To counter the worst recession in decades, several universities in the UK have developed paid internships for their recent new graduates. What an excellent idea! This model could be utilized by other institutions and developed as a way to help students and new graduates make their way through an extremely tough job market. In addition, universities would also benefit by having talented help at a time when they themselves are in a need of finding inexpensive alternatives for filling recent job openings.

Universities generally have various positions available in human resources, accounting, fundraising, communications, etc. For those interested in fundraising, 12 universities have partnered with the Higher Education Funding Council for England to offer national internships in the future. Positions like these exist in various charity organizations, political parties, and universities. These positions are open to students from all majors since universities primarily look for students with strong transferable skills - excellent communication skills, outstanding listening skills, the ability to think on their feet, the capacity to analyze information, and the ability to develop positive relationships with prospective donors that may serve the university for many years to come. Continue reading ...

Article by, Penny Loretto, a career counselor at a small liberal arts college in upstate New York, has her own private career counseling practice, Career Choice, and is About.com's Guide to Internships.