Category: Placements

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Placement Interview: Suryansh Singh, Andor Technology

Student name: Suryansh Singh 

Company name: Andor Technology (Under Oxford Instruments) 

Role: Software Engineering Placement Student 

Why did you decide to do a placement? 

There were two main reasons that led me to do a placement: I want to be job ready as soon as I graduate and having this placement experience will have help me significantly in that. 

My parents were able to finance the fees for my first two years at university. I want to use the salary from my placement to contribute to my final year of fees. 

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

My placement involves a wide range of tasks that a software engineer does. I am working with the main software development team, and my role is no different than the other developers. As an Intern I do need guidance sometimes, but the team are always on hand to help with any issues. 

I get assigned several tasks at the start of every sprint (a development run of 2 weeks) and then try to resolve all those tasks as quickly as possible. Once the development is done, I test my code on real devices in the lab – some of them are used by NASA and Nobel prize-winning scientists, etc. 

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

  • Start applying as soon as vacancies are open and apply to several placements to increase your chances, especially if you’re relying on the placement to finance your studies.  
  • Develop your computing CV through activities such as answering questions on Leetcode, increasing your proficiency in version control, and creating projects you can talk about at interview. 
  • Companies love hearing interns talk about AGILE methodologues and DevOps, so make sure to have a basic knowledge of them. 
  • Smile during your interview! 

You might get rejected during the application process, even from the online assessments but all you must do is learn from your mistakes, master these things, and move forward. I remember I got rejected from the first 20-30 applications I made but after a while I was clearing all the online assessments, had 3-4 interviews, and secured 2 offers. So, don’t let rejections demotivate you! 

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

Newcastle University has been very helpful in terms of career support. Before the placement I completed 3 or 4 NCL Internships offered by the university and that really made my CV and profile look good. The MyCareer website lists tons of internships and tools and there is the ability to book CV counselling. 

The support from the placement team through email has also been amazing. I emailed them with lots of questions and they dealt with all of them kindly. 

What benefits will your placement have on your studies? 

Before starting the placement, I was considering what my final year project would be. I was a bit concerned about what I would be able to create as I didn’t feel confident in my coding skills. But after completing the first 4 months of my placement, I now feel so much more confident in my skills. 

I’m feeling really motivated about going forward into my last year at university as I’ll be able to use everything I’ve learnt during my placement in my final year project and other assignments. 

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Employer Interview: Enigma Interactive

Enigma Interactive are an award-winning specialist digital development agency based in Newcastle and London. 

What placement roles do you offer to Computer Science Undergraduates? 

We offer 12-month Developer placements to Computer Science and Software Engineering Graduates as part of their degree course. 

What do students work on during their placement? 

The work that our Placements do at Enigma will be varied, depending on the team and projects they are assigned to. This means, at times, it can be quite complex and require some level of R&D, whilst at other times, it may involve refining, maintenance and support. 

Work can include: 

  • Implementation of front-end user interfaces and experience based on graphic designs 
  • Implementation of server-side logic and code based on technical / functional specification 
  • Design and configuration of data storage / database schemes 
  • Peer to peer testing and review of work delivered by teammates 
  • Client communications – including requirement gathering, involvement in weekly calls and Programme Board meetings 

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

For Enigma, placement students would be creative developers who have the following skills (or at least a selection of them) 

  • knowledge of object-oriented languages such as Java or C# 
  • Knowledge of front-end web technologies such as VUE, SASS or LESS 
  • Knowledge of web server technology such as Nginx or Apache 
  • Knowledge of database technology such as MySQL or Hibernate 

However, having a positive attitude is key for our placements – those with the drive to learn new technologies and frameworks and the desire to contribute to a creative and collaborative multi-disciplined team are important. 

We look for students, much like our other employees, who are passionate, not afraid to challenge, analytical and supportive. 

In a nutshell, students with excellent coding and problem-solving abilities, a real passion for digital technology (specifically web development) and with an inquisitive mind would be the ideal candidates for a placement with us. 

What support does Enigma Interactive offer for placement students? 

Our Placements are treated like all our employees in that they are given a full induction when they first start, along with a period of on-boarding into their role, followed by continued support throughout their time with us, as and when required.   

We integrate our Placements fully into their team, its projects and our business. 

We appreciate that they are still students, and there will be gaps in knowledge and skillset, so we assign a ‘mentor’ who is there to answer any questions and provide support and guidance. 

We know we have an obligation to support our Placements, not just as a means to ‘upskill’ them by providing technical knowledge and commercial insight, but to help them develop those all-important softer skills, as well as building their confidence and resilience. 

We encourage our Placements to get fully involved with the vibrant social scene that Enigma offers. Activities include sports challenges, book club, Pilates sessions, pub lunches, plus a whole range of ad hoc evening activities such as axe throwing, crazy golf, cheese tasting and Escape Rooms, to name but a few. We’ve even had a visit from some birds of prey at our studio!  This helps the students to fully integrate into our team and fosters a sense of belonging.   

Being a Placement in a business is often a significant change for students – they are in a new commercial environment, with new challenges and new people.  Given that, we are keen to support our Placements overall well-being and mental health – during their transition from student-life to the workplace, and throughout their time with us. 

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

Yes – most definitely!  Since we began taking placements, several of our Newcastle University students have been offered permanent Developer roles after Graduation. 

