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Seven Nottingham Trent University graduates team up to launch a new website to help parents understand the intricacies of rugby

The 2023 edition of the NTU Graduate Internship Scheme has recently come to an end, but the impacts are just starting to be revealed. New business, Rugby Hackers, shared their experience hosting seven graduate interns.

    After running a successful business for over a decade, Cycle Sprog founder Karen Gee decided it was time to start something new. Having a son with a passion for rugby, Karen decided to develop a go-to website for parents and their little ones alike. The resulting platform, Rugby Hackers, offers a range of information - from health and safety hacks, the rules, the differences between the various age groups and between boys’ and girls’ rugby, to downloadable activity packs, and helpful tips and tricks.

    Initially, the idea of Rugby Hackers seemed unattainable. As Cycle Sprog is a small business, Karen did not have the time or resources available for a dedicated project. That's where the NTU Graduate Internship Scheme stepped in, and seven passionate graduates teamed up with Karen to make her idea a reality.

    “...if I was to start Cycle Sprog all over again I'd do it differently, based on all the mistakes I've made and lessons I've learnt over the past 12 years. Well, this summer I'm really excited that I'm actually going to find out. [...] I'm very lucky to have 7 graduate interns from Nottingham Trent University working for me for 8 weeks to make this happen,” Karen said in her LinkedIn announcement.

    The seven graduates, Aaliyah, Aidan, Choice, Etelka, Garth, Nadine, and Paras took to their responsibilities like ducks to water. During the 8-week internship, they have been writing, editing and proofreading articles, creating marketing content, designing digital (and physical) products, and developing the website itself - doing everything that needs to be done in order to have a successful business. Karen’s industry know-how and experience, combined with the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm of the young professionals, contributed to a hugely successful internship.

    ‘’As a fresh graduate, it is very difficult to find a job in the area that you studied. I am very thankful for the opportunity the NTU internship scheme gave me, and also to Karen, who gave our whole team a chance,’’ said one of the graduates.

    The NTU Graduate Internship Scheme provides businesses with fully funded access to talented graduates each year. The scheme allows businesses to gain a new point of view, while also offering invaluable experience to recent graduates. This opportunity gave the graduates in-demand experience in project management, content creation, design, copywriting, editing, and web development.

    Rugby Hackers is Karen’s second website. She created Cycle Sprog in 2012 as a blog when she and her husband started cycling with their 2 boys to school. Since then the Kendal-based business has grown into a popular destination for customers researching kids’ bikes and family cycling.

    The opportunity to provide seven graduates with work experience over the summer not only helped make the Rugby Hackers website a reality, but also gave valuable work experience to a group of talented young people to enhance their CVs.

    For more information about Rugby Hackers, you can visit the website here. Preparations for the 2024 edition of the Graduate Internship Scheme are underway. To register your interest in taking part, contact the team on grad.internship@ntu.ac.uk.

    Published on 21 September 2023
    • Category: Business