Graduate Intern gives Small Business the Confidence to Employ

Director of Language for Fun Jessica Bonnard (Reproduced with kind permission of the Sentinel)

A small Staffordshire-based business has gained the “confidence to employ” after hiring a Keele graduate on a three month internship through the University’s Graduate Internships scheme.

Director of Language for Fun Jessica Bonnard decided to take on an employee for the first time after spotting the Keele Graduate Internships scheme which offers financial support to small and medium sized businesses that hire Keele graduates.

Language for Fun received £3,000 in co-funding from Santander and Keele University which covered more than half the graduate’s wages over the three months.

Lyane Bartlett photo Business Management and Criminology graduate Lyane Bartlett joined the company on a Licensee Manager Internship and was responsible for generating new clients.

Jessica, 44, said: “It is incredibly daunting when you first think about employing someone for the first time. The scheme has given me the confidence to employ someone again in the near future having now experienced the hiring process.

“I would never have been able to afford to take on a graduate without the funding. Lyane’s fresh ideas and energy pushed me to be more daring in my marketing approach which I am already starting to see a return on.

“Lyane's task was to increase the number of licensees and thanks to her direct efforts, a further two have now signed up.”

Since licensing her method and materials, Jessica has grown the company to 12 licensed language schools across the country and moved to the Keele University Science and Business Park’s Nova Centre.

Language for Fun provides stress-free adult courses in Spanish and French which get people speaking confidently in social settings.

Lyane, 22, said: “I learnt a lot about how small businesses run and I would certainly like to start my career with one. Being in a small team and knowing the returns are down to your work is very rewarding.

“In my previous internship with a multi-national, I felt like my work just blended in with everyone else’s. But working for a small business allowed me to see my achievements directly.”

Lyane will be returning to Keele University in September to begin a Master’s degree in International Business.

Santander, in partnership with Keele University, is currently offering companies £1,500 to employ a Keele graduate on a three month internship.

To take part in the Keele University Graduate Internships scheme, please call (01782) 733403 or e-mail: internships@keele.ac.uk

Photo of Jessica Bonnard, top right, is reproduced with kind permission from The Sentinel. 

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