An innovative new internship programme that offers graduates in Scotland a unique kick-start to their career in digital launched this month. The ‘Inspiring Digital Leaders’ programme offers five paid placements with leading digital agencies, covering key disciplines that will offer a solid foundation of digital skills to develop future leaders in the digital sector.
The programme was co-created by BIMA and TRC with five participating agencies: After Digital, Dog, Equator, Front Page and Screenmedia. Over five months, five interns will undertake five monthly placements at each of the participating agencies, specialising in a different discipline with each agency: Client Services, Content Strategy & Brand Language, Digital Marketing, UX Design, and Web Development. The learning within each discipline has been designed by module leaders at each agency who are experts in their field.
Gerry McCusker, Chair of BIMA Scotland and CEO of Dog and said:
“The Inspiring Digital Leaders Programme was born out of animated discussion at the first BIMA Digital Leaders Dinner in Scotland 2 years ago. As business leaders we shared the concern that our digital community needs more young and diverse talent coming into it and we agreed that we would best address this by working together. We have created a truly unique collaboration of five companies to deliver a brand new way of fast tracking ambitious, young talent in our industry.”
In addition to the five placements, the interns will receive training and support from digital and broadcast training leaders TRC, to help learn how best to progress and grow in the creative digital industry.
Joint Managing Directors of TRC, Claire Scally and Margaret Scott, said:
“Developing new and innovative training opportunities is in the DNA of TRC. When we heard what companies were looking for, we collaborated with BIMA to create this exciting new programme. Inspiring new talent to develop their careers in a progressive environment across collaborating businesses is unique and a hot ticket for any entrepreneurial new graduates who want to kick-start their careers. We’re delighted to play our part.”
After a competitive application process the five successful candidates have been selected: Eddie Allbutt, Rosa Downing, Patrick Fearon, Evan Keyes and Julia Rosner.
Eddie Allbutt, a Glasgow School of Art graduate in Product Design said:
“For me, Inspiring Digital Leaders is the perfect educational foundation for a creative career. I’m excited by the opportunity to experience new disciplines to compliment my background in design; to be a part of five exciting creative agencies across Glasgow is an absolute pleasure.”
Rosa Downing, who graduated with an MSc in Software Development from the University of Glasgow starts the programme with an internship at Screenmedia. She said:
“Having recently moved from working in the arts and marketing into software development, it’s been difficult finding a position that bridges all of these areas – until I encountered the Inspiring Digital Leaders programme. I’m absolutely delighted to have bagged myself a place and can’t wait to get started!”
The Inspiring Digital Leaders programme runs from now until October 2019. Full details can be found at the programme website.
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Notes:
- Inspiring Digital Leaders is a paid five-month training programme, created by BIMA and TRC, and co-created by the five participating agencies. Interns are paid the Scottish Living Wage.
- The programme is co-created by BIMA and TRC
- BIMA (British Interactive Media Association) is a network of talented individuals with a mission to drive innovation and excellence across the digital industry. BIMA are the connectors, thought leaders, champions and change-makers determining the shape of Britain’s digital industry. Find out more about BIMA.
- For over 20 years, TRC has delivered high-end training for individuals and businesses working in the TV and digital sectors. Through TRC, careers have been transformed, new start-ups established, international business secured, skill shortages tackled, business strategies re-framed and invaluable networks formed. TRC’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading training providers has allowed them to provide unrivalled access to the world’s most innovative companies, including tech leaders in San Francisco, and broadcasters from London to New York and Los Angeles. Find out more about TRC.