Devising a Strategy.
Some steps are laid out below for you to follow. Preparation is the key, so you need to devise a strategy and execute it. The ability to present yourself is crucial, as well as acquiring an understanding of the market place. Finding contacts is the next step, there is an abundance of databases and CUED maintains a contacts database available via the Internet. You will need to negotiate with the employer and then decide if you are going to accept an offer.
Finally, you will need to record and then present your completed work to the Industrial Placement Co-ordinator, the instructions on how to execute this are just a click away.
- Planning a Strategy: Try and target your efforts, on the basis of some considered planning. As a future professional engineer you will have to anticipate problems as well as deal with them ad hoc. with sensible planning you ought to be able to avoid breakdowns and emergencies.
- Self Presentation: A lot of people
let themselves down by presenting themselves poorly, so you need to make sure you
reel in more offers by presenting as effectively as possible.
This section contains some guidance on CVs/Resumes, cover notes and employer contact. - Databases & Other Information Sources. : Once you have sorted out a strategy, you will need to choose a place to dangle your line. Databases are enormous pools of information and there are lots to chosse between with an abundance of contact information, ranging from postal addresses, web sites and e-mail addresses.
- Keeping Track: You need to keep a close track of the companies and organisations that you have contacted,
essentially Job searching is a project management exercise. You can use either a PDF File or an
M S WORD file to assist you to stay on top of your campaign.
- Interview: Having hooked your fish, you need to land it. If you have the opportunity of an interview, make the most of it.
- Etiquette: The do's and don'ts of dealing with employers.
- Advice and Help: CUED has an Industrial Placement Co-ordinator.
Fishing for a Placement.
If you were going fishing, it would be a waste of time if you did not have the right equipment, if you were fishing for Haddock in a fresh water lake, and if you only made one cast into the water. Here is some advice on what you need, where to fish for placements and how to put some nice juicy bait on your hook.
