Pictured above: (l-r) Tom Hyland and Andrew Teverson with
The Stage Bus
Internships for graduates fresh out of university are key to a
successful career as the battle for jobs hots-up.
With record numbers of graduates entering the job market and
companies becoming ever more demanding in their expectations of
prospective employees, experience is vital. Graduate Advantage
(GA), which offers internships with local businesses across the
West Midlands, has said gaining valuable experience is crucial to
making candidates stand out from the crowd.
According to a survey of 282 graduates who did an internship
through GA, nearly 80% are now in graduate level employment,
proving that experience really can open the door to a successful
career.
With the recovery from recession still uncertain and the West
Midlands seeing one of the highest rates of unemployment, research
has also suggested that there can be as many as 69 people chasing
each graduate job. Graduate Tom Hyland had a two-month placement
with The Stage Bus, a new concept for outdoor events with a stage
set in a double-decker bus. With its unique character and
pre-installed PA and lighting, the Stage Bus can be fully set in
under two hours, costing 50% less than a traditional stage.
The company was established in 2006 by Andrew Teverson, who was
looking for someone to help with the commercial side of the
business including sales, marketing and bookings. Tom Hyland was
offered the role of Communications Manager, following on from his
degree and his experience in live music and events as an
undergraduate.
His strong background in event tech and work as a freelance
sound engineer enabled him to move into the role of Communications
Manager following his two-month placement with The Stage Bus.
Andrew Teverson, Director of The Stage Bus, said:
"Graduate Advantage has been central in providing fresh ideas
and developing the business. It has allowed us to add enthusiastic
and passionate members to the team, and we even have a graduate who
has now taken a management position within the company. We want to
say a big thank you to Graduate Advantage for their fantastic work
throughout the process."
During his internship Tom was able to deal with all the
commercial aspects of the company as well as identify different
markets that have helped keep the bus more active and increase the
amount of enquiries and bookings coming through. This in turn has
enabled the company to take on more graduate interns to assist in
its business growth.