Student from the International Faculty undertakes internship opportunity at the University of Sheffield USE, UK

Mr George Sakkiadis

 

What better place for a university student to gain work experience that his University? George Sakkiadis, third level student at the BA (Hons) in Business Studies (Accounting and Finance) programme recently returned from Sheffield, UK where he completed a three-month internship at the University of Sheffield Enterprise Unit (USE) .

Aiming at gaining work experience in the field of enterprise, George applied for the internship posted by the University and was selected among other applicants. Over the summer he worked at the University of Sheffield Enterprise Unit were he had the opportunity to assist and contribute in projects undertaken by the USE team. USE is an organisation of the University of Sheffield that helps students and graduates to ‘make their ideas happen.’ It runs events and competitions to improve their skills and help students and graduates to start their own businesses/social enterprises. The USE team works closely with academics to develop enterprise in the curriculum so that all students have access to enterprise education. The Student Affairs Department ensures that students from the International Faculty have access to all these useful resources provided by the University.

At Sheffield George enjoyed this skills development opportunity presented by USE. increased his skills outside of his degree course by gaining hands-on real-life experience through the responsibilities he assumed and his involvement in project work. While at Sheffield George enjoyed meeting people and fellow-students from different places and working with them.

George said: "It’s been great pleasure for me to be a part of the USE Team this summer. Working at USE as an intern has given me the chance to meet really nice people and to do a lot of interesting and exciting stuff.

In my first few months working here I learnt how to deal with new things such as the Open Days at University of Sheffield, the social enterprise events and the start-up Weekend.I  learnt so many new things and I have become more confident about my skills and abilities.

Perhaps the most important thing I gained while working at USE is to not be afraid to think big, and to be courageous enough to dream that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. In other words the often used phrase, 'To make my ideas happen'. With this mindset, I am more ready than ever to embark on new challenges and try new things! I look forward to meeting and working with the USE team again."

The University aims at providing its students with opportunities to develop their employability skills even before completing their studies and become competitive by demonstrating work experience in the challenging employment market.

Read George’s posts on USE website.