Doulton Thomason, a third year LLB Hons Law student at Keele University, recently took part in a Santander-funded internship at law firm Excello Law. Here, Doulton provides us with her perspective on the scheme:

“For those who currently or have previously undertaken an undergraduate law degree, one aspect that becomes immediately clear is that there is fierce competition for internships and training contracts. Seeming as more of us are now able to attend university, you need something on your CV that sets you apart from other candidates. “

“I have previously met Karen from Excello Law whilst working on a Keele Research and Innovation Support Programme (KRISP)* on a project researching GDPR compliance. After completion of the project I was notified by the internship scheme of a new intern position at Excello, for which I applied and was successful after an interview. “

“The internship will provide me with invaluable practical skills that an undergraduate law degree cannot offer. To be able to assist in the drafting of contracts, marketing, invoicing and potentially meet some of Karen’s clients gives a helpful insight into the everyday life of a practising Solicitor.”

“After graduation I am planning on completing my Masters at Keele starting September 2018 and hope that the skills Karen has entrusted me with will allow me to stand out in the job market in the future.”

Karen Coleman from Excello Law, pictured with Doulton, said: “I was a point in my business where I was considering taking on a part-time member of staff, and finding out about the internship scheme was perfect for me. Doulton is already proving herself a fantastic support with my business administration but also is keen to learn and is clearly capable so I am also looking to train her to help with some client work, including legal drafting.

“I would highly recommend the internship scheme to any business looking for additional support. I will have benefitted significantly from her support during the internship and Doulton will not only have received some part-time earnings but will have varied legal and business experience to add to her already impressive CV.”

Steve Hargreaves, Business Engagement Manager for the KRISP project and Keele Internship programme, said: “I am delighted that the Santander-funded internship scheme at Keele can support local growing companies such as Excello Law. Keele students can apply for exclusive internship vacancies advertised on the Keele internships webpage and interested businesses can contact the University’s Business Gateway for more information on how they can get involved.”

For information on the opportunities available through the Keele-Santander programme please visit www.keele.ac.uk/internships. Details of other business support programmes available through Keele University’s Business Gateway can be found at www.keele.ac.uk/business.

For information on the Santander Universities commitment to Higher Education, please visit www.santander.co.uk/uk/santander-universities.

*The KRISP project (ref: 32R16P00711) is part-funded from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds England Growth Programme 2014-2020.