Robert Gordon University (RGU) graduate Emily Smith is looking forward to an exciting year ahead when she flies off to New York later this month after being accepted for a place on the Mountbatten Institute’s work-based learning programme.
Emily, from Glasgow, graduated in July with a BA (Hons) in International Business Management. She will now spend a year working as a Digital Marketing Associate for Manhattan-based Broadridge Financial Solutions while pursuing a post graduate qualification.
“I still can’t believe I’ve been accepted,” said Emily. “Even after getting the call confirming my place nothing has sunk in yet and I don’t think it will until I get off the plane. “
The Mountbatten Institute is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to develop the careers of young professionals through training and internships in New York and London. Internees are given a full-time work placement and follow a programme of academic study. One of the criteria for selection is for the student to have carried out the equivalent of 12 months full-time professional work relevant to the programme.
“My work experience started after my study abroad in Paris at the end of my second year,” said Emily. “I realised I had a passion for marketing and this led to me getting work experience with the PR and international marketing team at Arcadia’s Topshop HQ in London – I loved it!
“The following year I took part in RGU’s Connect to Business initiative which had been set up to support students looking for work experience during the O&G downturn. Through that I got marketing-related placements with Befriend a Child and Backstrong Adventures in Aberdeen. Following that I got work experience with Equator, a digital marking agency in Glasgow.
“I didn’t get to read them, but I think they must have given me great references as I wouldn’t have been selected without their help and the support of Erica Cargill, my lecturer at RGU - they are massively to thank.”
Erica, senior lecturer in management, said: “Emily has shown such commitment to both her studies and to making the most of every experience available to her during her time at RGU that she has prepared herself perfectly for an exciting career – and where more exciting to kick start this career than New York? I am so delighted that all Emily’s hard work has paid off and look forward to hearing where this fantastic experience will lead her to in the future.”
Emily also got advice from two previous Mountbatten interns who both worked in New York. While visiting family in America last summer she met up with a fellow Glaswegian student who told her all about the programme.
“When I got home I began to research and figure out is this was something I would want to do – I was just intrigued and suddenly I had a goal beyond RGU. Erica also put me in touch with Olivia Mawson, another RGU grad who is currently doing an internship with the same company I’m going to. We’ve never met but I’ve been in touch with her constantly and she has given me great insight and has been incredibly helpful. I hope we get the chance to meet before she leaves New York at the end of her internship,” said Emily.
“I am more than excited about the year ahead and can’t wait to meet amazing people and see what opportunities this coming year will bring. I think it will be life-changing.”