Manchester Graduate Internship Programme (MGIP)

The Manchester Graduate Internship Programme (MGIP) was launched in 2008 by the University of Manchester. It was based on the idea that more and more graduates from The University of Manchester wanted to stay in the city after they had finished their degree, but many of them found it difficult to secure jobs which made the most of their graduate skills.

Working closely with key employers across Greater Manchester, MGIP works to create short-term paid internships for graduates of The University of Manchester. These positions are developed specifically as graduate-level internships where the student is given the opportunity to apply a range of skills, assume real responsibilities, make an impact and ProgresS quickly from new graduate to successful professional.

In addition to the placement itself, students are required to join an advanced level skills training programme which complements the knowledge and learning they gain via their internship, and helps to facilitate career advancement once the internship has ended.

Internships are available across a range of sectors and different types of organisations.

MGIP for Students

Manchester Graduate Internships are paid graduate level positions (salaries may vary but the minimum level will be £1000 per month), based within organisations in Greater Manchester, and last between a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 12 months duration, with most start dates falling between late June and January.

The aim of the internships is to provide students with the opportunity to experience the excellent graduate level positions Manchester can offer, in the hope that you will be able to progress your graduate career here, over the next few years. It also gives students a flexible alternative to traditional graduate schemes, which can last 2 years or more. MGIP allows the students practical, hands on experience working in their chosen industry. It also ensures that the student will gain relevant experience if they decide to apply for a graduate scheme after the placement.

The exact nature of each internship varies depending on the organisation offering the position and its duration. Every graduate who participates in MGIP will is given the chance to use the skills they have developed during their time at The University of Manchester, demonstrate their potential and fast-track their career prospects with a graduate job in Manchester.

MGIP works closely with employers across Greater Manchester to offer a wide variety of internships in, not-for-profits, public sector organisations and importantly Small to Medium size Enterprises (SMEs).

There are over 58,000 SMEs across all sectors in Manchester which constitute a goldmine of opportunities. By definition, these companies have less than 250 employees and many are comparatively small. University of Manchester graduates have stated that an internship within an SME can offer greater responsibility, a wider scope of activity and a broader insight. In addition, internships with SMEs can provide a valuable training ground for anyone considering running their own business in the future.

MGIP for Employers

The Graduate Internship programme is a programme not only aimed to help students, but also as a new way to bring graduate skills into businesses and other organisations in Greater Manchester and to grow graduate talent in the city region.

MGIP works on the idea that Manchester has a very successful profile as a preferred student destination but more needs to be done to promote the city as not only a great place to study, but also a city able to offer fantastic career opportunities and graduate jobs in Manchester.

The aim of the Manchester Graduate Internship Programme is to showcase the rich and diverse range of employers in the city region and provide practical insights into what it is like working in a vibrant European metropolis. The programme has been developed by The University of Manchester working in collaboration with business leaders and intermediaries, and other organisations with a vested interest in the regeneration and prosperity of Greater Manchester.

The internships last between 4 - 12 month and comprise two elements:

An internship with an employer in Greater Manchester A programme of high quality training events organised by The University of Manchester Internships are invited from any private, public and voluntary sector organisation within Greater Manchester. Organisations can decide how long they would like their internship to last, between a minimum of 4 months and a maximum of 12 months. MGIP is an annual programme and this year, internships can start between June and December.

MGIP aims to help: Employers looking for staffing solutions such as secific project work or absence cover. New graduates, who have just finished their first degrees at the University of Manchester. Many stay in Manchester after graduation and are looking for on-the-job training and meaningful work experience as a first step towards their future careers. The city region, by helping to develop and retain the graduate talent needed for future growth and prosperity.