Project Outline
The placement is to take place within the Content team at FindAUniversity Ltd. The successful candidate will be involved with our ongoing activities as a professional publisher of high-quality online resources for prospective postgraduate students. Core activities would include:
- Researching and writing articles for our flagship websites, FindAMasters and FindAPhD;
- Copywriting and editorial work on our regular e-newsletters;
- Supporting and engaging with our audience and community via social media;
These channels reach a substantial audience. Individual articles on our sites are typically read by thousands of people a month; our newsletters are sent to a combined audience of over 350,000 subscribers.
In addition to this core work, the intern would take charge of a dedicated project designed to improve a critical aspect of our websites and content. Past examples have included assisting with the redesign of our course search, creating pilot content for new sites, and undertaking substantial audit and improvement of existing resources.
Opportunities may also exist to work with our digital marketing, web development and events teams.
Essential Skills
This post requires candidates who are enthusiastic about writing and want to take their work to the next level. It would ideally suit someone who is looking to gain professional copywriting and publishing experience, perhaps with a view to working in science communications, PR or policy, following their PhD.
Training and editorial support will be required, but we’ll be looking for someone with a good standard of literacy to begin with. Experience of writing for the web is desirable, but not essential.
Skills Developed
The position will develop the student’s writing and proofreading skills. They will gain an in-depth knowledge of the postgraduate education sector, student recruitment and relevant policy. They will also gain technical skills including SEO and HTML along with experience using professional CMS platforms for web publishing. After three months they should also have a good understanding of internet advertising and student recruitment.
This sort of placement would be ideal for a PhD student seeking to gain experience of writing for more varied audiences, perhaps with a view to one day working in web publishing, science communication or policy.
Number of Placements Offered
Variable, depending on number of suitable applications.
Possible Timeframe
We currently have the capacity to take on PIPS interns at any point from April 2020. Ideally, placements would be completed on a three-month, full-time, basis.
Interns will be based at our office here in Sheffield. Support with accommodation and travel may be available for candidates who need to commute or relocate for the placement.
Additional benefits
FindAUniversity is a friendly, collaborative and supportive place to work. We run frequent social events and provide free weekly Pilates and mindfulness sessions as well as a company lunch on Fridays. Interns are provided with a personal mentor to help them settle in and support them in getting the most out of their time with us.
Useful Links:
https://www.findamasters.com/advice/
https://www.findaphd.com/advice/
http://www.findauniversity.com/careers
Contact
Dr Mark Bennett
Email: MBennett@findauniversity.com
Tel: 01142684940
FindAUniversity Ltd.
Sellers Wheel
77 Sidney Street
Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK
T: +44(0)114 268 4940
How to apply
In the first instance, email Dr Mark Bennett to express an interest. Attach a CV and covering letter / email. You will then be invited to an informal interview, to confirm that this is the right PIPS for you.