Due to the Covid pandemic, Dougal Perfitt a Business Management and Marketing graduate from Nottingham Trent University, had to dramatically rethink his plans to work in London whilst training to be a professional Hockey Umpire. Meanwhile, Marketing agency Hamilton Brooke also had to change their plans when lockdown made recruiting virtually unworkable. Fortunately, Hamilton Brooke heard about Dougal and now they are both benefitting from an informal internship arrangement.

Hamilton Brooke Director June Ozanne explains. “You can understand why recruiting at that point was difficult, but we were busy and needed someone to join our digital team. When we heard about Dougal he sounded like a perfect fit and we offered him the opportunity to join us until he can pick up on his plans. It’s not something we have ever done before, but it has worked out brilliantly, he’s fitted in to the team perfectly and is bringing a fresh approach to social media and other digital campaigns.”

Dougal commented “Initially I was disappointed not to be able to get on with my career plans, but I absolutely love my job as Account Executive at Hamilton Brooke. I’m able to put into practice the knowledge and skills I acquired at university whilst gaining valuable marketing experience at Guernsey’s longest established marketing agency, and that will be a great help when I do get to London.”

June adds “I really would urge other companies to consider doing similar. It doesn’t have to be anything that is rigorously structured, you just open your doors to graduates or students that have had to change their plans. They gain experience and a fair wage, and you get the benefit of an enthusiastic worker with a fresh new perspective. The only downside is that we will miss Dougal when he goes at the end of the year!”