What is Pathways to International Trade?
Update Nov 2023: Unfortunately, we have received confirmation that our Pathways to International Trade programme will not be delivered in 2024. We are sorry for any disappointment caused and hope to be able to run the programme again in the future.
The interactive programme comprises of 3 key elements:
- Employer-led training - 5 days of technical and employability training delivered by professionals working in international trade.
- Group project - During the training you will work in small groups on a business challenge before presenting back on the final day.
- Paid internship - You will be assigned an organisation where you will undertake a 35 hour paid internship (full-time or part-time).
"Pathways was a fabulous way to explore a new career sector: International Trade! Through a fun, interactive and insightful week of training I was able to fully prepare for my internship. I now feel confident that this sector could be for me, and I now have relevant experience that will enhance any applications!" (Alice, BA International Relations and Modern Languages - Pathway 2023 cohort)
If you are an employer and interested in getting involved in the Pathways to International Trade programme, please visit the employer-facing webpage here.
- Gain an insight into different opportunities in International Trade
- Increase knowledge of sector specific activities
- Be inspired by experienced professionals
- Network with international trade experts
- Gain confidence in your abilities
- Develop your career plan
- Culminates in an essential work experience, undertaking a paid internship
- This activity counts towards the Exeter Award
- Receive a certificate
Update Nov 2023: Unfortunately, we have received confirmation that our Pathways to International Trade programme will not be delivered in 2024. We are sorry for any disappointment caused and hope to be able to run the programme again in the future.
If you would like to see where your fellow students have undertaken their Professional Pathways internship and read about their experiences on the programme, you can take a look at their blog posts here. There are also some blog posts written by employers to give their perspective on hosting a University of Exeter student on an internship!
Quotes from former Pathways to International Trade students:
"This was such an amazing opportunity where I got to gain real-world experience in the world of International Trade. I was able to meet a lot of new people and get involved in real-world cases with live clients. I was able to learn so much which has now given me a clearer idea of my future career path."
"Pathways was an exciting but competitive opportunity to obtain theoretical industry knowledge and apply it in hands-on work in the international trade sector!"
"Through the University's Pathways to International Trade programme, the support given to extend both student's knowledge and passions, as well as their future career prospects, was fantastic - I couldn't recommend the experience highly enough."
"A very insightful experience, it would be beneficial for anyone looking to gain real-life experience to enhance their CV and skill set."
"It well and truly opened up my eyes into the world of business development and the nature of working for a brand new start-up company. I didn't anticipate that I would end up learning as much as I did and now feel I have gained really useful tools that will be really employable in the future!"
"This is an excellent programme if you want to gain experience working in a professional environment. It is a great opportunity to increase your future employability."
"Pathways was an incredibly valuable experience that I would do again in a heartbeat, it has made me more confident about my employability and has set me in great stead for my future careers."
"Professional Pathways internships feel like a secure way to gain valuable experience and kick-start a future career."
"Professional Pathways was a fantastic and unique opportunity to immerse myself within a company I'd never have previously been able to intern at so early on in my career, and I have come out of it with a greater perspective on my aptitudes and career opportunities."
Elements of Pathways to International Trade align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals.
If you would like to ask any questions, please contact the team at: professionalpathways@exeter.ac.uk