Two Swansea University alumni are sharing their success by helping current Swansea students with internship opportunities to greatly enhance their employability prospects.
Dr Thanga Prabhu studied for an MSc in Health Informatics at Swansea University from 2003 to 2005. He is now Clinical Director at GE Healthcare IT India, based in Bangalore. Last year he greatly assisted the University’s International Office in establishing their international internship programme, offering a three-month placement at GE Healthcare.
Third year student Ramya Mohan Raj, studying for an MEng in Computer Science was selected as the first Swansea University GE Healthcare intern and spent June-August last year working with the company in Bangalore.
During the placement, Dr Prabhu acted as Ramya’s mentor, helping and advising her. Ramya is now hoping she will have the opportunity to continue to work for GE when she graduates this summer.
As a result of the success of Ramya’s placement, Dr Prabhu has organised four more internships to be offered this summer to Swansea students. Word has spread throughout the University about the programme and there is great demand for places this year, from both Indian and British students.
Initially open to students studying Health Informatics and Computer Science who it was felt would have the compatible skill sets to complete the work experience, Dr Prabhu has now facilitated internships with GE Energy and GE Global Research for students from other disciplines. He is also working with Aviation and GE Transportation investigating further possible internship opportunities.
Dr Prabhu said: “Initially as the Ambassador for Swansea University I talked to prospective students in India, sharing my experiences as a student in the UK and answering their questions truthfully about studying in the UK and Swansea particularly.
“Gradually I have been able to help Swansea University connect with GE at an official level. We have hosted groups of Swansea students and staff from the University at our world-class facility in Bangalore. Internships are an important part of building one’s employability as I learnt early on as a regular user of the Careers Centre at the University.
“Swansea is the first UK University to send interns to GE India. We have increased the number of student placements from one in 2009 to four in 2010 through our introduction of the University to GE Energy, GRC (Global Research Centre) and GE Healthcare.
“These internships give students immense work experience and the opportunity to work shoulder to shoulder on global projects thereby enhancing their employability.”
The organisation of the wider Bangalore internship programme has been undertaken in collaboration with Swansea alumna Priti Unadkat (pictured), the University’s Regional Representative in Banaglore.
Priti graduated from Swansea with a BSc in Management Science in 1988. As well as working with Dr Prabhu on the GE Healthcare link, Priti has also been instrumental in developing links with other global companies including Thomson Reuters. She said: “With the support of Swansea’s fantastic international department we are working with global MNC’s to provide valuable work experience to Swansea University students.
“Today’s competitive job market requires applicants to distinguish themselves, and international education experience is the perfect way to do so. Having international work experience is an incredible resume booster, as it shows prospective employers that you are motivated, independent, and generally more qualified.”
Swansea University Alumni Ambassador profiles can be viewed here: http://www.swan.ac.uk/alumni/Howyoucanhelp/InternationalAlumniAmbassadorScheme/
For a list of Swansea University’s notable alumni visit: http://www.swan.ac.uk/alumni/NotableAlumni/
