FOUR university graduates have joined a college’s marketing department in a bid to boost their chances of securing their dream jobs.

Adam Hudson, Steff Ellis, Thomas Edgar and Simon Meek, who all graduated last summer from Teesside University, have been hired by Bishop Auckland College on a joint three month internship.

Their appointment coincides with new research published this week which showed graduates who undertook internships had a much better chance of being hired.

The UK’s top 100 employers told the study, conducted by High Fliers Research, they are planning to hire a total of 18,264 graduates this year, an increase of 8.7 per cent compared with 2012.

During their three month placements they will be assisting the college with its Higher Education recruitment campaign as well as helping to run open events and increasing its digital marketing output.

Kevin Burns, head of marketing and schools liaison, said: “For them this will offer invaluable industry experience which will hopefully give them an advantage in the jobs market as they pursue they chosen careers in the media and marketing field.”

Andrew Abbey, deputy director of student services at Teesside University, added: “Teesside University is dedicated to equipping our graduates with all the skills they need to succeed in employment. The internship scheme is one of the ways in which our graduates can gain relevant experience and make a real impact in a sector they are passionate about.

“Employers are often looking for experience alongside qualifications and we are delighted to have teamed up with Bishop Auckland College to provide four highly skilled and ambitious graduates.”