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Best in Country for University Placements / Careers Service

Awards were flowing as the University's Placement Unit, within Computing and Engineering topped both their categories at an awards ceremony in London in January, winning both ‘Best University Placements/Careers Service’ and ‘University Careers Personality’.

Presented by student founded website, RateMyPlacement.co.uk, the awards celebrate the tireless contributions made by university placement units in helping students apply and maximise their work experience opportunities.

This is the second consecutive year the University’s Placement Unit has been shortlisted as one of the top four in the country in the category of ‘Best University Placements/Careers Service,’ with nominations coming from not only students, but employers as well.

Pictured are; Back L-R: Michelle Atkinson: Placement Officer,Emily Timson: Placement Advisor. Front L-R: Lisa Brooksbank: Placement Secretary,Fran Shaw: Placement Unit Manager.

“Last year it meant a lot to us that, because of nominations from our students we were shortlisted as one of the top four in the country.” said Unit Manager Fran Shaw.

“This year the competition was bigger than ever because the website has grown so much, so we are thrilled to have been named best in the country for our placement and careers service.”

“It was also brilliant to see Placement Advisor, Emily Timson (pictured on the left) win the ‘University Careers Personality’ award. Emily’s nomination shows that our motto of ‘going the extra mile’ was recognised by our students.”

The University of Huddersfield prides itself on the placement opportunities it offers its students and is among the UK’s top 10 providers of ‘sandwich’ courses, where students undertake a twelve month paid work placement in industry or commerce. With so many graduates fighting for employment, the University places great importance on ensuring its graduates possess the relevant skills and experience to competitively enter the job market.

All students on a sandwich degree within the Computing and Engineering departments have compulsory placement lectures with Fran and her team throughout the first term of their second year.

The lectures are tailored to the specific area of study of the students and teach them such things as, putting together an effective CV and covering letter, interview techniques, and applying for placements both in the UK and abroad.

“We are dedicated to helping the students as much as we can when it comes to securing a placement and we continue to work with them throughout their year in industry” said Fran.

“As well as our lectures we also run drop-in sessions every single day for two and a half hours. The sessions are always incredibly busy, but so well utilised.”

The Placement Unit works closely with employers to build strong relationships not only on a regional level but nationally and internationally as well.

Even during the economic downturn the hard work by the Placement Unit saw an increase of 30% of students placed since last year, with the addition of 41 new companies sourced for placement opportunities.

In 2010, a third of the school’s students - returning from placement for their final year studies - have been offered a graduate position with their placement provider.

“To receive such positive feedback from our students and companies is a fantastic acknowledgement and demonstrates how much they appreciate all the hard work the team puts in to ensuring they have a successful year and get the most from their placement experience.” said Fran.

“Winning these awards is recognition of the hard work and commitment of our Placements Team. We passionately believe in the value of a Placement Year and the successes our students enjoy from their experiences.”

Quelle: University of Huddersfield, The HINT International student e-newsletter, Issue 38, Januar / Februar 2011