Adam Smith College students are benefiting from an innovative internship project that puts businesses in touch with their creative side.
Elinor Vettraino, Department Manager for Creative Arts at Adam Smith College, developed the unique method for students to expand their knowledge, whilst also enhancing their personal skills.
The ‘internship scheme’ places students in a wide range of companies, some of which have a creative slant. This not only provides excellent real life challenges for the students, who are selected by companies on interview, but it also introduces creativity and new ideas into a business.
NC Introduction to Creative Arts student Kirstie McEwan is one of a growing number of students reaping the rewards of this scheme. The 22-year-old from Glenrothes has secured an internship with local entrepreneur Susan Arnott who runs ‘The Cottage Soap and Gift Gallery’, a small family business based in Leslie and specialises in quality handcrafted soaps.
Kirstie said: “This internship has been an invaluable experience for me. As well as gaining an insight into a growing business I am delighted that Susan has also taken on board some of my own ideas and suggestions. We have worked on the creative side, mainly product packaging by introducing new coloured wrappings for the soaps and attractive labelling.
“We have also worked together on her company logo and website. It’s been a real boost knowing that I have made a real difference to her business and I would thoroughly recommend this experience to any student who has this opportunity. In the next term I will be moving on to the NC Art and Design Portfolio programme and I know that Susan and I will remain in contact.”
Susan said: “Being a small family business, it was quite daunting initially when the College approached me to see if I would be interested in making a commitment to a student intern but I can gladly report that it’s been a ‘win win’ situation for us all. Having Kirstie’s fresh creative ideas and being able to hone in on her technical expertise has truly brought a new dimension to the business.”
Any company interested in finding out about how a creative student could assist their business in 2012 should contact elinorvettraino@adamsmith.ac.uk