By Robbie Vella Marketing manager for business and community, University of Brighton.
In last month’s issue, the round table debate posed the question ‘is there a graduate skills gap?’ This gave us an excellent opportunity to explain the many ways that businesses can get involved with universities, our students and courses. With no need to add to the points so well made by Clare Griffiths and Linda Buckham, I would like to introduce you to some of our graduates and their local employers.
Chris Cragg, CEO of Immersive Album in Hastings, has recently employed five graduates through an internship scheme. The company creates interactive apps for artists in the music industry and Chris has found that graduate employees have brought new talent and vision to the company.
Chris said: “Before we took on our graduates, I must admit that I had concerns about the idea. But I was basing that on my own experiences of being a new employee! My opinions have completely changed since I’ve seen the calibre of the work that our new employees have been producing.”
The graduates came from courses including Music and Sound Arts BA(Hons) and Digital Games Production BSc(Hons). One employee, Hywel Rees, has been promoted to the position of Production Manager within a year of arriving at the company, and he now oversees all operations.
