This blog post will explain how the Department of Computer Science supports students in securing a year in industry placement, the help available while on placement, and how this experience has impacted my studies and future plans.
First year – CV preparation
Around the middle of first year, we started working on employability skills, with a focus on CV drafting. The placement team (Harriet and Luke) were incredibly helpful from the start. They encouraged us to submit drafts of our CV for feedback. This early preparation gave us a head start without adding unnecessary stress, as there were no strict deadlines.
There were also sessions on topics like imposter syndrome and interview skills. These were open to everyone, not just those on the year in industry route, making them a great resource for all students.
The application process – Fast Track
Fast Track is a process where companies share job positions exclusively with the University of York. You upload your CV to the Fast Track portal, list five preferred companies, and the placements team distributes your application accordingly. I really missed the convenience of this when applying for graduate roles later!
Once shortlisted, the process typically involves:
● A company presentation to introduce their work
● A take-home task (not always required)
● A first-stage interview on campus
● A second-stage interview at the company’s office (not always required)
This process is much quicker than external applications, with most offers received by early November. However, you can still apply externally, and Harriet was fantastic at reviewing cover letters for those applications as well. Overall, I felt really supported throughout.
Choosing my year in industry placement
I previously completed a summer internship at a vehicle software firm, but I’m now more interested in consultancy. I chose Informed Solutions, a technical consultancy firm, because I enjoy social interaction and was excited about client-facing work.
Induction and getting started
My induction included a mix of activities: presentations, self-learning, and hands-on work. One thing that stood out was seeing how many non-technical roles are essential in a tech company. Throughout the year, I attended masterclasses alongside graduate employees. One of the most rewarding experiences was helping onboard the next year’s placement students, as I had taken a contract extension.
Living arrangements
Some of my friends moved across the country for their year in industry placements, while others stayed in Greater Manchester like me. I was based in Altrincham, a town south of Manchester. Many students found housing through Rightmove, SpareRoom, Discord, and university chats. I was fortunate to live at home, which helped me save money for my final year.
Most employers take on multiple students, so you’re never alone. It’s a great way to make new friends and expand your network!
Social life
Informed Solutions took on three other undergraduates from York, but I also met students from universities like Manchester. One important thing I realized is that in the working world, your social circle isn’t just people your age.
We had pub trips after work, I went on runs with coworkers, and we attended company conferences at Christmas and in the summer.
Year in industry assessment
The placement year is marked as a pass/fail and appears on your final degree certificate as “with a year in industry.”
For the assessment, we had to submit:
● A reflective report, selecting two SFIA skills (a framework for IT competencies)
● A poster, summarizing our experience
I primarily developed skills in Software Development and IT Infrastructure. One of the biggest takeaways was working with a variety of technologies and applying university theory in real-world projects. I also got hands-on experience with cloud computing, something I was keen to explore at the start of my placement.
Career plans moving forward
Some companies offer return offers, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive one. During my final year, I explored different career paths and discovered my passion for Data Science and Software Engineering. My final-year project focuses on simulating Formula One races using data, which reinforced my interest in this field.
I have now secured a graduate role at the Science and Technology Research Council as a Research Software Engineer. The role excites me because, at this stage in my career, I don’t feel the corporate world is the right fit for me—just a personal preference. I missed working with people during my placement, so I’m especially looking forward to outreach days and contributing to sustainable energy research. My passion for AI and software also impressed my new employer, so there may be opportunities to incorporate that into my work!
I’ll be based in Oxford, which gives me similar vibes to York, and it’s close enough to London for weekend trips, which is a bonus.
The biggest takeaway: confidence and getting involved
The most important thing I gained from my placement was confidence and the drive to make the most of opportunities. Returning to university, I pushed myself to try new societies—even if some weren’t for me, I still met great people. I ended up joining my college squash team, which introduced me to some incredible friends.
If you’re considering a year in industry, my biggest advice is: get involved from the start. Final year is flying by, and in just a few months, I’ll be fully immersed in adult life—a scary but exciting thought!
Note: This information is based on the 2023 placement process—be sure to check for any updates before applying!
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