School of Computer Science Work Experience: The Facts Deborah Till Centre for Career Development

Outline of the Session äWork experience – why? äAdvice on how to find industrial placements äHow to apply äFurther Resources/ Support

Work Experience – Why do it? äImprove your employability - development of personal & technical skills - many employers expect work experience - can help you stand out from the crowd (you will be competing for graduate jobs with people with degrees in other subjects) - employers are known to recruit people they have had on placement äCould give you a clearer idea about your ‘ideal’ career äImprovements in study - greater self-confidence, motivation, time management, relevance äEarn some cash

What employers say... ä"Students need to start developing employment skills because when they go for jobs employers will expect them to have some knowledge of the world of work and be able to articulate that experience.“ ä“Personal contacts made whilst working as a student provide inside knowledge, introductions and references that might not be available otherwise.”

Finding Work Experience äCCD Web - Advice and Vacancies äYear in Industry – äNational Council For Work Experience experience.orgwww.work- experience.org äEast Midlands Opportunities äDepartmental Noticeboards äWork Experience directories - Prospects, Hobsons, GTI äShell STEP programme ädoctorjob.com work experience pages äProspects Web äLocal Press äNetworking

Points to consider äMany firms recruit before Christmas äConsider the company’s size (small? Multi- national?), its location, your role äWould you like to work in a particular sector e.g. engineering, finance? äWould you like to learn specific computing skills?

Who employs Computer Scientists? äIn-house IT –manufacturing, retailing, financial services, transport and public sectors äIT Services –Use technical expertise to solve customers’ business needs äTechnology consultancy firms –Help clients to introduce new systems, solve business problems through IT äSoftware product development (general and niche) äTelecommunications äIT sales and marketing äMedia/Information Delivery

Careers for Computer Scientists äJobs directly related Software engineer, Database administrator, Applications developer,Systems designer, Systems developer, IT consultant äJobs where Computer Science is useful Business or Financial Analyst, Recruitment consultant, IT sales professional, Secondary school teacher,magazine journalist äThe Prospects website gives an overview of jobs related to Computer Science/ITProspects

Nottingham Graduates are working for: äAccenture, BT, Pepsi Cola, KPMG, Cobra, Clinphone, Fujitsu, Logica, Civil Service, Cap Gemini, EDS, Rolls Royce, HSBC, Ericsson, Travis Perkins, Deutsche Bank, PriceWaterhouseCoopers

CV/ Application Form äMost companies will expect a CV and covering letter, although for some you need to apply online. äTarget each application to the company. Use their website for details about that company. äSee the CCD website for advice on CVs and covering lettersCVs and covering letters äChecking service available each day at CCD.Checking service

The application process äLarger employers might expect you to complete an online aptitude test, you may also be invited to attend an assessment centre and then an interview äSmaller companies will probably interview the applicant. äFor advice on application processes see the CCD website CCD website

How the CCD can help? ä for information onwww.nottingham.ac.uk/careers/students –Making the most of work experience –Job hunting strategies including Creative job hunting, Applying for jobs –Background to jobs and employers –Vacancies –CCD Events including employer presentationsCCD Events including employer presentations äTake away material Target IT and Inside Careers äQuick Query –Every Day pm –Portland Building Extension, Level D

Other resources äPublications to pick up from CCD –Target IT (doctorjob.com/it) –Inside careers Information Technology ( –Prospects Directory (