Industrial Experience Etiquette
This is a set of guidelines that we expect our students to adhere to when approaching employers for internships/placements.
- Always respond to correspondence straight away, either by telephone, post or email. We know that not all companies respond to you, but why be rude to the ones that have bothered?
- If you receive an offer, always acknowledge it.
- If you wish to delay your final answer, check first if this is acceptable and obtain a deadline for your decision. You may wish to receive a few offers before you make up your mind - however please be aware that some students in the past have found that an offer has been withdrawn because the students have taken so long to respond.
- If you receive an offer and accept it either verbally or in writing, stick to your agreement. This applies especially to opportunities where you have been put forward by CUED with your approval, and if you make use of the CUED system please give priority to any offer made via a CUED introduction. If you wish to withdraw before an offer is made or to refuse an offer, at least give plenty of notice.
- Once you have received an offer you will not be put forward directly for any more jobs via the CUED system until you have either accepted or declined the offer although you may continue to receive circulars. You should note that we often find out if offers have been made from the employers as well as from students.
- If you have two offers and you wish to decline one or more of them, let the rejected employer know as soon as possible. You should explain that there was nothing wrong with their offer, however you received another which was more suitable for you, and if possible give a reason. It would be really helpful especially to your fellow students if you suggested to the organisation that you have spurned, that CUED have other students similar to yourself willing to stand in. Please forward their contact details to the Industrial Placement office so that we can capitalise on any opportunity.
Accepting an offer and backing out later, failing to turn up for the job at short notice or without any notice and not completing the agreed period are forbidden and have serious consequences.
Consequences for CUED and future students are as follows:
- • CUED lose the placement for that particular year, as well as any future potential placements.
For the individual student concerned:
- • The matter is reported immediately to the College Director of Studies so that appropriate disciplinary action can be taken.
- • The student will be blocked from receiving CUED circulars regarding summer vacation opportunities, or graduate opportunities if you are in the final year.
- • The student will not be put forward as a candidate for any future summer vacation opportunities via the CUED system.
- • If a switch of employers is attempted the facts will be forwarded to the second employer regarding the circumstances of any switch, if the placement is with an employer with whom we are familiar and particularly if the second employer has been accessed via the CUED system.
99.9% of our students conduct themselves impeccably, which is vital, as employers expectations of CUED students are high, and your own expectations of yourself ought to match them. Deal with other people as you would expect to be dealt with yourself and you will not go far wrong.