Work Placements for Computing Students Alison McGregor Work Placement Manager Sue Young Head of Careers

Why Do Placements? They provide the chance to apply your technical skills and find out what works within the constraints of the workplace You can spot trends and developments They can help clarify your career goals You will be able to develop your personal skills-eg team working, being flexible and proactive- as well as specific technical skills

Why Do Placements contd You can obtain a reference and add to your network of professional contacts You might be offered further work They increase your employability. You will be more confident when you apply for jobs and employers will have more confidence in you- they like experience.

Long vs Short Year OutShort Likely to have full job description Single employer Time out from degree Paid Good chance of permanent job offer Likely to work on defined project Several employers Alongside course- you could get credits Lower pay Good chance of further work/job

Questions to ask What does the role involve? Is it interesting? Challenging? How does it fit with your technical skills? Will there be the chance to develop them? Check with the Department that it is meets the requirements. Who will be supporting you? What is the commitment in terms of hours/days? Is the project achievable in this time? Where will you be based? Pay issues

Where to look and when Where? See handout for where to look When? Some large companies have early deadlines for both summer and year out placements- e.g. this month. Others are much later.

Making applications Can you do the job? Are you actually able to do the job in terms of the qualifications, skills, experiences and knowledge required Will you do the job? Have you read and understood the role/job description? Do you know what will be required of you? Do you have the right motivation? Will you be committed? Will you be effective? Will you fit in? Companys ethos, values, approach

Making applications Treat it seriously Complete your application as thoroughly as you can Explore the companys website to find clues Match your application to the role outline/job description and Person Specification Put yourself in the employers shoes Re-read and proof-read Book an appointment with a careers consultant to go over your application

Goldsmiths Careers Service Laurie Grove Learn.gold.ac.uk – Careers Service Facebook.com/goldsmiths.careers Twitter.com/CareersGold Monday – Thursday: 9.30 – 4.30 Friday: 11 – 4.30 CV Checks: Tues, Weds, Fri