The power of a first opportunity

The transition from school to university to the professional world can be an exciting time, full of possibility, new challenges and important decisions. For young graduates, the opportunity to apply what they have learned, gain practical experience and learn from people already working in their chosen field can make a lasting difference.

Through the St Andrew’s Alumni Internship Programme, the School’s community of Old Andreans is helping create those opportunities by recent graduates from the last seven years with organisations where they can develop their skills, build confidence and explore their career aspirations.

Now entering its fourth year, the programme reflects the enduring value of the St Andrew’s community: a network of people whose connection to the School extends well beyond graduation and whose experience can help open doors for the next generation.

“An internship is a chance to put what you’re learning into practice and get a feel for working in your chosen industry. “

“An internship is a chance to put what you’re learning into practice and get a feel for working in your chosen industry. For Old Andreans studying or just finishing their degree, that experience can build confidence, create connections and help them work out what they want to do next,” said Mr Richard Hansen (OA2003), Alumni and Development Manager.

The programme also offers meaningful benefits to participating organisations. Internship providers have the opportunity to meet emerging talent, welcome fresh perspectives into their workplace and share the knowledge and experience they have developed throughout their own careers. By investing time in an aspiring professional, they can help nurture the next generation while strengthening their connection with the wider St Andrew’s community.

The programme has grown year on year and in 2026 we were able to offer placements in the below industries:

• Finance, financial advice and accounting

• Architecture

• Marketing, branding and digital strategy

• Data analytics and artificial intelligence

• Health technology

• Software development, robotics and hardware development

• Education and leadership development

• Publishing and podcasting

• Hospitality and hotel operations

• Music and live events

• Sales

Importantly, placements can be tailored to suit the needs and capacity of individual organisations. Businesses do not need to be large or have an established internship programme to participate. Whether an organisation can offer a short-term project, practical workplace experience or a more structured placement, the programme provides an opportunity to explore an arrangement that works for both the provider and the intern.

More than a dozen internship placements so far have resulted in offers of employment.

Cameron Scott (OA2024) reflected on his time in the programme after completing an internship in Financial Services: 

“The programme has played a key role in helping me build essential skills that complement my university studies.” 

“The Alumni Internship Program connected me with an employer who offered valuable, hands-on experience. I’ve now been working at Succession Plus for eight months, and it’s clear that the programme has played a key role in helping me build essential skills that complement my university studies. 

“This internship has laid a strong foundation for my career, and I would highly recommend the opportunity to other alumni looking to gain practical experience and accelerate their professional development.”

Learning and professional development remain central to every placement, with the duration, commencement date and remuneration discussed directly with the successful applicant.

The Alumni Internship Programme is a reminder that an education does not end when students leave the School. The relationships built at St Andrew’s can continue to create opportunities, foster professional connections and support young people as they find their place in the world.

For Old Andreans, offering an internship is one practical way to give back to the community that helped shape them. By sharing their time, experience and professional networks, they can help ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to learn, grow and begin their careers with greater confidence.

You can find out more about the programme, offer an internship or to apply as an intern.