Author: nrs291

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Serios Group – Graduate Data Solution Engineer

Job Title: Graduate Data Solution Engineer (Newcastle)

About Us: 

Graduate Programme Overview: 

We are excited to launch our Graduate Data Solution Engineer programme, starting in September 2025, with an assessment centre scheduled for June 2025. This hands-on, immersive programme is designed to give recent graduates the opportunity to work alongside experienced data solution engineers, contributing to bespoke and partnership engagements with our clients across a wide range of industry sectors.

You will receive comprehensive training in data engineering, data architecture, cloud data platforms, specialist data solution testing and QA, and consulting skills, helping you to build a strong foundation for a successful career in data solutions. Graduates will also have opportunities to get involved with our suite of data platform products, Seriös ONE.

What You’ll Be Doing:

1. Hands-on Data Solution Delivery:

  • Work alongside experienced data solution engineers on client projects, supporting the delivery of data pipelines, integrations, and transformations.
  • Assist in the development, testing, and deployment of data solutions across a variety of industry sectors.
  • Gain exposure to end-to-end data solution lifecycles, from requirements gathering to implementation and support.

2. Training & Development:

  • Participate in structured training sessions covering data engineering, data architecture, cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP), specialist data solution testing and QA, and modern data tools.
  • Receive coaching and mentorship from senior engineers and data architects.
  • Develop consulting and client-facing skills to effectively work within a professional services environment.

3. Client Engagement and Collaboration:

  • Work on bespoke and partnership engagements with enterprise clients, helping them solve complex data challenges.
  • Participate in client meetings and workshops, gaining an understanding of client requirements and how data solutions align with business goals.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, solution architects, test engineers, and QA specialists, to deliver high-quality solutions.

4. Exposure to Data Platform Products:

  • Gain hands-on experience with our suite of data platform products, Seriös ONE, contributing to product development, testing, and enhancement activities.
  • Collaborate with product teams to understand how Seriös ONE addresses complex data challenges and supports client needs.

5. Learning & Innovation:

  • Stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in data engineering, cloud platforms, and data analytics.
  • Contribute ideas and solutions to improve internal processes, tools, and frameworks.
  • Embrace a continuous learning mindset, taking advantage of development opportunities throughout the programme.

What We’re looking For:

  • A recent graduate (or expected to graduate by Summer 2025) with a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
  • A genuine passion for data, technology, and solving real-world business problems.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
  • A proactive and curious mindset with a desire to continuously learn and improve.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Some exposure to programming languages such as Python, SQL, or Java (coursework, personal projects, or internships) is advantageous.
  • Interest or experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.

What We Offer:

  • A hands-on, structured graduate programme with real client project experience.
  • Comprehensive training in data engineering, architecture, cloud platforms, specialist data solution testing and QA, and consulting skills.
  • Mentorship from experienced data solution engineers and architects.
  • Opportunities to work with our data platform products, Seriös ONE.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • A collaborative and innovative working environment that values diversity and creativity.
  • Flexibility with hybrid/remote working arrangements.
  • Opportunities for growth and progression within the company upon successful completion of the programme.

Graduate Assessment Centre:

  • The assessment centre will be held in June 2025 and will include group exercises, technical challenges, and interviews with members of our team.
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend and provided with all necessary information in advance.

Click here to apply: Graduate Data Solution Engineer | Seriös Group

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Placement Interview: Sanjana Muppasani, Roche

Student name: Sanjana Muppasani  

Company name: Roche Products Ltd  

Role: Product Development Data Sciences, Developer for AI Use Cases  

Why did you decide to do a placement? 

Before deciding to apply for a placement, I carefully considered the potential benefits and how it would align with my academic studies and future career aspirations. I recognized that gaining practical experience by applying my theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, particularly through AI projects, would be invaluable. 

I was seeking an opportunity that would help me identify my areas of interest and provide clarity regarding my future career path. I believed that managing multiple projects with varying requirements would enhance my time management and organizational skills. 

