With Employability Week fast approaching, students across the university are being encouraged to consider ways to improve their future prospects. For many the most appealing option is taking a placement year.
Daniel Thornley, an Electronic Engineering student who has just completed a placement year, said: “A placement is a very powerful addition to both your CV and personal experience.
“It’s a good transitional stepping stone between education and the working world and boosts your employability.”
As many students are aware work experience and placements are not easy to obtain with their exclusivity being discouraging for some. However, thanks to DMU’s Placement Power, a society aimed at finding placements for students, these great opportunities needn’t be unachievable.
Formed by returning placement students, Placement Power prides themselves on securing 12 month industrial placements for students.
Although the society is considerably new, it has already gained commendation from the Work Based Learning Unit and personal praise from lecturers in the business school.
Parte Amrutlal, a committee member, said: “The Society aims to increase members’ commercial awareness and employability skills during the application process by providing; information, mentoring and necessary knowledge to be competitive in the job market and widen horizons of possible career prospects.”
On Tuesday, November 4th, the society will be holding an event entitled “How to Stand Out”. Taking place from 5.30pm in Queens 0.11 the evening boasts to be a success. Although aimed at those studying business, students from all faculties may find use in learning how to make themselves employable.
Parte said: “It’s extremely important for students seeking placement because standing out is a fundamental factor that employers look for. You have to remember, you’re not only competing against students from DMU but universities across the country!”
As well as offering free food and drinks, the event is set to teach members how to conduct themselves and stand out in written applications, interviews and assessment centres. Hosted by former placement students, attendees will be able to gain insight into first-hand experiences, with committee members boasting to offer gems of advice.
Where the event itself is free to attend, students must first be a paid member of Placement Power. It is also imperative to confirm attendance via email.
If you haven’t yet bought your membership, it isn’t too late. At £2 for the whole year, all it takes is a few clicks on the DSU website to get involved.
For more information, keep up with Placement Power via:
Facebook: DMU Placement Power Society
Twitter: @PlacementPower
Don’t forget to confirm your attendance by emailing: dmuplacementpower@gmail.com
