Email Jenni DixonThe Careers Service Tags 2014 Publication date 02 Apr, 2015