How to make the most of an Industrial Placement

Before your placement

Choose your placement carefully. Try and ensure it will be as varied as possible so that you learn all aspects of the company, and can therefore conclude what would - and what wouldn’t - be right for you.

Think about what you want to get out of your work experience and what your employer expects.

During your placement

Try not to be nervous. Whilst a new workplace, job and colleagues may seem daunting, after even just a day or two, things will start to feel more familiar.

Be punctual.

Be polite.

Dress appropriately. (If in doubt as to dress code, phone beforehand to check.)

Be enthusiastic, interested and willing to learn.

Be prepared to do (some) boring, mundane tasks.

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you need it.

Take notes when being briefed.

Show initiative and try to exceed expectations.

Try to do everything to the very best of your ability.

Don’t clock-watch. Starting early/leaving late/working through lunch - if required - will only impress.

Don’t have your personal mobile switched on in working hours.

Ask before using a company phone to make a personal call - even at lunchtime.

Never use the internet or email for personal use in work time. (If you wish to do so at lunchtime, ask whether this is permissible.)

Seek feedback on your performance from colleagues.

Learn to accept critical feedback and act on it.

Keep alert to any opportunity for continual professional development and networking - such as courses, training sessions, meetings and external events.

Take advantage of visits to and from customers/suppliers/subsidiary companies to build up a list of contacts who could be useful for final year project work or when job hunting.

If possible, spend time in as many different departments as you can and talk to employees about their roles, responsibilities, career paths to date and future aspirations.

Identify, observe and learn from people who are competent in areas where you are not - for instance, excellent presenters, capable managers, good networkers.

Keep a diary or log of your experiences, and list duties you perform/achievements you make. Note which parts of the experience you enjoy, and which you do not.

Remember to thank people who went out of their way to make your internship a valuable experience, such as your supervisor and helpful colleagues.

Consider sending a thank you letter/note/card, perhaps to the Head of Department where you worked, to let them know how much you learnt and enjoyed your time with the organisation.

Try and get a reference - preferably written rather than just a name and contact number - from your supervisor/mentor.

Try and enjoy the experience.

After your placement

Consider what you have learnt from your experience. What skills have you developed? What new skills have you learnt? What did you enjoy? What did you not enjoy? What did you do well, and what did you not do so well? Perhaps the placement taught you that you have good leadership skills, for instance, or that you are a strong team player. Do you still want to work in the industry you thought you did? Have you now ruled out any particular roles within that industry?

Remember to update your CV to include your work placement.