I also understood that such an experience would teach me essential life skills such as accountability and independence, which would not only benefit my university studies but also be crucial for my career and beyond. 

Overall, I saw applying for a placement as a vital step in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and professional expertise, setting a strong foundation for my future endeavours. With these considerations in mind, I was confident that pursuing a placement was the right decision. 

What does your placement involve? What are your role responsibilities? 

In my current placement, my role is heavily focused on programming and the development of AI use cases, with the aim of streamlining data ingestion processes to optimise clinical trials. Specifically, my responsibilities include: 

  • Engaging in both the creation of Proof of Concepts (POCs) and the execution of end-to-end system implementations. 
  • Using various AI technologies including Large Language Models (LLMs), General Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to enhance and automate data ingestion tasks. 
  • Working together with key stakeholders such as Data Management teams, Laboratory staff, and Medical Monitors to make sure the solutions meet their requirements and facilitate improved clinical trial workflows. 

Do you have any advice to students who are looking for / applying for a placement? 

Use key words from the job description in your cover letter. This helps you show how your skills are suited to the role and demonstrates that you are an ideal candidate for the position. 

After every interview or assessment, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback – it can give you valuable insights into how companies make their hiring decisions and how you can improve your performance. 

Use every interview as an opportunity to improve your self-confidence, interview skills, and mannerisms. Take time to reflect honestly on how each interview went to identify areas of improvement. 

Keep applying and don’t give up. Good things take time, and persistence will lead to success. 

While it may be tempting to use GenAI to draft your application or provide answers during video interviews, it’s important not to rely on it too much. Employers can see through this, and it often doesn’t reflect well on you. 

What support have you had from the university before and during your placement? 

The support I received from my university before and during my placement was immensely valuable. 

I found my placement opportunity through the university’s careers website. This platform was instrumental in my search and provided a comprehensive list of available placement opportunities. 

I reached out to the information advisers in the career’s service who helped me gain a deeper understanding of Roche before my interview. They provided me with insights about the company’s culture, values, and expectations, which were crucial in my preparation. 

The information advisers did mock interviews with me, and gave me honest, valuable feedback to help me improve my performance. The tips they gave me really helped build my confidence ahead of the actual assessment centre. 

The Careers Service were really helpful while I prepared for my interview. They helped me understand the different tasks that I might have to complete at the assessment centre and guided me through what to do, so I was well-informed and better prepared. 

What benefits will your placement have on your studies? 

The work I am doing on placement is closely related to the modules I have chosen for my third year. I’ve also been able to reinforce my understanding of the theoretical knowledge learnt at university by applying it in the real world. 

  • This experience has helped me identify my areas of interest within Computing, so I’m able to make better decisions about my future career. 
  • Managing multiple projects with varying requirements, time commitments, and technologies has significantly improved my time management skills. It has taught me how to effectively balance my time and take full accountability for my work. This is a valuable life skill that is applicable not only to my university experience but also in my future career and beyond. 
  • Working within a cross-functional department has helped me to develop my communication and presentation skills, which are crucial for professional success. 
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Games Industry employability seminars

Please see below for details of upcoming seminars from the UK Games Industry taking place in the Urban Science Building. Talks are free and open to all students.

Industry talks will start at 13:00 for around 40 minutes, with informal chats and feedback in the Game Lab (4:015) afterwards. Please be punctual and do not take photos.

More talks to be announced.

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Placement Interview: Roisin Webb, Primark

Student name: Róisín Webb 

Company: Primark  

Role: Technology Trainee Digital Architecture – Cloud Security  

Why did you decide to do a placement? 

There were a few reasons I decided to do a placement. In particular, I wanted to gain industry experience and learn more about the opportunities I could get into after university. A placement year was the perfect way to gain a year’s experience to enhance my CV, and it was an added bonus to get paid. 

The placement also helped me develop my technical and personal skills, including presenting, time management and communication. 

What did your placement involve? What were your role responsibilities? 

