ADD+Vantage scheme SUMMER PLACEMENT A305EEI Hannelie du Plessis-Walker

WORK PLACEMENTS / INTERNSHIPS What is in it for you????

LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the session, the student should have a good understanding of: What is a work placement / internship Why is it of value What does it involve Make sense of all the paperwork

WORK EXPERIENCE: Partnership approach THREE PARTNERS UNIVERSITY STUDENT EMPLOYER Shape expectations Engage in experience Brief the student Brief the student Commitment Arrange task & activities Aid student reflection Reflect on learning Assessment

The value of a work placement What can you learn in the workplace? What can you learn about yourself? How a placement can lead to work? What can I offer the employer?

Ask yourself…… Why do you want to do a work placement? In what environment do you want to work? (large or small organisations, profit or non- profit sector, etc.) Where (location), when and how often do you want to work? What can you offer? (previous experience, hobbies, personal attributes, etc)

Applying for a placement Search available opportunities that will meet your needs Research background of potential placement opportunities Keep record of all your applications Have a POSITIVE attitude

What does the application involve? Construct a CV Write a cover letter Fill in application forms Telephone enquiries (before and after application) Follow up your application

I got an interview………… WHAT NOW? Prepare, prepare, prepare ……………… Be ready to answer typical questions? ( Why did you apply to us? What can you offer? What are your strengths and weaknesses? etc.) Ask questions? Protocol (on time, dress code, honesty, courtesy, etc.)

Getting maximum benefit You and your employer should commit to paper the following: What will you be doing? Hours of working Who will you report to? Other relevant terms and conditions

Learning in the workplace can be through…… Observation Practice New experiences Feedback and personal reflection Building contacts and networks

Learning in the workplace can be through…… (cont.) Shadowing individuals Group dynamics Workplace culture and protocol Practising your skills Asking for and value feedback Support from your university

So what can go wrong? Mismatch of aims and expectations between you and employer Nature of the work not what you expected Level of work either too demanding or not stimulating enough Quantity of work, too much or too little

Interpersonal concerns Workplace etiquette and procedures Feeling included or not Being valued Personality issues

Practical issues Finances Logistics, e.g. taking up too much time Tell me yours …………

Final word…… Avoid problems by clearly identifying: Your expectations Your competence in handling the workload Helpful to discuss the above with your tutor, colleagues or friends

And when you start…… Expect nothing Whatever happens it will be a learning experience Stay in contact with you tutors

Recommended reading Fanthome, C. (2004) Work Placements – A Survival Guide for Students. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan

And now the paperwork…

Deadlines – get out your diary!!