Graduate Opportunties

Nearly a quarter of those who attended HI-SGIL did so in the hope of finding out more about graduate opportunities in the Highland - and from the feedback we received they were extremely happy with the advice and support offered by both Adopt an Intern and Talent Scotland. 

"Adopt an Intern were friendly and very informative. It was great to make these connections as I will soon be looking for graduate opportunities." Female 16-25

"Talent Scotland were very informative and were able to give me information on careers relevant to my interests." Female 25-40

Adopt an Intern are quite new to the Highlands but they are already offering some graduate placements in the area! They are an ambitious team and came to HI-SGIL with an infectious enthusiasm. 

The free graduate service is Government-funded and part of the bigger 'Think Tank' the Centre for Scottish Public Policy (CSPP). The team work hard to source talented and motivated graduates to match the requirements of cross-sector organisations throughout Scotland, generally to carry out short-term, vital projects for the given business. 

They offer hands on support for graduates with one-to-one advice, feedback, workshops and they continue to track individual career progress. 

For more details check out their website: http://www.adoptanintern.org.uk or contact: adoptanintern@cspp.org.uk"  

Talent Scotland are different from Adopt an Intern in that they do not simply focus on opportunities for graduates. They offer information on working, studying and hiring in Scotland and support people through all three areas. However, at HI-SGIL we focused on their Graduate Placement Programme (which I am currently part of).

Like Adopt an Intern, Talent Scotland placements are short-term with the purpose of carrying out a vital project that the company otherwise might not have been able to fulfil. Talent Scotland placements offer a minimum salary of £14,000 with a £1,500 supplement for placements in the Highlands and Islands. The placement also includes a great residential training programme to develop key business skills and build on innovative thinking. 

To find out more visit their website: http://www.talentscotland.com/Students/Graduate-placement.aspx and for information on placements in the Highlands and Islands contact placements@hient.co.uk

From personal experience I would highly recommend a graduate placement through a body like Adopt an Intern or Talent Scotland - the experience has been invaluable, almost like a 5th year at Uni!