One of my key responsibilities was to regularly check the progress of the compliance of Primark’s ‘Security Baseline’ initiative. This involved working with an external company to make 2 to 5 policies compliant per sprint. I worked on improving the compliance score on Secure Score (Microsoft Defender for Cloud) to provide the required business risk reduction assurance. From December 2023 to July 2024, the score improved by 14%, which involved regular meetings (which helped improve my confidence as I lead these meetings) give guidance on remediation tasks and provide work packages. 

I gained experience of monitoring through the Azure platform, and it was my obligation to ask for updates and push deadlines in our Stand Ups. As the representative for Primark, the responsibility was significant, and I was the first point of contact for the third-party partner to raise any issues or problems. 

I produced a Low-Level Infrastructure Document, which taught me a range of technical skills, as I got to see real configurations being implemented. I also learned business skills by reaching out to colleagues for peer reviews and approvals. 

I created a Security Operations landing zone in Azure, which involved reaching out to different colleagues, presenting to them, and improving my Visio skills and knowledge of Azure Services. The creation of the landing zone also helped develop my project management skills, as I drafted a project plan for implementation. Using the Azure Pricing Calculator was very insightful for gaining knowledge about the pricing side of implementing services. 

Do you have any advice to students who are looking for / applying for a placement? 

  • You don’t need to know everything going into the year – the company are there to teach you but also learn from you. 
  • Don’t apply to loads of places for the sake of it: apply to what you’re interested in and tailor your CV to the role and the company. 
  • During your placement, be curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help. 
  • Make use of the university’s careers service. You can get your CV checked, do practice assessments and practice with a mock interview. 

When did you start applying? How many placements did you apply for? 

I started applying in October 2022. I was quite lucky as I got the first placement I applied for. 

What support did you have from the university before and during your placement? 

During my placement, there was constant support if you needed it; my placement supervisor kept in touch with my by email and even visited me in Dublin to see how I was getting on and what I had achieved, as well as speaking to my manager about my progress. 

How do you think your placement will benefit your final Undergraduate year and future career? 

It taught me what I definitely don’t want to do, but also what I do want to do in the future! I now know I have a passion for cloud and cyber security, and this has helped to know what graduate jobs and schemes to apply for. It helped me develop both personally and professionally, and I will be able to use the skills I learnt during my placement year in the future, no matter the company I work for. 

As for my final year, my placement helped me to choose which modules I want to do and informed my ideas for my dissertation topic. 

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Employer Interview: Waterstons

Image result for waterstons

What placement roles do you offer to Computer Science Undergraduates? 

We offer placements to Undergraduates as Software Consultants – this means they would be writing, testing and developing solutions to solve our customers’ requirements. This might be a fully bespoke application, integrating two systems together or even extending a piece of off-the-shelf software. We typically develop solutions in .NET and in Azure. 

What do students work on during their placement? 

A huge variety of things – you will be client-facing from a very early stage. You might be working as a full member of a team doing agile development for a client or doing smaller pieces of work. You won’t just be coding all day – we need our consultants to understand our clients really well so there are opportunities to visit some amazing client sites and get an insight into a really wide range of sectors and organisations. 

What are the key skills you’re looking for in students applying for placements? 

Communication and teamwork are fundamental to how we work at Waterstons. The ability to organise your time is also a really key one. Technology skills can be learned so we’re looking for that passion for technology but not necessarily the experience yet! 

What support does Waterstons offer for placement students? 

You’ll have a line manager who has regular one to ones and discussions about your progress. You’ll have the opportunity to study for exams based on your interests and where you want to take your career longer term and the chance to do things like self-directed research and development as well. We have regular hackdays to give our teams the space to have fun and learn something new!.The teams are really supportive and will take good care of you as well. 

Have any of our students you’ve previously taken on placement been offered a role after graduation? 

Yes – a huge number of our staff today started their careers as a placement year or year in industry student – including myself! 

How can students find out about the placement vacancies you have available? 

Head to our website and check out the Careers pages. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say? 

If you aren’t sure, ask! Don’t let the lack of technical skills put you off – when I joined, I could just about write some HTML and by the end of my year, I was leading software development projects on my own.