“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Q. What is the Placement Base?
A. The Placement Base is Dundee University Careers Service 'one-stop-shop' for students and employers, for internships and work experience placements. The Employer Liaison Team who are based in the Placement Base are working to find as many students within the University a work experience placement and therefore help to increase their employability after graduation. The Placement Base is open to both students and employers, our foyer area is open for information and latest placements five days a week and our drop-in sessions are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4pm, and Thursdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm (other times by appointment.)
A. An internship is a position which allows a student to gain professional experience in an occupational area they are considering. Typically the experience has a level of responsibility that allows a student to develop new skills in the field and offers the student training and supervision that facilitates learning.
We aim to be flexible to respond to both students and employers requirements in terms of timing and length of placement, but they will probably be around 30-40 hours in length and would normally take place over Easter or Summer holidays in the student's own time. The placements would involve the student working on a short project for example in marketing or public relations; designing web-pages or software; to collect / analyse some research data in a particular field; to organise an event or really anything that benefits both the student and the employer. This is a good opportunity for you to undertake a project that you haven't normally had time to do!
Q. What's expected of me as an Employer?
A. We would be expecting you to provide the student with a concrete project for them to work on, something that is going to be of benefit to them but obviously of benefit to you and your organisation. Ideally students should not just be work shadowing or making cups of tea!
You would be expected to cover all aspects of health and safety, including insurance, for the time that the student is with you. You will need to inform us and the student if they are required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check. Please let us know if you are prepared to cover the cost of this yourself. International students are not required to have work permits or national insurance numbers for unpaid work placements or internships.
When the student arrives on placement, the Employer would be expected to make them feel at home and part of the team.
As an employer you would also be expected to liaise as much as possible with the team at the Placement Base to let them know how the student is getting on and also if there are any issues that need dealing with.
Q. What's expected of the student?
A. The student is expected to turn up on time and carry out the work to the best of their ability. They are also encouraged to prepare for the placement and to do some research into the company in which they will be working.
Q. What input can I have in choosing the student?
A. Once you have confirmed that you wish to take a student on an internship, we will then try to match you up with a student who is looking for something similar to the line of work you are in and the project you are offering. We will send you their CV and if you are happy, the placement will then proceed.
If you wish to meet the student or have a mock interview with them, we can help set this up.
The level of input you have in the selection of the student is entirely up to you.
Q. Can you guarantee getting me an intern?
A. No, we cannot guarantee finding a student to fill every placement that is provided to us. However, we will work with academic staff to make sure that the placements you provide are well promoted amongst the relevant students as well as being promoted in the Placement Base.
Q. Do I have to pay the student?
A. No, you don't have to pay the student and students will not expect to get paid. However, in cases where the student is required to live away from home or travel further than usual it would be helpful if you would consider contributing towards these costs.
Q. Do I have to write a report on the student?
A. No you don't have to write a report on the student but students might wish you to act as a referee for them in future.
Q. What is the role of the Employer Liaison Team?
A. The Employer Liaison Team aim to work with students, academic staff and
employers to try and make Dundee University students as employable as possible,
through organising internships and work experience placements.
We are here to facilitate all aspects of the internship programme and to offer
support and advice to both students and employers.
A member of this team will visit the student whilst on placement.
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