University of Kent :
deckchairs by Orla Garratt/School of Computing
A national report on industry placements for computer science students uses the School of Computing's placement team as an example of best practice.
The report, ‘Growing Experience: A Review of Undergraduate Placements in Computer Science’ was published by the National Centre for Universities and Businesses on 14 January. It highlights the ‘organic growth’ model which is part of the Kent placement team strategy.
The report investigates the relatively high level of unemployment for computer science graduates nationally, despite rapid growth in the technology sector, a trend which does not apply to Kent computer science graduates, particularly those with a Year in Industry placement. The results of the last NSS survey showed that 100% of Kent Computer Science with a Year in Industry students were employed in a professional or managerial role within six months of graduation.
The report’s authors said: ‘We surveyed 40 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the UK about the quality and quantity of current computing placement activity, and explored in depth their views, working practices and their perception of the barriers to student uptake.’
Katie Van Sanden, one of the School’s two placement officers said: ‘We pride ourselves on being a dedicated Placement Office whose sole purpose is to find suitable year-long placements to complement the theory taught on the course.’
For the full article with links, see the School of Computing news webpages.