Micro-Placements prepared me for my career
Third year student Kishan Chatwal, (BSc International Political Economy), credits his Micro-Placement as the reason why he feels ready to start his career.
The 20-year-old Londoner from Croydon gained a head-start over the competition by spending four months working as an analyst at Evalucom Consulting – a management consultancy start-up specialising in the health sector.
The Micro-Placement programme at City sees students complete a minimum 3-5-week placement at a London-based employer alongside their studies. Students are able to select whether they would want to work part-time or full-time and all travel and lunch expenses are covered.
Since its creation in 2016 the Micro-Placement programme has helped over 1,800 students in total. Over the past two years, 130 industry-leading employers have provided projects as part of the Programme, with 20 students having their placements extended or offered permanent roles.
We need more than just a degree
Kishan, who was offered a full Summer position at the firm after his Micro-Placement, said:
“Everyone expects to get a job once they leave university. However, employers want more than just a degree, they want real-life experience and that is why I chose to do a Micro-Placement, so that I could improve the strength of my applications for when I apply for graduate schemes later on in the year.
Kishan Chatwal, (BSc International Political Economy)
“The majority of my work was in the procurement side of the business where I worked on a project aiming to secure a public contract with the NHS. This gave me a stronger understanding of the UK’s healthcare system and more confidence when using data and liaising with clients.
“I have learnt so much at Evalucom – mainly being that I now know this is the industry that I would like to pursue my career in. I am quite a social person, so finding a role which is client-side based, and doesn’t just require me to sit at my desk all day is a priority.”
Get a head start now
Having some work-place examples to talk about in interviews is why Kishan feels every student should consider a Micro-Placement.
“We have entered a time where getting a job for people our age is becoming increasingly more competitive and job security is much worse than it used to be. A Micro-Placement is a really good way for you to stand out from the crowd.
“I feel more prepared going to job interviews and applying to graduate schemes, as I now have more relevant examples to talk about.
Kishan Chatwal, (BSc International Political Economy)
“I also feel like I am a lot more confident, and I better understand what employers look for in new graduates, which will give me a better chance of securing the job I want for next year.”
The Micro-Placement programme will reopen in Autumn 2020. For more information about the Micro-Placement programme contact micro-placements@city.ac.uk.