Databac Group, specialist manufacturer and provider of ID cards and products, was approached by Shell Step to help them place students looking for experience in the fields of marketing, finance and software development.

Originally thinking of placing one student, Databac took on three candidates. Shell Step student Raihlar Khan carried out a poll among Databac's client base and came up with some valuable feedback for the sales and marketing department. She also created a number of PowerPoint presentations on two key products which could be adapted by the sales staff.

Student Kyle Webster came up with several new ideas to boost the company web site.

Student Kaha Olad created training materials for the Sage financial software package in use by Databac. Kaha also carried out a detailed cost analysis of Databac's raw materials, the results of which helped towards working out new pricing structures.

Later, a fourth student was placed. Ajay Akkineni had an eight-week 'Innovation' placement with Databac where he worked on developing some loyalty applications using Visual Basic, .NET software and SQL Server 2000.

Databac managing director Charles Balcomb said: 'We were happy to give the candidates some hands-on experience and in return to get some fresh ideas on new approaches. The candidates were talented students and we have no doubt they will do well in their chosen fields.'

http://www.databac.com/

Ingrid Stafford
University Talent Business Advisor
WestFocus Knowledge Exchange
River House - Swan Wing
53-57 High Street
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey
KT1 1LQ
Tel: 020 85478617
Mbl: 07920 576402
http://www.university-talent.org.uk