To track down a good work placement, rigour, enthusiasm and perseverance should be your motto. Remember that a work placement can be a pre-hire opportunity, so research is crucial.
Some search advice:
- Start looking for a placement early on (3 to 6 months in advance)
- Plan ahead for the period when there tends to be a spike in students looking for a work placement (avoid looking during the summertime or when end-of-studies placements are beginning)
- Target your companies by speciality, size, ability to host trainees, etc.
- Ask for help in choosing companies and writing your CV and cover letter
- Build up an address book of corporate contacts by visiting trade fairs, forums, etc.
- Be convincing at your interviews
- Prepare your CV and cover letter with care, adapting them to the specific features of each company
- Be persevering in your perseverance
Process for beginning your placement search:
- Canvas potential companies (that match your speciality, your skill sets, etc.)
- Write a CV and cover letter
- Post a spontaneous application or respond to work placement listings
- Follow up and track your applications
- Keep expanding your search area to adjacent specialities until you receive a response
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