{"id":1526,"date":"2017-03-24T14:13:51","date_gmt":"2017-03-24T14:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/copyright.lboro.ac.uk\/students\/?p=1526"},"modified":"2017-03-29T11:06:43","modified_gmt":"2017-03-29T10:06:43","slug":"how-to-get-a-placement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lboro.ac.uk\/students\/design-school\/how-to-get-a-placement\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get a placement"},"content":{"rendered":"

At Loughborough University all courses give you the opportunity to do a Placement Year or a Sandwich course. You can gain a Diploma in Professional Studies.<\/p>\n

Searching for a placement is always such a daunting and long process but let me tell you my story. Over the last few months, I have been applying for placements. At Loughborough University we have a Careers Online<\/a> website where placements, jobs and other opportunities are posted and you can search through these by filtering the type of employment you are looking for as well as subject area. I applied for a few opportunities here but also used the website RateMyPlacement<\/a> and Indeed<\/a>.<\/p>\n

My number one tip\u2026.set up a LinkedIn<\/a> account<\/h4>\n

Here you can briefly summarise your education history, employment, experience and other skills. It is a great way to connect to employers and acts as a digital CV.<\/p>\n

Number two\u2026 believe in yourself<\/h4>\n

Try to apply to as many placements that take your interest, even if you are not sure you have all the skills they are looking for. The worst they can say is no but you may be strong in one area that they would prefer. Equally, be confident. It\u2019s hard to step into the world of industry from an educational background, but it is a step that you will have to take eventually. Believe in yourself and accept the challenge.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The Place on campus<\/p><\/div>\n

Number three\u2026 Update your info<\/h4>\n

Make sure all your information is up to date; your CV and personal statement. The Place<\/a> at Loughborough University can help you to write your CV as well as make checks and direct you to particular openings or opportunities that are currently available. Also, make sure you know how to write a cover letter.<\/p>\n

(If you are a designer, create a website. I used a website builder wix.com which allowed me to simply add images of my work as well as small pieces of accompanying explanatory text. Here is my website as an example<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h4>\n

Number four\u2026 be prepared for online tests<\/h4>\n

These days there are often hundreds, even thousands of applicants for placements, so to quickly cut down the volume, companies sometimes use online tests. Often timed, questions are about judgement and decision making in the workplace as well as numerical and statistical analysis. Two companies replied to me immediately asking me to complete these. They often give you the opportunity to complete some practice questions. Do these! Make sure you are comfortable with the format and then give it your best shot. Online interviews are also common.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

My top tips for online interviews:<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Dress professionally<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Choose a quiet environment<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Good wifi connection<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Keep eye contact with the camera as if you were talking to the interviewer<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Read the questions and stick to them<\/p>\n

6. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Stick to the instructions given<\/p>\n

Number five\u2026 The interview<\/h4>\n

\"\"I got asked to the assessment centre by Johnson and Johnson to pitch my design concepts for a brief, to be interviewed and to complete a group presentation with other candidates. I was nervous but feeling comfortable as I knew I really wanted this opportunity. So, I wore a suit, I kept a smile but most importantly\u2026 I was myself. It\u2019s important to understand that this isn\u2019t just about whether the company wants you; it\u2019s whether you want them. As soon as I walked into the reception of DePuy Synthes I knew this was where I wanted to be. Everyone was friendly, professional and supportive and I couldn\u2019t have asked for a better experience. I came away thinking, \u201cEven if I don\u2019t get the job, I had a really great day\u201d.<\/p>\n

I am pleased to end this post with the fact that I got the placement at Johnson and Johnson. I will be a Junior Graphic Designer up in Leeds in June which means moving to a new place. I am so excited. Just remember to be confident in who you are. Even if you get knock backs,\u00a0 you learn where to improve. Never give up. You don\u2019t know what\u2019s around the corner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At Loughborough University all courses give you the opportunity to do a Placement Year or a Sandwich course.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":438,"featured_media":1533,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"lboro_blog_alternative_thumbnail_image":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[63],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-design-school"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to get a placement<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"After getting the perfect placement, Miranda lends her advice to anyone looking to get their own, sharing her experiences and tips.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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