Nottingham Trent University will be the first university in the UK to pilot a scheme to provide free student membership to the key international business organisation, the Institute of Directors (IoD) which will provide support in progressing their careers or developing business ideas.

It is the latest link between business and education for Nottingham Trent University and the IoD, which this month celebrates the first year of its East Midlands regional office residency in the university’s Newton building.

“We have been working towards much closer links between business and education which is so vital to the employment market and the economy. This pilot scheme represents a huge step forward in supporting the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” says Ron Lynch, IoD East Midlands regional director.

“At Nottingham Trent University we know it is essential that university graduates understand the world of work and this is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with business leaders, access some tremendous resources and further enhance their knowledge and skills,” says David Eade, head of Student Employability and Enterprise at Nottingham Trent. “The graduate recruitment market is challenging and this presents an excellent way for these students to gain invaluable experience to differentiate their CVs from those of other applicants.” 

Four UK universities will pilot the IoD Student Membership scheme but Nottingham Trent University is the first to launch.

The IoD has roughly 2,000 members in the East Midlands. Each month it offers a range of support to company directors including workshops, networking events and free business meeting facilities. An active Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Young Directors’ Forum (YDF) provides social and networking events and a learning environment for future business leaders.

”This scheme provides a real opportunity for undergraduates to get involved in director level activities and networks as part of their step towards a career or their own business. It is intended to improve knowledge and understanding of the business and professional environment and will provide opportunities to network with successful business leaders and to learn from them,” adds Lynch.