Web site offers students careers advice

ITM Communications has signed a deal with the NUS to gain exclusive access to three million students in the lucrative youth market. The company was formed two and a half years ago from mostly media professionals and produces a lifestyle magazine for graduates and undergraduates on CD-ROM and the Internet. It provides careers information and a database of 350 blue chip employers as well as promoting products from a client base. The idea behind the site is to provide students with a site they will return to for information. Ian Rose, CEO of ITM Communications, said: "We don't want to push careers down the throats of students. They can get company videos, application forms and even apply online. We're not a head hunter for businesses." ITM Communications will work with the NUS to sponsor staff in training and marketing and work on other initiatives worth millions of pounds. Rose continued: "I would like to say how pleased we are. It is an important contract to ourselves. The user base are students and the site will benefit both the NUS and students. We are not a business with 20 legs. It is our sole business to provide quality content to university students so we have to get it right." Andrew Pakes, President of the National Union, of Students was unavailable for comment, but said in a statement: "NUS has always looked to ensure that students are offered access to the best services available. We are confident that ITM have a clear commitment to providing students with superior advice and services. We are delighted to be working with them." ®