Find out what our Guest Bloggers are getting up to. Throughtout the year we will be following the progress of our Guest Bloggers as they find a placement or keep us updated as to what they are doing on their placement. Click here to read all entries from our bloggers or click here to meet them.

In hindsight, I can remember the long enduring process which was the process of the dreaded “placement search”. At the start of my second year I remember having numerous lectures and employment visits and help about how to get a placement. At this point, a placement seemed ages away and with the onset of coursework, my placement search slipped towards the bottom of my to-do list.

Up until Christmas, the applications I made were few and far between with limited success. I had my first assessment centre with Intel in December which was an insight in to what is expected at an assessment centre. Although I didn’t get that job I was still hopeful because I had an assessment centre with PSA Peugeot-Citroen the week after so my attention turned to preparing for that. I didn’t get this one either.

I left for Christmas and was focused on revision again but after the January exams the applications started up again in earnest.

It wasn’t until February I had my assessment centre with Fujitsu Services. Receiving the phone call two days later, I was so nervous/excited. When they told me that I had got the job I was ecstatic. I was pleased that my placement search was finally over and I had got a good placement at the end.

If I were to give advice to anyone beginning their search, I would say to keep up a steady stream of applications (but be selective – don’t just apply for any job!) and be positive. It’s too easy to be negative and you don’t want this to show at interview. Finally, there are so many sources of help out there so you can create a good CV, practice interview techniques and application forms.

The placement search did have its tough times (well no one likes being rejected!) but it’s all turned out well in the end.

Craig