Study information

Employability and Placement Preparation for Computer Scientists - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEEmployability and Placement Preparation for Computer Scientists CREDIT VALUE0
MODULE CODEECM2400 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 4 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

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. The module is timetabled predominantly for the Autumn Term when most employers are recruiting for placements and internships, with some sessions in the Spring term for support if you are making speculative approaches to SME’s or haven’t secured work experience via the standard recruitment timeline.

This module is a pre-requisite for those students looking to secure a placement on the Industrial Placement Programme. If undertaking the ECM3419 or EMP3001 modules then please note that all paperwork must be submitted and approved by the module leader in advance of placement start date.

You can undertake your work placement in the UK, any of the European Union countries that participate in the Erasmus+ programme or other approved international setting.

In order to progress or transfer onto the Year in Industry programme, students are normally expected to have attended all timetabled sessions with the exception of the Speculative applications, and intense support sessions (these are only required if the student is still in the process of securing a placement) .

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to provide you with skills to progress through the rigorous application processes that some placement and internship providers have, and the ability to market yourself effectively if undertaking speculative approaches to companies to secure work experience. There will also be sessions on soft skills which recruiters are demanding, and aren’t currently covered within the curriculum. Space is also available within the module to attend the careers fairs on campus to speak to recruiters offering practical work experience, relevant to your degree, in a business, commercial or public sector setting.

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 Year in Industry, have to switch programmes; or in the case of CandI, fail to complete the module.

Students undertaking the Year in Industry or Commercial and Industrial Experience options must find a placement that is directly aligned to their subject of study.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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 Computer Science degree.
6. Undertake 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.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

This module is compulsory for all Computer Science students and for those enrolled on the Computer Science with Industrial Placement Programme, Computer Science and Mathematics with Industrial Placement programme and those considering transferring onto these programmes there is a minimum attendance requirement to be met in order to progress.

The module will cover 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 (online)
  • Commercial awareness (this may be going online)
  • Linked in Lab
  • Professionalism
  • Making the most of your placement and the transition from student to employee.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 21 Guided Independent Study 20 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and teaching activities 21 Lectures, Workshops and Careers fairs
Guided Independent study 20 Work Placement applications, attendance at networking events and assessment preparation
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Attendance at seminars, workshops and at least 1 career fair Ongoing throughout the module 1-11 Oral
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment is not available for this module. If you fail to attend the prerequisite number of sessions or secure a placement you are unable to progress onto the Year in Industry as your third year and will be transferred to another programme.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Communication for Engineering Students, Davies, John W. Harlow : Longman, 1996.

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/

The Student Engineer - https://www.theengineer.co.uk/the-student-engineer/

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 0 ECTS VALUE 0
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 5 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 19th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Employability, Placement Preparation

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.