News: 10 December 09
Redefining the student summer job
Among the masses of university undergraduates looking for work this summer are 180 students who will benefit from ‘real world’ science and technology internships.
Funded by TechNZ, the summer internship programme places New Zealand university students with high-tech companies to undertake research and development projects (R&D).
The scheme, where students benefit from experience in a commercial environment, and businesses benefit from the input of bright minds, has seen places filled in record time.
In some cases the tailor-made placements have seen companies take on their interns as permanent employees rather than see them leave at the end of the internship.
Wellington-based software development company YouDo currently employs two former interns placed through the TechNZ programme.
Managing Director Dan Lee says the programme has given life to R&D projects that, although bubbling away, may not have got off the ground otherwise.
“Having an intern gave us the chance to dip our toes in the water without spending incredible amounts of money,” Dan says.
“There are some smart cookies out there. Our latest intern Alastair is building an iPhone application for one of our products. He jumped at it from the start and, as an added bonus, knew where to start.”
TechNZ Manager Hamish Campbell says that the internship scheme plays an important role in fostering the next generation of scientists and researchers.
“Students gain and develop technical skills, and at the same time contribute to R&D projects that will deliver an economic return to companies. One of the key ways in which businesses gain a competitive edge is through the development of new and improved products as part of R&D,” Mr Campbell says.
About TechNZ and the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology
TechNZ is the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s business investment programme that supports businesses to undertake R&D. The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology invests over $500 million a year on behalf of the New Zealand Government in research and development to enhance the wealth and well being of New Zealanders.
For more information please contact Stephanie Gray: 04 9177 801
Photo caption: From left, former interns and current employees Luke Grimstrup, Hamish Evans and latest intern Alastair Munro at the YouDo premises, Wellington.