Student enterprise | University of Cumbria

Helping students, potential students and graduates develop their careers is a crucial part of the Enterprise and Business Development team's work. We have a lot to offer student enterprise.

Student services

We offer a wide range of services for all types of issues, whether you want to enhance your career by gaining new qualifications, are looking for a placement to gain experience in your chosen field, or want support as you launch your own business.

We host a wide selection of services to help students and graduates to launch their careers.

Events

Find out about our range of business-related activities on the events calendar.

Support for new businesses

Get advice on entrepreneurship and starting or developing your own business.

We provide support to undergraduates from any discipline and up to three years after graduation.

The Student Enterprise adviser organises training days and webinars and can provide 1-1 support for new, fledgling and established businesses.

In addition, we can refer students to external sources of funding and support.

Great facilities

Access the excellent facilities we have to offer, including various spaces for study and meetings with high-speed Wi-Fi access at Carlisle, Ambleside and Lancaster. We can also offer you access to university resources.

Placements and Internships for Students and Graduates

How do placements work?

The University of Cumbria Enterprise and Business Development service organises undergraduate and graduate placements through its Business Placement Service team. These can be between 4 weeks and 12 months (part-time or full-time) in local companies in Cumbria and surrounding regions for students and graduates from any UK college or university.

For any queries regarding registering or applying for vacancies, please contact us at educationplacements@cumbria.ac.uk or telephone 01228 279 289.

How will this help me?

Placements are invaluable in giving you an advantage over other students/graduates. The experience you gain during these placements can be business-specific; you'll have the opportunity to use the skills you have learned during your studies, as well as learning and developing transferable skills such as communication, team working, time management and organisational skills amongst many others.

It also gives you a chance to try working for a particular type of company or in a particular environment before committing yourself to it in the long-term.

What would I be expected to do?

The work would be a project based placement which will focus on a particular issue that the company has to resolve. The type of work available depends very much on the type/needs of the company. Past projects have included working on the development of websites, re-designing marketing material, streamlining working processes and undertaking research.

Our team of business advisers work with local Cumbrian businesses to ensure that each student or graduate will be working on a project of real value to both them and the business.

What would I be paid?

All placements organised through the Business Placement Service are paid at least the living wage for the duration of the project.

How do I get to hear about any vacancies?

The most important thing to do is to register your details with us to receive our newsletter as and when placement vacancies are available. Alternatively, you can view vacancies on www.cumbria.ac.uk/grab.

You are welcome to register on our database if you are not a student or graduate of the University of Cumbria.

How do I apply for a placement vacancy?

Each candidate is asked to complete an application form for their chosen placement. This can be done by clicking on the 'application form' alongside the chosen vacancy. All applications should be emailed to jobsandplacements@cumbria.ac.uk.

All applications are then viewed and shortlisted by the Business Placement Service team and the Business. Successful candidates shortlisted will be invited to interview. Our Careers service can help with creating a professional CV and tips for the interview process.