Preparing for your work placement is a very exciting opportunity.
It’s an excellent chance to put the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom into practice, and it can serve as a valuable stepping stone towards your future career.
We caught up with Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) for Computing, Tony Ballard, who has shared some of his top tips that will help you make the most of your work placement and future career.
Be proactive, not reactive:
Make sure that you actively seek opportunities in the area that you’re interested in. Employers are excited to hear from students who contact them first, as they show a real interest and passion in their work.
Planning your placement early gives you a head start and helps you take advantage of opportunities throughout the year.
Don’t go for an ‘easy’ option:
Being offered a work placement is a fantastic opportunity to grow as a person and develop your skills. While it might be tempting to choose a placement that seems straightforward or low-effort, it’s important to consider how much value and development it will offer you.
A placement that aligns with your interests and challenges you is more likely to help you progress and make a meaningful contribution to the organisation.
Make the most of events:
As a student, it’s vital to grow your network and to show employers exactly what you can offer.
A great way to do this is to engage with regular College events, such as Careers and Progression Fairs. These are where you can meet employers in your area, learn more about their work and see if they have any opportunities available in the near future.
You can also use these to explore your future career paths if you’re unsure about what you’d like to do.
External events, such as Networking Fairs, can also be helpful in that you’ll expand your contacts.
Have an up to date CV and cover letter
Upon applying for work, many companies will ask to see your CV and a cover letter.
It is important to keep your CV up to date, so that you can present your most recent skillset, and to tailor your cover letters, so that employer knows exactly why you want to work for them.
Old CV’s will not reflect who you currently are as a person. If your course is project based, like Computing, it’s also a good idea to link in a portfolio of work, so that people can see what you’re capable of.
Be confident in your own abilities
Finally, my best advice is to be confident in yourself and confident in your own abilities. There is no one else like yourself, so give every interview, presentation, opportunity and work placement the best you can.
Coming to College also helps you grow your soft skills, which are vital for employers. No matter your studies, you will have transferrable skills that can fit into a wide range of roles.
Stay Connected with Your Industry Liaison Officer
During your placement, the staff at College are here to support you. We will check in regularly to ensure you’re getting the most from your experience and address any questions or concerns that you may have. Overall, we want you to enjoy every minute of your placement.
Work placements are a key part of your educational journey at EKC Canterbury College, providing real experience that complements your academic studies.
By following these tips from Tony and maintaining a professional approach, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of this opportunity.
Students can contact their department’s Industry Liaison Officer for placement support.
Not a student? Discover how we can help with careers advice and progression opportunities.
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