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During your first year, your attention should be focused on settling into University life, making new friends and of course your studies! However there are a number of things you can be doing in your first year to give you the best possible chance of securing a year in industry placement. This advice also applies to those students on an MEng degree!
During your first year, your attention should be focused on settling into University life, making new friends and of course your studies! However there are a number of things you can be doing in your first year to give you the best possible chance of securing a year in industry placement. This advice also applies to those students on an MEng degree!
Things you can do as a First Year student (and second year MEng):
Things you can do as a First Year student (and second year MEng):
Academic results - Some companies will require students to be achieving a 2.1. If you have a poor academic record the University may not allow you to go on placement.
Develop your CV by getting involved in University life, visit Engineer your Future to find out what you can do!
Become a Course Rep or Student Ambassador.
Take an active role in a Student Society- join their committee and take on a committee role to develop transferable skills.
Engineering related student led projects and societies include Formula Student, Engineers without Borders, Simurq, SunByte.
External competitions such as Hackathons, Railway Challenge, James Dyson Award, Shell Ideas 360, PwC Opportunity Challenge, First Lego League, Siemens Sustain a Challenge.
Apply for SELSA, applications open in March.
Work Experience:
As a first year student work experience does not need to be engineering related - part time jobs , On Campus work / placements and voluntary work all help develop transferable skills which look good on your CV.
Many companies are offering virtual internships:
Forage are a leading organisation in offering virtual experiences.
Rate My Placement have an online guide to Virtual Internships. Do your research and avoid any programmes where you have to pay a substantial fee.
Some companies will recruit first year students - they may be advertised as Insight Schemes or Discovery days.
Visit Student Ladder, Gradcracker or do a google search for internships for first year students.
If you are an MEng student then you would be encouraged to apply for a summer internship. Many engineering companies will recruit for summer interns, companies may advertise ant time during the academic year but summer internships are often advertised after Christmas.
Attend employer events :
A great way to find out more about what companies actually do, the type of opportunities available and make contacts with companies early.
Visit Career Connect to see which employers are coming on campus.
Develop your CV:
Make sure you update your CV regularly the Careers Service have lots of useful advice on writing a CV.
Need some inspiration?
Refer to our information sheets for L1 and L2 students for advice on how to get the most out of your degree & uni life!
Check out Engineer your Future google site.
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