Currently, we have three Developers on staff who started out as placements and another two who have been offered a full-time job when they graduate. 

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

Each Autumn, we advertise our placements on the Newcastle University Careers site and also have the opportunity posted on the University Computing @ Newcastle: Employment and Enterprise blog. 

We liaise with the Placement Co-ordinator to make sure that the opportunity is promoted and announced to all 2nd year students who may be interested. 

Enigma also regularly attend the University Job Fairs where we promote our placements and  any graduate opportunities that we have open. 

Is there anything else you’d like to say? 

Enigma has been offering placement opportunities to university students for over 20 years and the benefits to both the student and to our company cannot be overstated. 

Placement students have brought Enigma talent, creativity, diversity and innovation. They have allowed us to expand our services, maintain the quality of what we build, commit to increased client work and hit deadlines, as well as contributing to overall business growth.   

Enabling our placement students to grow and progress as developers is not just of benefit to Enigma and our clients, but by extension to the whole digital sector. 

We want our students to thrive during their year with us – to really enjoy their time here, to gain exposure to a variety of technologies and to hone their skills (hard and soft) and, hopefully, return to us when they graduate. 

Previous Placement student Pietro Alessandro Uberti Bona Blotto at the Tech Talent event earlier this year. Read about Pietro’s experience in this blog: Enigma Placements: Pietro’s year as a Software Developer – News | Enigma Interactive
Previous Placement student Bradley McCarthy who spoke about his experience in this blog Enigma Placements: Bradley’s year as a Software Developer – News | Enigma Interactive

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Cyber Security Student Placement

Location:  Newcastle, GB

Contract Type:  Fixed Term

Working Pattern:  Full Time

Posted Date:  30 May 2024

Our IT Service exists to deliver an excellent service for its users, enabling world-class teaching, learning, and research at our university. We are committed to expanding our knowledge and expertise with a strong focus on training and development for our people. We shape the future of education and contribute to ground-breaking projects through IT innovation. To find out more about our dynamic customer-focused teams, visit Working in our IT Service.

Salary: Salary £23,700 per annum

Closing Date: 9 June

Further information can be found here: Cyber Security Student Placement Job Details | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)

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Cyber Security Internship at Siemens


‘Better’ Starts Here
Starting salary: £22,620
Join Siemens for more than just a job – It’s a rewarding journey with growth, benefits, and a diverse, encouraging environment. Your success and well-being matter to us.

Did you know we’re scrapping the CV? We believe skills can be developed, and potential can be nurtured. We’re not so interested in what you’ve done – we care most about who you are and what you can do. Your CV will still need to be attached but it will not be seen by a hiring manager until the selection process has been completed.

You will join a community of like-minded early career professionals where you will bond and grow with team-building activities and real problems to solve. You will be given responsibility for challenging opportunities which will help you succeed.


What can I expect?
Siemens Smart Infrastructure intelligently connects energy systems, buildings and industries to adapt and evolve the way we live and work – our goal is to create environments that care.

The Product and Solution Security Intern will provide support to the Cybersecurity function in implementation of our Secure Delivery framework which is designed to ensure the security of our products, solutions, and service offerings. This role will involve assisting in the implementation and maintenance of security controls, performing security assessments, and supporting security-related initiatives.


As a Product and Solution Security Intern, here is a taste of what you can expect:
-Assist in the development and implementation of security controls for products and solutions.
-Support security awareness and training initiatives for employees.
-Conduct security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify potential risks and
vulnerabilities.
-Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure security requirements are properly integrated into the development lifecycle.
-Support the implementation and maintenance of security policies, standards, and procedures.
-Assist in evaluating and recommending security technologies and tools.
-Stay up to date with the latest security trends, vulnerabilities, and industry best practices.
-Ability to analyse and report relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to management.
-Presenting technical information to non-technical audiences.
-You’ll also have the flexibility throughout the internship to focus on topics and projects which most interest you.
-Work in our UK Intern Collaboration Project with all of our interns to help shape our future with tangible outcomes based on your valuable inputs and perspectives.

What do I need to apply?
We are looking for forward thinking, innovative and inquisitive candidates that demonstrate the following:
-Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Information Security, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity Engineering, or a related field.
-Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles, concepts, and technologies.
-Knowledge of threat landscape and common security vulnerabilities.
-You think logically and are willing to self-learn and research.
-Bring new thinking, challenges the status quo and take initiative.

APPLY HERE.

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NHS Business Services Authority ICT Security Support Analyst – Student Placement

The closing date is 23 January 2024

Apply for this job

Job summary

Here at NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), we have an exciting opportunity for a student to join us on a placement year as an ICT Security Support Analyst.

In support of NHSBSA operations, the IT function develops, supports and operates services. The security function helps ensure these digital services remain confidential.

Our team will help you realise your potential, sharing their wealth of skills and experience with you. You’ll gain from mentor support while in the workplace, providing you with all the guidance you willneed to build a successful career.

You could be part of it – earn and learn! It’s an exciting and challenging time here at the NHSBSA, as we help to shape and deliver efficient digitised products and services that enable front line services to deliver better healthcare, underpinned by great technology!

The placement is 13 months: 1st August 2024 to 1st September 2025. You must be currently enrolled in a course which allows for a placement and be in your penultimate year at the time of starting.

Apply here: Job Advert (jobs.nhs.uk)