Story 3 - Richard Snell
Richard Snell, a graduate from Plymouth University, was placed at Bournemouth Borough Council through Stride, a short-term project set up to arrange graduate placements in the area.
I graduated three years ago and found it exceptionally difficult to find a job in my particular field of study - European studies. So, when I heard about the opportunity at Bournemouth Borough Council I was thrilled.
Their international officer was going on maternity leave and they needed someone who would look after European funding and other issues for them, so I was able to pick up the job there. It was arranged through Stride in the first few weeks of the project.
The international officer is part of the Council's Economic Development Department which monitors EU activity that could affect the borough, including projects, legislation and policies. During my placement I organised and promoted projects run by the department, investigated the potential for new projects, conducted research and produced briefings. I worked on a number of areas including funding opportunities, tourism, creative industries and environmental issues.
One of the highlights was the chance to organise a series of events, including London 2012 bid tendering workshops to help the local business community access opportunities linked particularly to the Weymouth 2012 sailing events.
The placement experience meant that I was able to build a working knowledge of European funding at a local government level and also make new contacts in this field which may increase my chances of finding my ideal job.
When my maternity cover placement came to an end after five months I had the opportunity to be appointed project officer for Stride itself, recruiting other employers to offer placements. I have now been working at Stride for five months. The year-long project is winding down after achieving its target of placing 63 graduates in the Bournemouth area and the South West of England.
