Call for technology graduates for 'Summer of Tech' internships

BY ANDREA O'NEIL

Dozens of young science and technology tertiary students will have less time to get a tan this summer as they get gain work experience and establish industry contacts under innovative internships.

About 80 students are expected to participate in Grow Wellington's "Summer of Tech" internship programme, at least 10 of whom will work for companies in the Hutt.

The industry-led scheme places students with technology companies for 10 weeks starting at the end of the university year, in mid-to-late November.

Grow Wellington internship manager Ruth McDavitt says Lower Hutt offers unique opportunities for the students, as it has a strong manufacturing base not found in other Wellington locations.

The scheme started as an information technology internship in 2006 called "Summer of Code", and while it is still focused primarily on IT, it has expanded to include engineering, business analysis and design internships.

Students are paid a minimum of $18 an hour for their work, but some companies choose to pay their interns more.

"It sure beats a Burger King job over summer," Ms McDavitt says.

All types of jobs are tackled by students during their internships, but a popular project since last year has been developing company software for iPhones.

Students are matched to companies through a speed-interview process, after which students and companies rank each other by preference.

Students' personality and attitude are as important to employers as technical skills, Ms McDavitt says.

"It kind of works like online dating, actually."

Two out of three interns end up being hired by their host companies, and others can meet potential employers at lunchtime networking events held regularly during the summer by Grow Wellington.

The development agency, funded by the region's city and district councils, has held technology "boot camps" at universities since May to introduce students to the scheme, teach them new technical skills and assist them with CVs and interview techniques.

Feedback from boot camp leaders has been very positive, Ms McDavitt says.

"The talent is very hot this year."

The deadline for students wanting to sign up to the scheme is today, and companies must register interest by September 10.

An opportunity for companies to find out more about the scheme and meet students involved was to be held at 4pm today at Hutt Park.

- Hutt News