Andrew Wilkinson

BA Media Studies 2013

Andrew Wilkinson joined Affinity Systems through the University of Sunderland’s Graduate Internship Scheme to manage the company’s marketing and sales strategy as it prepares to launch a new division.

Affinity Systems, based in Hendon’s Stanfield Business Centre, specialises in networks, telephone technology and call management systems.

Established in 2010 by Sunderland University graduate Al Yong, the company boasts an impressive client portfolio of regional and national businesses and has recently secured significant investment from Northstar Ventures to set up a new specialist engineering division of the company.

Rymote, which will specialise in Cisco engineering and reselling services, is due to launch in early November and new recruit Andrew will play a key role in planning and executing the service’s marketing strategy.

Andrew graduated from the University of Sunderland with a 2:1 in Media and Communications in July 2013 and, faced with stiff competition for graduate jobs, registered for the Internship Scheme to help him gain experience to boost his CV.

Andrew said: “So many graduates undervalue internships, and there is a misconception that interns spend their days photocopying but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Within my first week I was devising sales and marketing campaigns and implementing a new social media strategy to raise the company’s profile.

“I’ve been given a position of authority and real projects to get involved in. My ideas and opinions are valued and I am applying my skills to a tangible role which will help the company achieve its goals and allow me to develop myself professionally.”

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