Students from Computing and Informatic courses recently took part in a speed networking event with local employers, in a first of its kind here at Bournemouth University.
Designed to help students find a placement employer, the speed networking event was part of a series of events which also included a hacking incident simulation and a visit to BAE Systems. A variety of businesses attended including Greenwood Campbell, Bistech and Vitality.
The event was organised by Sarah Dymott, Computing Placement Coordinator and Jane Henriksen-Bulmer, Principal Academic in Computer Science. Following a welcome from Keith Phalp, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Science and Technology, the employers each had two minutes to pitch themselves to the students.
Sarah Dymott explained, “having recognised the demand for digital skills in the local economy The Computing Department organised the Placement Pitch and Student Group Networking as a way to create opportunities for our students and assist local employers with developing their talent pipelines.”
Following the pitches, students then had the opportunity to talk to employers and ask any questions during a four-minute time slot before moving on to the next employer.
Brandon Waine, a second year Software Engineering student commented, “It was a fantastic opportunity to meet a variety of potential placement providers. I got to know the businesses and employers and had the opportunity to put myself out there.”
Rachel Johnson, HR Business Partner for the UK at Ibcos Computers, said the event was a “great opportunity to meet positive and talented students at Bournemouth Uni who were keen on securing a placement, in software development, for the third year of their degree course. I really enjoyed the event and, as an employer, we found it very useful and took away some learning points too!”
Chelsea Eaton, a second year Forensic Computing and Security, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed attending this event and hope for more events like this in the future.” Sarah Dymott also said that the team “are delighted that the event was a success!”
