Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern

Responsible to: Student Engagement & Achievement Officer/Coordinator

Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Closing date: Tuesday 28 July 2026

Salary: £25,802 to £26,582 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £30,569 per annum).

Job grade: ATOS 3

Reference: 0179-26

Contract type: Fixed term contract for 12 months

Post type: Full-time

Adaptive working type: Onsite

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location.

About The University

The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognized for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.

About The College/Department

Our Provost – Learning and Teaching department drives forward the University’s ambition to provide excellence and opportunities for all students; building on Derby’s long‑standing reputation for teaching excellence, ensuring the development of sector‑leading flexible, integrated learning that aligns to the needs of learners, not just now but in the future.

About The Student Engagement And Achievement Team

The Student Engagement & Achievement (SE&A) Team leads the University of Derby’s strategic approach to student engagement, continuation and success. The team focuses on key academic transitions, using engagement data and student insight to design and deliver targeted interventions, particularly for students who may be at risk of disengagement.

About The Role

This opportunity is available for University of Derby Graduates who have graduated within the last 2 years only! We are seeking a Student Engagement & Achievement Graduate Intern to support proactive work with students who may be experiencing challenges with engagement. Working within the SE&A Team, the post holder will make contact with students identified as being at risk of disengagement, using supportive conversations to understand individual circumstances and encourage re‑engagement with their studies.

About You

You will bring a student‑centered approach and a genuine commitment to supporting student engagement and success. You will be comfortable communicating with students in potentially sensitive situations, using empathy, professional judgment and clear communication to identify appropriate next steps. You will be confident using Microsoft Office (or equivalent), able to produce accurate records, and have strong interpersonal skills for both written and verbal communication. An understanding of data protection requirements and the importance of inclusive practice is essential.

To be eligible for this Graduate Internship, applicants must be a University of Derby graduate who has completed their qualification within the last two years. The role requires a flexible approach to working, including occasional evening and weekend activity in line with the academic year, such as supporting Clearing, Open Days and Graduation.

Principal Accountabilities

• Proactively identify and contact students who are not engaging through phone and email communication, using supportive conversations and timely nudges to explore attendance or engagement gaps.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date student records by logging interactions and tracking engagement activity in line with data management requirements.
• Use a student‑centered approach to identify barriers to engagement and signpost students to appropriate internal services, ensuring recommendations are clear, timely and responsive to individual needs.
• Work under the guidance of the Student Engagement and Achievement team to continually aim to improve student engagement.
• Work in accordance with university policies and procedures (including Equality and Diversity and Data Management), promote social mobility, equality and diversity for students and staff and sustain an inclusive environment.
• Undertake training as required, taking responsibility for maintaining and updating knowledge and skills.
• Support University wide duties in line with demand throughout the academic year, including supporting at Clearing, Open Days and Graduation.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A recent graduate of the University of Derby who has graduated within the last two years.

Experience

• Experience of working with Microsoft Office packages or equivalent.
• Experience of producing accurate, well‑structured notes and maintaining up‑to‑date records.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Comfortable in supporting students in potentially difficult conversations, using empathy and judgment to identify the most appropriate support options.
• Confidence in asking open questions and engaging in reflective, supportive conversations.
• Student‑centered approach, with a genuine commitment to supporting student engagement.
• Professional and confident telephone manner, able to guide students with clarity and reassurance.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling clear and effective interactions in both written and verbal formats.
• Ability to understand and apply regulations/rules e.g., GDPR.

Business Requirements

• Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g., Graduation, Clearing and Open Days (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends).

Desirable Criteria

Experience

• Previous experience in a customer service, call centre, or office‑based role.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Awareness of the support needs and lived experiences of students from diverse backgrounds, including an understanding of barriers that may affect engagement.

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.

Important Information

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation.

Environmental Sustainability: At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities.

How To Apply: You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us, you will be able to begin your application.