Employability and Preparation for Placement or Internship - 2019 entry

This module provides you with key employability skills that will prepare you to apply and secure a placement or internship. You will be shown the skills required to get through the application process, as well as those soft and business skills employers will be expecting. The onus is on you to secure a placement or internship, but there is plenty of support from the Student Experience and Employability Team and Career Zone to assist you.

This module is a pre-requisite for those students looking to secure a placement on the BSc Mathematics with a Year in Industry and related programmes (who take the MTH3100 Industrial Experience module in year 3), and is highly recommended for those taking EMP3001Commercial and Industrial Experience. Please note that, for all students taking these modules, all paperwork to obtain approval for the placement/internship must be submitted and approved by the module leader in advance of the placement start date, according to deadlines specified on appropriate ELE pages.

Students on the with a Year in Industry programmes will have to demonstrate engagement with this module.

Students will need to have:

* attended at least 4 CareerZone workshops in semesters 1 and 2 of year 1, to include:

- CV and job application skills;

- Searching for internships;

* attend the specific sessions scheduled for this module;

* attend 2 or more extra-curricular EMPS-specific employability or alumni events;

* attend a 1-1 meeting with a Careers Consultant to discuss their CV;

* work through the online ELE resources for the module, including all quizzes.

Students will typically attend CareerZone workshops during academic year 1 and work through the online resources during the year up to, and into, the following summer vacation.

Students on the with a Year in Industry programmes will be assessed on their engagement with the module, via:

(1) attending a 30-minute interview with the MTH3100 Industrial Experience module leader, scheduled late in year 1 (term 2 or 3);

(2) checking that they have completed online assessments/quizzes, by the end of August in year 1.

Insufficient engagement will result in transfer to the appropriate BSc Mathematics or Mathematics with... programme, as determined at the September (Ref/Def) Assessment, Progression and Award Committee meeting.

The aim of this module is to provide you with skills to progress through the rigorous application processes that many placement and internship providers have, and the ability to market yourself effectively if undertaking speculative approaches to companies to secure work experience.

The placement application process can be competitive and challenging. It is a time-consuming activity and you may well encounter setbacks during the process, particularly considering the fact that you will be in competition with other high calibre students. We will provide you with as much help and guidance as we can, but much will depend on your willingness and commitment. Leaving your search till the last minute could mean that you fail to secure a placement and, in the case of with a Year in Industry programmes, have to switch to the corresponding 3-year programme.

Students undertaking one of the with a Year in Industry programmes, or the EMP3001 Commercial and Industrial Experience module, must find a placement that is directly aligned to their subject of study.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Compose an effective and well-presented CV, complete with supporting cover letter, making clear links between your experience and the job description;

2 Search for job opportunities in your chosen field, using a range of resources and events;

3 Successfully navigate selection processes and secure opportunities;

4 Make career-related decisions, taking into account personal priorities and constraints;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Identify and investigate the range of career opportunities available and relevant to a student undertaking a Mathematics (or related) degree programme;

6 Be prepared to apply for, and take on, a placement or internship related to your degree subject;

7 Present the knowledge and skills gained during your degree and show how these can enhance your future employability;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 Showcase your skills, motivations and personal career development needs;

9 Use the internet and networking opportunities to enhance career prospects;

10 Understand the importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) both during your studies and after graduation;

11 Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses in relation to graduate level professional and practical skills, and act autonomously to develop new areas of skills as necessary.

This module is compulsory for BSc Mathematics with a Year in Industry and related programmes and for those considering transferring onto these programmes.

Students should consider attending workshops around the following key areas:

- The Placement Search & Finding Your Ideal Role;

- CVs, Covering Letters & Application Forms;

- Assessment Centre and Interview Skills;

- Networking Skills;

- Attendance at Careers Fairs;

- Psychometric Testing;

- Commercial Awareness;

- LinkedIn Lab;

- Professionalism;

- Making the Most of Your Placement, and the Transition from Student to Employee.

Re-assessment is not available for this module. For students taking the with a Year in Industry programmes: if you fail to engage with the module or secure a placement then you are unable to progress onto the year in industry during your third year and will be transferred to the corresponding three-year BSc programme.

Basic reading:

Cottrell, S. (2003), Skills for Success: The Personal Development Handbook

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and Electronic Resources:

My Career Zone - https://mycareerzone.exeter.ac.uk/students/

Career Mentor Scheme - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/mentor/

eXepert - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/exepert/

Career Sectors - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/sector/

Gradcracker - https://www.gradcracker.com/

Other Resources:

Reading list for this module: