Features: Work experience: Paid placements with Step

Sourced by Luke Berté, Editor, Graduate Prospects

Students and graduates struggling to find work experience will welcome the news that three universities have signed up with the graduate and student placement company, Step

Recognising the role they play in shaping future careers, the University of Wolverhampton, the University of Sussex and the University of London have partnered with Step .

The commitment will give students and graduates access to paid work experience placements, in sectors ranging from engineering to communications.

 

Professor Ian Oakes, pro vice-chancellor of research and enterprise at the University of Wolverhampton, says, 'We are committed to equipping our students and graduates with the skills, attributes and experience they need to get the best start in their careers.

'Working with Step enables our graduates to gain work experience as part of a programme of support introduced by the university to assist students and graduates in developing their chosen career paths.'

Job market

In an increasingly hostile jobs market, internships and work experience are crucial. The Graduate Market report from January 2013 by High Fliers, reveal that over a third of graduate vacancies are filled by candidates who have already worked in the company as an intern or on work experience.

Further research by Step reveals that 78% of its participants went on to full-time work, and 93% said that doing a placement helped them to gain employment.

Yet, placements with employers are increasingly hard to find and paid work experience is even more difficult to come by. 

Philip Donnelly, Step's managing director explains, 'We manage each stage of the process from helping with application forms to final assessments.

'And, importantly, all our placements are paid for - meaning that the benefits of work experience are open to all.'

Experienced placement provider

Step has been working with universities, students and businesses since 1986 and has organised and managed around 22,000 placements.

These new partnerships show graduate career development is taking priority on the higher education agenda.

Previous Step participant, web designer Matt Preston says, 'I'd truly recommend the Step scheme to any student unsure of what to do next.

'It gives you experience, lots of valuable knowledge, and a chance to earn your way so that you're able to live and reap the benefits come the end of the contract. Hopefully you will be taken on in a permanent role, just as I was.'

Holly Smith secured a placement, through Step with Fugro Global Environmental and Ocean services (GEOS). She now works for Fugro full time

I was unclear about what I wanted to do but I had always enjoyed the great outdoors, the environment and wildlife. I did a gap year and worked in Ecuador on a biological reserve and also in National Parks in New Zealand. It was while studying geography at Aberystwyth that I became interested in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

I applied for 15 jobs initially and got one interview. I was beginning to lose hope finding a job and was considering a Masters when the Step placement opportunity arose. 

Fugro GEOS gather oceanographic data, such as wave and current measurements which can help anyone wanting to do anything at sea. For example, if you are building an oil rig in the middle of the ocean, Fugro provides the information that is vital to the planning of such an activity.

The placement was very structured and I received lots of help and support throughout. My task - which was to develop their GIS database - was hugely rewarding. I was creating something which everyone in the company could use, enabling them to be more efficient.

More over they told me how useful it was, and getting positive feedback is a huge confidence boost when you're starting out. This was really brought home when they offered me a full-time position half way through my placement.

My advice to current students is to get as much relevant work experience as you can. Get a placement while you are still at university so you can say you have hands on and relevant experience after your studies when it matters most.