Graduate Intern - Events and Administration

This Graduate Internship provides an opportunity to support the University of Derby in achieving its student recruitment objectives and enhancing the University's profile through the planning, coordination, and delivery of a wide range of high-quality events. Working as part of the External Relations Events Team, you will contribute to the delivery of recruitment events, including Open Days, Applicant Days, school and college visits, and conversion activities, alongside stakeholder engagement events such as University Court meetings, alumni events, donor engagement activities, and internal University events.

The role offers hands-on experience in event management and administration, supporting all stages of the event lifecycle from planning and logistics through to on-the-day delivery and post-event activities. You will assist with attendee communications, event coordination, administrative processes, and general office tasks, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a busy events function while developing key professional skills in a supportive environment.

Principal Accountabilities:

Support the Events Operations Manager in planning, coordinating, and delivering a comprehensive programme of recruitment and stakeholder events, including Open Days, applicant visit days, conversion events, school and college visits, partner engagement activities, alumni gatherings, and Award Ceremonies.

Support the team with event logistics, such as preparing materials, signage, and delegate lists for Open Days and other events. Maintain detailed event plans, timelines, and checklists; manage event-related administrative tasks including budget tracking, invoice processing, and supplier communications.

Coordinate with academic schools, professional services teams, student ambassadors, and external suppliers to ensure seamless event delivery and excellent attendee experience.

Help set up and pack down event spaces, including room layouts and registration desks.

Provide on-the-day support at events, welcoming attendees, guiding visitors and helping with registration. Assist with sending event communications such as invitations, confirmations and reminders.

Help maintain event records and attendance data in spreadsheets or CRM systems.

Provide general administrative support including filing, data entry, diary coordination and responding to routine enquiries.

Support with basic budget tracking tasks, such as logging invoices or orders under guidance.

Help gather feedback from attendees after events and support simple write-ups of outcomes.

About You:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised graduate who is keen to develop a career in events, stakeholder engagement, marketing, communications, or a related field. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

You will be highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and priorities, and have strong attention to detail. A proactive approach, willingness to learn, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. You should be confident using Microsoft Office applications and be comfortable carrying out a range of administrative and event support activities.

This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, has a positive and customer-focused attitude, and is keen to gain hands-on experience supporting the delivery of recruitment, stakeholder, and University events while developing valuable professional skills.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications: A recent University of Derby Graduate (within the last 3 years); Relevant degree.

Experience: Experience in a customer service, administrative or event support settings; Experience of co-ordinating multiple projects at the same time.

Skills, knowledge & abilities: Good communication skills; Good organisation skills; Ability to use Microsoft Office proficiently.

Business requirements: Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between University sites in a cost effective and timely manner; Ability to work outside of normal working hours (including some evenings and weekends), to support the business during key University events, such as Graduation, Clearing and Open Days.

Desirable Criteria:

Experience: Experience of working in events, hospitality or Higher Education; Experience with CRM or booking systems.

Skills, knowledge and abilities: Knowledge of the Education sector.

Benefits:

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata); Local Government Pension Scheme; Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme; Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers; Discounted onsite gym; Cycle to Work scheme; A flexible working environment; A commitment to personal and professional development.