Ravensoft have secured one of the city’s top graduates for a three-month placement.

Franziska Kohlisch (26) was one of just ten graduates hand-picked from hundreds of applicants to participate in the new Manchester Masters scheme, a year-long initiative aimed at retaining the best marketing talent in Manchester.

As part of the programme the ten graduates, who had to go through a rigorous selection process which included facing a tough judging panel as well as a two-day boot camp, will be given an opportunity to sample marketing roles within four different organisations over the course of a year – and be paid a salary while doing so.

Ravensoft, one of the companies who successfully applied to have a Manchester Masters placement, welcomed Franziska on board their four-man team at the beginning of July.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to take part in the Manchester Masters programme and we are looking forward to working with Fran over the coming months,” commented Dr Chris Byrne, Ravensoft’s Head of Operations and Strategy for the UK.

“We wanted to work with someone who could think on their feet and who came into the company with lots of fresh ideas and Franziska has already proven to be the ideal candidate,” he added.

Franziska (pictured), who will have the support of a renowned business mentor throughout the year, is originally from Mainz in Germany and has completed an MSc in International Public Relations at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She explained that the Manchester Masters programme offers the 10 participants an opportunity to work in a diverse selection of companies, from well known multinationals to young, up and coming companies like Ravensoft.

“I am looking forward to working with Ravensoft to help the company successfully develop and implement a strong public relations and marketing strategy,” she said.

“While I will also be working with some large corporates during my Manchester Masters year, Ravensoft is a great opportunity to play a vital role in supporting the development of a new technology company, which is just embarking on its journey.”

For more information on Manchester Masters visit www.manchestermasters.com or, alternatively, to find out how your company can benefit from a graduate intern via the Manchester Graduate Internship Programme (MGIP) contact the MGIP Team on 0161 275 4041 or via the website: www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/internships.