Tia-Nicole Knight, a former CWC Media student recently secured a nine month internship with OMD International after taking part in the Fast Forward programme, something she got involved in when they visited the College last year. The Fast Forward Programme is a digital and technology training programme for final year students, and provides a strong pathway into ‘good job’ opportunities for young people. Here Tia-Nicole tells us why she applied for the internship and what she has gained from the experience.

“I heard about the Fast Forward programme when they visited the College and offered students the chance to apply to train with them for five months learning about digital media and gaining employability skills. At the end of the programme we were offered the opportunity to apply for a nine month internship, something I’d wanted to do throughout the entire process. I thought it would be an invaluable experience; being mentored by people who worked there and held the company in such high regard and I was really interested in undertaking an internship in Media, so for me it was perfect!

The internship is very different in that every three months we rotate the department that we work in. I’m now going into my fourth month and have recently moved from working in Accounting to Strategy and Insights where I’ll be helping brands appeal to and reach consumers. From the very start of the internship, the people I’m working with have been welcoming and very supportive - if I ever have any questions, they will take the time to sit and help me with whatever I’m struggling with. 

I recently returned to the College with the Fast Forward Programme to talk to students who are thinking of joining this intake and it was amazing to see students from CWC excited at the thought of taking part in the same programme that I had been a part of and that had given me such a great opportunity. After I complete the internship I’m planning on applying for a job here, but if that doesn’t work out I’ve been given an unconditional offer from De Montfort University to study Media Production. 

CWC has been important as it encourages students to look at other routes into employment like apprenticeships and internships, instead of just focusing on going to university. The College has always had a nice environment, with everyone willing to help each other and that’s been invaluable.”