SEED Student Information

Am I eligible to apply?

SEED is a summer internship scheme available to all returning University of Reading students. This means that you must be enrolling at the University for the academic year directly after your SEED placement ends. This could mean that you are an undergraduate coming back for another year of your degree, or that you are a graduating undergraduate who is returning to take a postgraduate programme after the summer vacation.

How is SEED structured?

SEED projects are full-time placements based within local and regional businesses and organisations, which typically start in the first week of July. Placements are usually 8 weeks long, but can be anywhere between 6 and 13 weeks in length.

In addition to providing you with an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience within a local business or enterprise, the SEED scheme also provides you with training and support, before, during and after your placement.

All of the training is delivered at the University and is provided by a professional trainer. The training is designed to ensure that you are equipped with the skills and confidence you'll need to make a success of your placement, as well as providing you with the opportunity to practice a variety of transferable skills and gain valuable advice and guidance on how to improve your CV.

The timeline for the 2012 SEED scheme is as follows:

• Monday 25th June 2012 – Induction Day
  We'll cover topics such as what to expect during your placement, team working, reflective learning, communication and health and safety issues.
• Monday 30th July 2012 – Mid-Project Review Day
  At the approximate halfway point of your internship, all SEED students return for a further day of training. This session covers report writing and presentation skills. Additionally, the session will help you to reflect on the transferable skills you are learning on your placement, which are really useful for future job applications, and give you the opportunity to share your experience with the other students on the scheme.
• End of September, date to be confirmed – Awards Day
  At the end of your SEED project, all students take part in an Awards Day. This is an opportunity for you to present back to your fellow students about your SEED experience. It’s a great opportunity to bring together everything you’ve learned, showcase your project and celebrate your achievements. Your company supervisors are invited to support you, and it's a great day for everyone.

How much will I get paid?

SEED students are paid a training allowance of £250 per week for their SEED placement, which is free of tax and national insurance.

What types of projects have been run previously?

Previously students have worked on a variety of projects, including:

• Website and app design
• Analysis of production methods
• Creating marketing plans
• Scientific research in a commercial field
• Environmental audits
• Setting up IT systems
• Writing training programmes

Read case studies of previous SEED students here.

• http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/staffportal/news/articles/spsn-323167.aspx
• http://www.reading.ac.uk/about/newsandevents/releases/PR409642.aspx

What do I do next?

SEED placements will start to be advertised on the SEED Opportunities section of this website and via our jobs database, Target Connect, from Monday 2nd April 2012. Please be aware that we will continue to add opportunities as and when they become available so it's important you keep checking back to make sure you are aware of all the projects on offer.

Once you have selected a project you would like to apply for, you should download and complete the student application form and return it to seed@reading.ac.uk with an electronic copy of your CV. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 1st June, with interviews likely to take place during the second or third week of June.

The majority of SEED placements will commence on Monday 2nd July 2012.

If you have any queries regarding the scheme, require further information, or need help completing your application please contact us at seed@reading.ac.uk or call into the Careers Centre in the Carrington Building to make an appointment to see us.

You may also find our Hints and Tips helpful.