GBP Case Studies

Internships - Graduate Business Partnerships

The Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme has been established to create paid opportunities for recent graduates in their chosen career. GBPs are graduate level positions, that use the skills, abilities and subject knowledge that you have developed at University. Offering relatively inexperienced graduates the chance to access challenging roles, GBPs are a great way to develop your employability and start your career!

Graduate eligibility criteria

  1. You have or are about to achieve at least a full first degree (if you have a Masters or PhD you can apply) and
  2. You have attended a British university (‌) or
    You were an ERAMUS student who has spent a year studying at the University of Exeter and
  3. You have graduated in the in the last 3 years (from your most recent degree) and
  4. You have the Right to Work in the UK (International students please click here)  

Vacancies, Application and Interview

Details about the GBP scheme

Sectors and Roles

The internships are in a wide range of sectors, including working in Higher Education; Advertising; Arts and Culture; Engineering; and Leal Services.

Types of internship vary, but usually cover a variety of roles, such as Marketing, IT, Web Development, PR, Technical, Environmental, Engineering, Market Research, Business Planning, Accounts and Sales.

Employer Type and Location

The employers are often Small Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) or large organisations such as local Councils, the NHS and utility companies.

The internships are usually located in the South West of England, although occasionally we have opportunities further afield such as in London and the Midlands.

Working Pattern and Duration

Most GBPs are approximately 37 hrs per week, Mon-Fri 9-5pm. We are able to ask the employer if they would consider employing a graduate part-time in a role, if that would suit your needs.

Most internships are for 12 months; the minimum is 2 months, but most are not less than 6 months. We can now offer internships for a total of 23 months. Therefore if you have previously worked for the Univeristy of Exeter or you have undertaken a GBP before, you can apply for more, as long as it does not exceed the maximum of 23 months.

Payment

Graduates are paid a minimum of £16,376 per annum. This is a set rate of pay working at the University, but working for other companies and organisations you could be paid more.

Training for Graduates

Successfully placed graduates will be expected to attend two full days of Employability Training at the University. If you get a GBP at the Univeristy you can also access Univerisity staff training.

We are always looking for ways to improve and really appreciate Graduate feedback on our training. If you have completed either day of your GBP Training please complete the forms below:

Annual Leave

All companies must pay you a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid leave; this can include Bank Holidays. The University of Exeter as an employer pays 27days Annual Leave, plus Bank Holidays.

Other Benefits

  • As a GBP working at the University
  • As a GBP working for an external company or organisation
  • As a GBP with a University Contract of Employment seconded to an external company

Support

Jo McCreedie is available to support any graduate encountering any difficulties in their internship. This could be offering confidential 1:1 support or arranging 3-way meetings between the intern, the employer and the University.

For further information contact:

Jo McCreedie

Employer Liaison Officer (Internships and Mentoring)

Employment Services
Tel: 01392 722617

Email: j.mccreedie@exeter.ac.uk