Work experience
Work experience will provide
a major boost to your employability when you graduate as well as giving you a
real insight into what to expect from different occupations and
industries. You will develop your
confidence and professional skills while meeting colleagues who may assist with
your career development.
Many organisations offer
placement years and shorter internships or you could work part-time around your
studies or approach organisations speculatively directly to negotiate short
periods of work experience. Gradcracker
advertises opportunities with larger organisations and can give you an early indication
idea of what might be available to you.
The University of Plymouth Students’
Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities and
there are many organisations within the not-for-profit sector who could benefit
from your skills and expertise and volunteering generally will help to build
your employability skills, confidence and make a real impact on your CV.
Clubs and societies
Involvement with clubs
and societies shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities to
develop and try new experiences. These
activities also help to improve teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Committee members develop organisational and diplomacy skills having gained
experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion
You may choose to
join a
society that is
specifically linked to computing such as
CompSoc or take the
opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and
sports, all of which can
help you to broaden your horizons, develop new interests and build your
confidence.
Tutor and academic support
Your tutors and other
academic staff will also support your career development, having had experience
in industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into
careers you are considering. They will also be writing references for you when
you graduate so establishing a positive relationship with them is invaluable.
