The achievements of the University's 2016 interns were recently recognised at the annual Aberdeen Internship Presentation Event.
Since 2010 more than 100 University of Aberdeen undergraduate students have been “Aberdeen Interns” undertaking paid, 10 week summer placements within the University’s professional services departments. An integrated professional development programme also enables students to develop the University’s Aberdeen Graduate Attributes, with a key emphasis on communication and presentation skills.
The 2016 cohort delivered presentations of their work at the event, which was held at the Sir Duncan Rice Library on August 18.
Around 60 guests attended the event and were invited to vote for the best presentation, which was awarded to Roederer Lyne.
Roederer is entering her final year of an MEng Mechanical Engineering and undertook her placement within the Estates section, working as an Energy & Carbon Management Assistant. Her project was to work with the Energy Manager and Policy Advisor on the development of a new Carbon Management Plan for 2016 -2021. The two focus areas of the role were to develop a project register of energy saving projects and initiatives for inclusion in the Carbon Management Plan and to devise an energy awareness campaign to include behavioural change across the University.
The “Highly Commended” presentation was awarded to Florin Nedelea, eLearning Intern, Centre for Academic Development. Florin is entering his final year, studying BSc Geology-Petroleum Geology.
His project was focussed on analysing the data from the MyAberdeen student survey and producing a report recommending how MyAberdeen can be further developed to support students’ learning. This involved reviewing and revising the content on the MyAberdeen “ACHIEVE” website.
Over the 10 weeks, 13 undergraduate students took part in the scheme.
Previous Aberdeen Interns – and now graduate Alumni - are now working in a range of roles, in diverse locations including Cape Town, Finland, London, Manchester, Ireland and Glasgow.
Caroline Inglis, Secretary to the University of Aberdeen presented all the Interns with Certificates of Achievement.
She said: “On behalf of the University, I would like to congratulate the 2016 Interns on completing their Aberdeen Internships.
“Internships offer students a valuable career enhancing opportunity, complementing their academic studies whilst fostering an appreciation and understanding of University business. The scheme is very important to the University, and hosting an Intern provides Schools or Sections with a great opportunity to engage their Intern with a dedicated project which they can manage during their 10 week placement, adding significant value to their section.”
Peter Fantom, Head of the Careers Service, commented: “I am extremely proud of the Aberdeen Internship, our award winning summer placement programme. Those who take part undertake a programme of professional development, which concentrates on developing employability skills.
“The 2016 Interns have gained valuable experience and each of them did a fantastic job demonstrating what they have learned during their placements.”