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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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27 September 2002
NEWS RELEASE
UNDERGRADUATES TAKE A STEP UP
Student Alexandra Reffell started the new term on a high, after being awarded first prize for her work on the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) over the summer.
The national scheme, which is supported locally by Business Link for Leicestershire, aims to find short-term, project-based work placements for undergraduates who have completed their second year of study.
A journalism student at Sheffield University, Alexandra spent eight weeks at Market Harborough firm ICON, which provides web-based solutions for the construction industry. Working with the marketing department, her brief was to implement a cost effective marketing strategy to promote company awareness and increase sales.
Not only did her reports and final project impress the STEP judges, but as a result of her hard work and achievements, she has been offered part-time work writing for the company newsletter while she is away studying.
Managing director Chris Lovelock said, "Alexandra impressed us with her dedication and ability throughout the summer. She has been a huge help to us and we are pleased to be able to continue working with her."
Tina McEwen, chief executive of Business Link for Leicestershire, who presented Alexandra with her certificate at a champagne reception held at the Leicester Tiger's Ground, said that Business Link was delighted to be supporting the development of young people through STEP. "There is huge potential for bright, intelligent graduates in small and medium sized enterprises and they should be encouraged to explore career opportunities in this sector. SMEs are crying out for workers with relevant skills and qualifications, which graduates can offer."
She also announced the two runners-up. They were Amelia Edwards, who developed a marketing project for Kubek Pine and Tony Wilkinson who implemented a web-based diary system at the Four Thinking Consultancy Group.
This summer, Business Link found a total of 26 students in the Leicester area STEP placements lasting between four and eight weeks. However, co-ordinator Nicki Robson said more than 150 students applied. "STEP gives undergraduates the opportunity to show future employers they have a pro-active approach to work and a range of abilities to use in the workplace", she said. "This makes it a popular choice."
She added, "Whatever degree they have, STEP students are twice as likely to get a job immediately on graduation as they have high-level skills and relevant workplace experience."
Ends
For further media information
CONTACT Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472
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