Placement Experience: Project Coordinator - Computacenter - Stuti Parmar

What motivated you to pursue an optional placement year?

At the start of my second year, I was certain that I wanted to pursue a placement year. The regular visits from the placement department, along with the classes and workshops they hosted, really solidified this decision. I understood that spending a year in the industry would not only provide valuable experience but also help me develop numerous skills, expand my network, and immerse myself in a corporate, professional environment. 
Additionally, one of the key advantages is the increased preference I’ll have when applying for graduate roles. 

What were your main concerns or uncertainties about taking a placement year, and how did you address them?

Taking a placement year comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainties. As an international student, I had several concerns: Would I even receive an offer? If I did, would the Home Office approve it? How would it affect my visa status? And, perhaps the most daunting question—would I be able to perform well in interviews, especially with native English speakers? There were so many unknowns, but despite the uncertainties, I remained determined and kept applying. Over time, my fear of interviews began to fade. With the support of the University’s careers service, I improved my interview skills and successfully navigated all the rounds of my second interview with an IT company.

What tips would you give to students about balancing placement applications with university studies?

Balancing placement applications with university studies can be challenging, especially for students like me who also work part-time, making it harder to dedicate more time to applications. However, with good planning and organization, it’s definitely manageable. I would suggest taking full advantage of your university’s career services for guidance on CV writing, cover letters, and mock interviews. Additionally, attending career fairs and networking events is a great way to connect with potential employers.

How did you adjust to a new workplace environment, and what resources or support helped you during this transition?

I secured a role in Hertfordshire and decided to move to Hatfield (base location). I had several city options to choose from, but I picked Hatfield because it’s closer to Portsmouth, making it easier to travel back and forth. I arrived a couple of weeks before my start date to give myself time to explore the city, check out transport services, shopping areas, and get settled in. At first, it was a bit depressing, as Hatfield is a quiet city, and I missed my university and work friends. However, I was excited for my first day at work and to meet my fellow placement students and colleagues.

I had a four-day induction that gave me an overview of the company culture and expectations. There were 9 other placement students, so it was easy to connect with them, and they were all friendly and helpful. The induction team introduced us to the business and various departments, and we did a lot of introductions throughout the process.

What has been the most rewarding part of your placement so far, and why?

There have been countless moments when I’ve felt that choosing a placement year was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. For starters, I gained valuable insight into a large IT business and its strategies. Being part of a team allowed me to build confidence and feel valued for the skills I bring to the table. 

I had the opportunity to visit our head office in Hatfield, as well as other offices in London (Blackfriars), Manchester, and the recycling and decommissioning center in Braintree. I also had the chance to visit some of our customer offices across London. At each office, I introduced myself as an industrial placement student, and my work was always appreciated. Knowing that my contributions have made a real difference has been incredibly fulfilling and has significantly boosted my confidence in my abilities.

Has your placement experience influenced your perspective on your chosen career path?

Working as a Project Coordinator during my placement year has strengthened my interest in project management. I’ve discovered how much I enjoy problem-solving, coordinating tasks, and collaborating with a team. My line manager also mentioned that I could take a Prince2 foundation course during my time at Computacenter, which would be a valuable addition to my skill set and enhance my future prospects in project management.

Would you recommend the placement program to other students?

Absolutely, I highly recommend a placement program to other students as it offers invaluable real-world experience and fosters both personal and professional growth. Start making applications early in your second year, as this gives you ample time to thoroughly prepare. A placement provides the perfect opportunity to learn from real-world experiences—take the initiative to ask questions, seek feedback, and take on new tasks or challenges to expand your skill set. The university’s placement team is excellent in offering guidance and feedback, so make sure to use these resources to your advantage. Most importantly, step out of your comfort zone. Networking during your placement can open doors to future opportunities, whether within the same company or in the wider industry. It’s been the best year so far, filled with new experiences and growth.