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Victoria, Marta, and Alex: When you connect with employers, unexpected things happen

Victoria, Marta, and Alex: When you connect with employers, unexpected things happen

Posted on 1 March 2022 • Fairs and events, Jobs, internships and work experience, Networking and social media, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

“I thought it would be great to visit for the day. I was unaware of the placements before the Insight Day but the team there actively encouraged us to apply. Initially, I didn’t feel ready for a 12-month placement, but I ended up applying for three projects and got invited to interview for two, despite feeling that I lacked some of the skills listed in the job description – so don’t let that hold you back.”
Victoria Hodges, BSc (Hons) Computing & IT

Want to unlock new career opportunities? Whether you’re just discovering what’s out there or exploring pathways to a specific career, reaching out to an employer can lead you to unexpected opportunities, as OU students Victoria, Marta, and Alex found out.

The magic of making connections

When you meet employers in any of the panel webinars, careers fairs, or site visits that you can find on Careers and Employability Services’ events page, always expect the unexpected.

OU students Victoria, Marta, and Alex all attended an in-person Insight Visit to Diamond Light Source in 2019 which unexpectedly led to a 12-month placement in 2020/2021, something they didn’t even know existed.

“If the opportunity arises, go for it! Don’t be afraid to ask questions… lots of them!”
Victoria Hodges, BSc (Hons) Computing & IT

Victoria, Marta, and Alex were all accepted onto Diamond Light Source’s highly-prized 12-month placement after networking during the site visit. Check your inbox for your monthly Careers Express e-newsletter to keep up to date with employer and networking events that just might lead your career to unexpected success.

How to network

“I would suggest talking to someone who already works in your desired field and attending industry events – you might get a different idea from that than from just studying job boards and adverts.”
Marta Rudnicka, BSc (Hons) Computing & IT

If you’re a networking newbie or nervous about reaching out, you’re not alone. OU Careers and Employability Services is here to build your confidence, starting with the networking webpage on the Help Centre and the quick networking tips on OpportunityHub. If you have half an hour to spare, the hugely popular Networking Woes to Networking Pro webinar from OU Careers Consultants Dale and Chandni takes a deeper dive.

Internships and placements

“I would advise anyone considering a career in STEM to strongly consider doing a year 2 placement”
Alexander Jury, BSc (Hons) Mathematics and Physics

For Victoria, Marta, and Alex, their unexpected opportunity took the form of a placement. For STEM industries, these are often year-long placements traditionally open to ‘year 2’ students (that’s stage 2 modules for the OU). However, placements and internships come in all shapes and sizes.

“If an opportunity to do a placement like this arises, just do it! My goal is to progress my career in IT and for this you need experience – I feel employers do look more favourably at this plus you learn so much more when immersed in a working environment. The placement has made me aware of shape this career could take and the routes I could go down to succeed. I believe the skills and knowledge I am gaining through the work I am doing at Diamond will help me in my future IT and Maths modules.”
Victoria Hodges, BSc (Hons) Computing & IT

Internships are a great way to gain essential skills and work experience. An internship can allow you to dip your toe into a new sector or role, build up contacts, and learn more about your career path.

“For sure, having completed a large project for real-life use will help me with end of module projects.”
Marta Rudnicka, BSc (Hons) Computing & IT

There are different forms work experience you could also consider, including shadowing and volunteering.

Careers support from the OU

Wherever you are in your OU journey and whatever your background, OU Careers and Employability Services can help you to realise your unique potential. During your study and for three years after, you have access to a wide range of useful online tools and resources. You can find the help that’s most relevant to you through our intelligent Career Readiness Pulse which diagnoses your career needs.