An Academic View of Work Placements

5th Meeting for HE Career Advisers

July 9, 2010Dr. Virginie Grzelczyk

Tutor and Placement Coordinator

Department of Politics, University of Surrey

1. Placements in Politics: Definitions

2. Placements in Politics: Rationale

3. Placements in Politics: How

4. Getting a placement

5. Evaluation

6. ‘Questions’ for thought

Contents

“‘A period of assessed training lasting 30/46 weeks giving students insights into their subject and career potential which could not be gained by study alone”

There are 3 options in Politics:

(1) A period of professional training paid (46 weeks) or unpaid (30 weeks).

(2) A ‘split placement’ consisting of 15 weeks (one semester) professional training and 15 weeks (one semester) as an Erasmus student at one of our European partner institutions

(3) A full academic year as an Erasmus student at one of our European partner institutions or on exchange in the U.S.

Placements in Politics: Definitions

PT Year: Employability and personal development – enhanced confidence and grasp of working life in addition to a stand-out CV upon graduation, stimulates fresh interest in political/International Studies and improvement in final year performance by generating novel ideas for final year dissertation.

Key learning outcomes:

•Self Management and Development

•Managing Tasks

•Communicating Effectively and Clearly

•Working with and Relating to Others

•Application of Specialist Knowledge

•Application of Initiative

•Reflecting on own Learning Outcomes

Placements in Politics: Rationale

Any organisation (UK or abroad) that has a political dimension to its work – a broad range of potential employers from: Private Sector, Public Sector, International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations

A Placement Agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of the placement organisation, student and university.

Students on Professional Training who gain 120 credits will receive the credits on their transcript

There are 4 units of assessment totaling 120 Credits:

Professional Training Briefing Session (10 credits)

Professional Training Visiting Tutor Assessment (20 credits)

Professional Training Workplace Supervisor Evaluation (50 credits)

Professional Training Student Evaluation (40 credits)

Placements in Politics: How

Advice given to students:

•Think carefully about what kind of placement is right for you

•Approach Careers Service as part of process of drawing up range of suitable providers you can approach in the field of work that you are most interested in

•Take a skills audit

•Craft a compelling CV and Covering Letter

•Persistently approach companies/organisations and keep your eyes open for placement opportunities

•Exploit your personal contacts

•Ensure that you apply for any opportunities that are offered by the Department

Getting a placement

Evaluation

Students’ Experience Faculty Experience

Good experience – very little disappointment

Ability to discern and reflect on experience

Stronger abilities for 3rd year

Placement seeking-process not always successful

Generally, strongest students are the one going on placement

Strong interest at recruitment

PT Community development

University-wide recognition

‘Reality check’ about students’ competencies

Adjustment of program content

Cohort effect (+ or -)

What is the role of PDP within placement schemes?

Should placements be mandatory?

How can employers know more about placements?

What is the proper output for assessment?

What is the right balance between assisting and enabling?

Questions for Thought