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
Engaging in a sport or
society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also
helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills.
Committee members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and
will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion.
You may choose to join
a society that
is specifically linked to robotics such as RoboSoc or take the
opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can
help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.
Tutor and academic support
Your tutor and other academic staff have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, so establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.