It’s every young football fan’s dream to walk out at Wembley, but even for those that don’t turn out to be the next David Beckham or Wayne Rooney, there are still other avenues up Wembley Way, as one De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) graduate is discovering, writes Jack Brooke-Battersby.
In one of the most high profile internships arranged through the DMU Graduate Champions scheme, Sam Warren is currently indulging in the off-field matters in football while on an internship with the Football Association (FA) at Wembley.
Sam, who graduated from DMU in the summer with a 2:1 in Business and Management, is undertaking the role of Financial Regulation Associate for the football governing body in England during his six-week internship.
The roles that Sam has been involved in include the lodgement of player representation contracts during the recent transfer window, assisting in a FIFA-led change in documentation following a change in regulations, and liaising with senior FA managers as well as officials and representatives from professional football clubs while constantly learning about the legal side of football.
Sam said: “I’m working in a really dynamic environment where I have to display strong communication skills and work on my own initiative to get tasks completed. Working for such a big name like the FA is obviously going to stand out if I want to go into a position relevant to sport which is ultimately where I want to end up.
“It’s good fun as well because everyone has their own team that they support so there’s a good natured humour to the environment which really helps you settle in.”
Sam is also full of praise for the Student and Academic Services team at DMU who work to get graduates into internships similar to his own to get experience vital to helping them stand out.
He said: “The internship has really improved my confidence and commitment, especially as I’m having to commute to London, but I’m always learning about the finer details of something I’m really interested in.
“The university doesn’t just teach you to the point that you graduate, after you graduate you’re entitled to a lifetime of support which they offer and they really help you on your way to becoming a success.”
In the last year, hundreds of graduates have enjoyed internships with firms across the country under the DMU Graduate Champions scheme, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the workplace, enhance their CVs, and help them stand out from the crowd in a furiously competitive jobs market.
Posted on Friday 6 February 2015