A permanent place with Sage
Released: Thursday 28th June 2012 at 13:27
THEY’VE not even graduated yet but already two Sunderland students have secured full-time jobs at one of the UK's leading software development companies.
Sage (UK) Limited has offered computing students Thomas Bevan and Elliott Perry from the University of Sunderland permanent positions with the company once their degree course is completed this summer.
The dedicated pair will be working on some of the company's core products in the Small Business Division’s Research and Development department at Sage's headquarters in Newcastle from July after their graduation ceremony.
The job offers were made after both Thomas and Elliott impressed Sage staff during their year-long industrial placements.
The students worked alongside highly skilled software architects, developers, business analysts, test technicians and technical authors, learning new skills and technologies and gained an invaluable experience working in the only FTSE100 software company in the UK.
Thomas and Elliott joined Sage on placement in 2010 after completing the second year of their degree course. They were selected for their enthusiasm, drive and commitment, as well as their familiarity with the latest software design and skills developed during their university course.
Caron Green, senior lecturer in computing, said: “Securing their sandwich placements at Sage was a great boost to their degree studies, enabling them to put into practice the valuable skills they'd developed at the university.
“It was clear that they returned to their final year with a more mature and professional outlook. We are delighted to have been a part of their success in securing such an opportunity, although the hard work is down to them!
“We wish them every success at Sage."
Stuart Lynn, Information Services Director at Sage UK, says: “We think it’s really important to tap into the rich pool of talent in our regional universities and retain that talent in our regions. We know this knowledge transfer is good for our business, good for the students and good for our universities – and it’s been a real success.
“Elliott and Thomas both made a big impact when they were with us on placement, working hard and demonstrating that they had the ability to be valuable assets to their teams and to Sage. They worked alongside experienced team members to learn and develop their skills and their enthusiasm and commitment shone through. We’re delighted that they will both be joining us in July.”
Sage supplies business management software and services to over 6 million customers worldwide. Formed in 1981, the group was floated on the stock exchange in 1989 and now employs over 13,000 people in its market leading companies.
Its software and services help small and medium sized businesses manage everything from finances, payroll, customer and supplier relationships, to their health and safety advice.
Elliott Perry, 21, from Washington, a BA business computing student, said: “I'm delighted to have secured a permanent full time job despite the economic climate. I'm even more pleased that, not only is the job in my preferred career, the position is in a company as reputable and innovative as Sage.
“As a postgraduate developer within the Small Business Division of the Research and Development department, my role will involve contributing to the development of Sage's flagship product; Sage 50 Accounts. I will work closely alongside senior software architects, business analysts and accountants to implement new features to drive the product forward.
“I strongly believe my situation is a credit to the 'placement' experience the University of Sunderland offers and students should look to capitalise on it whenever possible. I also feel Sage is proof that large companies value academic qualifications as much as work experience and that working hard in university can be the beginning to a successful career.”
Thomas Bevan, 23, from Abergavenny, South Wales, a BSc computing student, said: "I'm very happy about getting an opportunity to return to Sage.
“Sage is a prestigious company, and to be offered a graduate position there is very exciting. I'll be helping the company to develop existing products.
“I believe completing a placement helped me vastly to get a graduate position, and I would recommend all students to consider the possibility of undertaking a placement.”
The students will be mentored and supported by an experienced developer throughout the year, and will be encouraged to play a full role in the development process.
Sage UK is part of The Sage Group plc, a leading global supplier of business management software solutions and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. In the UK, Sage provides software and services to more than 830,000 businesses ranging from start-ups to large companies. This software ranges from accounts and ERP, HR and payroll, forecasting and business intelligence to customer relationship management, e-business and help for start-ups. Services include Excel Support, HR Advice, Health and Safety Advice and training courses.
The University of Sunderland is committed to helping students develop their software skills, working closely with a wide range of organisations. Through the interaction with companies such as Sage UK, students gain the right skills to meet the emerging needs of employers through research, knowledge exchange, placements and internships.