Looking for business-related paid work experience for Summer?

Thought some of you may be interested in this:-

EDGE Programme 2007

Do you want to:

• Challenge yourself
• Earn money and improve your employability
• Make new friends from around the world
• Establish contacts with Scottish companies and business leaders
• Work hard and have the time of your life

Encouraging Dynamic Global Entrepreneurs (EDGE) is an intense, eight week programme that gives you the chance to learn about business & entrepreneurship by working with a team of students from around the world on real business projects for companies here in Glasgow. The EDGE programme is an open to Glasgow Caledonian students studying on any undergraduate degree.

Key Programme Dates
Application Due - Feb 12th
Interviews - Week of Feb 12th & 19th
One day Pre-EDGE Conference - March 1st (Full day)
EDGE Launch Event - June 17th
EDGE Programme - June 18th – Aug 11th

Programme Description
The EDGE Programme is run in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, Careers Scotland and Glasgow City Council and universities in the United States, Canada and Poland. During the eight weeks you will work with a team of students from Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow schools and universities in Canada and Poland. You’ll work together to write and pitch your own business plan and to deliver specific projects to two different companies. Visit www.scottish-enterprise.com/edge to read about the projects and companies from last year.

The eight week programme includes:

• Two week immersion programme, learning about entrepreneurship, enterprise leadership, cross-cultural teamwork, consulting and economic development
• Six weeks in mixed teams, supported by industry experts, working on 2 consultancy projects for small and medium-sized enterprises in Scotland to help them implement strategies and plans for growth and development and a business plan for your own start-up.
• A range of cultural activities, where you will act as a host to students from Canada, USA and Poland. This includes various outdoor activities, visits to prominent Scottish institutions and dinners with influential guest speakers.
• During the eight weeks you will be provided an office/work space with necessary equipment, travel to and from the University to your work space and client companies, and a weekly stipend of £150.

The programme requires a significant commitment of both time and effort. Classes during the Immersion Programme run from 8 am – 6 pm. During the six week work experience you will be working a minimum of 9 – 5 (ask last year’s students!), plus you will attend cultural activities that run on the evenings and weekends. We strongly discourage applicants from trying to maintain part-time work during the eight weeks of the programme, because of the amount of work you will be putting in for EDGE.

Students’ View
EDGE 06 Participants

Siobheann McCloskey - Notre Dame High School
I first applied to take part in the EDGE programme because I thought it sounded really interesting. I like the idea of working with people from all over the world and also learning more about the world of business, because despite coming from a family with a business background, personally I didn’t really have much practical experience within the business world.

I enjoyed EDGE full stop. I liked the way that everyday was something different. The people I got to meet and lessons I learned were invaluable during the summer and after. It was really well structured and even when you were ‘on your own’ there was always support a phone call away.

Kate Moore – Glasgow Caledonian University
The programme has taught me about real business and how to put the theory that university has given me into practice. The experience has shown me not only how my learning directly translates in the work place but also how some problems cannot be solved through textbooks.

I have been invited to continue working with one of my companies, to implement my recommendations, maintain my consultancy and remain in employment with them after graduating. By choosing to be fully involved in all that I can be, I am continuing to open more doors, to better myself, to make myself as appealing as possible to employers on graduating and, additionally, am also making my time at university as enjoyable as possible.

Charandeep Singh -- Holyrood Secondary
What surprised me about EDGE was how I handled the amount of work that was expected from us. Even though it was 9-5pm, most of the team always put in extra hours so that we could produce the best work possible. Also, in a project like EDGE, there are so many people from all ages and I feel that I mixed with everyone that was there, from school pupils to university students.

Taking part in EDGE has made me a more confident person. I strongly believe that if I did not take part in this successfully then I would not have gone to university at the age of 16 feeling I was ready. I am more aware of cultural differences because the participants of EDGE were so diverse in so many ways.

Laura Buchanan – Simon Fraser University
What I enjoyed most about EDGE was the emphasis on learning - even if you made a mistake, you were always encouraged to learn from it. Even beyond the classroom stuff, I was able to learn about myself, team dynamics, dealing with conflict - so much more than I thought that I would.

EDGE is intense. I came expecting to work hard, but I didn't anticipate the attachment that I would develop to the people and the work. I really wanted to do the best that I could, no matter how little I slept or what obstacle I had to crawl over. I wanted to get the job done and get it done well.

Through EDGE, I got a better sense of myself and how I could handle multiple tasks under truly dynamic circumstances. I think I'll take the life lessons on pushing myself and working with a diverse group of strong individuals with me wherever I go. EDGE is more than just a business training programme, it gives you confidence, drive, and expands your horizons.

How to Apply

The EDGE Programme is open to undergraduate students studying on any Glasgow Caledonian degree.

You will need to complete the EDGE application form, which includes 2 references. Both references can be academic or your second reference could be from a work or volunteer experience.

A shortlist of students will be invited for interviews during the weeks of Feb 13th & 20th. The interviews will be group based with 3-5 applicants and last approximately 1 hour. In addition to the usual sort of interview questions, you will participate in a team activity to look at your creativity, innovation and team working skills. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the programme.

To request an application form, please contact us at:
EDGE@gcal.ac.uk or 0141 331 3651