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The University of Southampton
Careers, Employability and Student EnterpriseStudents

Student Innovation Projects

SIP
Jasmine Morse, BA Fashion Management & Marketing

Making sure that you are using the transferable skills that you have learnt during your time at University is just as important as your exams and assignments, but how can you put them into practice? Student Innovation Projects are a great opportunity to exercise the areas in which you already excel, increase your knowledge of the working environment and truly make a real impact on how an existing organisation operates.

 

Search Student Innovation Projects on MyCareer

How will Student Innovation Projects benefit you?

Student Innovation Projects are designed for you to be able to gain valuable experience working on a real-life business issue with other students across disciplines. You will be working in a small team paired with either a business or non-profit organisation to create inventive ways to solve problems and help their business thrive.

These projects are a fantastic way to build your awareness of business problems and gain an insight into how to build a professional network while developing skills that include:

o Confidence                     o Time management

o Report writing                 o Critical thinking

o Problem solving              o Market research

o Presentation                   o Commercial Awareness

For full information regarding Student Innovation Projects please take a look at the Student Handbook. Contact workexp@southampton.ac.uk if you have any questions about the programme.

 

What previous participants have said:

63 students who recently took part in the Student Innovation Project responded to a survey about their experience in which:

98% said they have developed skills and enhanced employability prospects by participating on the Project

100% would recommend the Student Innovation Project to friends/peers

My confidence has improved now I have experience dealing with a ‘real business’, I know now how to put a proper business report together and I have learnt more about how to work successfully in a team.

  • Student Innovation Projects are exclusive to University of Southampton students.
  • Student Innovation Projects are only available to students currently studying at the University. If you will not be studying for the entire 4-week duration of the project, then you will not be eligible.
  • Students on any degree discipline can take part, but please ensure the Project does not interfere with your academic workload.

Please note: Being appointed onto the Student Innovation Projects is a competitive process and unfortunately, not everyone is successful.  When selecting students to participate in the programme we take into consideration the quality of the student application in terms of how well questions have been answered, attention to detail and accuracy. Additionally, in order to ensure a meaningful experience for our students and clients, we seek to appoint interdisciplinary teams with a mix of skillsets, diversity of degree subject, year group and nationality.

Although you can apply to multiple projects you can only actively participate in one project at a time. If you are currently working on a project you will not be placed on another project running at the same time.

 

Student Innovation Projects will see you working in a small group with other students to solve a real-life business issue given to you by your client (a business or third-sector charity). Working together, you will need to research the issue and report back to the client, providing recommendations of practical solutions to the problem.

Your participation in a project will involve the following:

  • Attendance at a compulsory training session is required ahead of the project commencing
  • Assignment to a team, who you will meet at the initial meeting with the work experience team
  • An initial meeting with your client to discuss their business needs
  • Support throughout the project will be available from your client and Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise
  • Work to be carried out on the project for the duration of the 4 weeks – all team members to play an active role in the project and to work together to fit around other commitments
  • Final report to be produced and team presentation to your client and members of Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise at the end of the 4 weeks
  • Attendance at a reflection session is required to assist you in recognising the skills you have acquired from participating in your project, and how best to present these in future applications

The project duration is 4 weeks and requires around 4-6 hours of your time each week. Some meetings with your client and the work experience team will be virtual. If you are required to travel anywhere other than campus for your project, expenses can be reimbursed by Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise.

You can search and apply for Student Innovation Projects through MyCareer.

There are two application questions:

Why would you like to participate in a Student Innovation Project?
What skills and experience will you bring to the programme?

To find out more you can attend a 'Student Innovation Projects – why complete one and how to apply' webinar; sessions will be advertised on the MyCareer Events Calendar. Advice and guidance for how to make successful applications is available on the UoS Career Hub and additional support is provided through our Ask the Adviser appointments.

Student Innovation Projects

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