Darren Smith

Name: Darren Smith
Club 21 Employer: DWP- Financial Inclusion Champions
Degree Subject: Economics/Psychology
Year of Graduation: 2012

Towards the middle of my second year at university, I decided that my future job prospects could be strengthened with experience relevant to my degree.I initially started doing searches online, wading through the huge amounts of information relating to internships which were advertised over the internet. After a few weeks I became sceptical as to whether this was the best way to search for a work placement, due to the impersonal feeling of emailing a complete stranger at a multinational company asking whether they had any internships available (especially if hundreds- if not thousands- of students were doing the same). It was then that I came across Club 21, during a career lecture which was part of my second year Economics course. From the start, the staff at Club 21 were very approachable, and answered any questions I had about the application process. I received feedback detailing where my interview would be held, and when I was offered the placement with DWP Financial Inclusion Champions, I received written confirmation from Club 21.

During my eight-week placement with DWP Financial Inclusion Champions, I led the design and publication of a Local Authority Toolkit that will be used to help combat financial exclusion in each of the thirty-two Local Authorities in Scotland. Due to the nature of my placement, I know that in addition to gaining valuable experience, I was also helping to make a difference by helping the fight against financial exclusion in Scotland. In addition, I was also fortunate enough to be able to present to members and officials from the Scottish Government about the Financial Inclusion Toolkit. This was a phenomenal experience that many students never have the chance to do – and doing this was only possible through a Club 21 placement. 

As a result of my Club 21 placement, my Excel and IT skills have improved exponentially, and my knowledge of web publication and presentation skills improved beyond recognition too. Now, after presenting in front of members of the Scottish Government, presenting in tutorials will be infinitely easier than before my placement – and all of this is down to Club 21.

Without Club 21, I would not have had the chance to acquire a key ‘stepping-stone’ between my university education and my future career. My Club 21 placement also gave me key experience (from presenting in front of the Scottish Government to leading the design and publication of a website) which will enable me to step into a graduate interview with improved confidence in my own ability.

If you are looking for support from the start of the application process to the end of your placement, and you want to differentiate yourself from everyone else at university, look no further than Club 21.