Employability in the School of Computer Science
Introduction
"I realise that in the past 8 years Manchester has moved on and in London Manchester has a reputation for creating new technical talent that is second to none"
A citation from Paul Wright (a 2002 graduate) sent in July 2012
Choosing Computer Science as a subject for study at University opens up many avenues for your future career prospects. Almost every major challenge in the world turns to the use of computer science to solve problems, from medical research, education, supporting aid work in disaster areas, helping to create a sustainable environment, the logistics of moving products around the world, to the world of business and securing and managing the vast levels of data through visualisation, security and transmission not to mention the world of media and the many forms this takes.
To be a successful Computer Scientist is not just about solving technical problems but also collaboration, leadership & teamwork, so your programme of study at Manchester will encourage you to gain these interdisciplinary and interpersonal skills all of which are major requirements in the modern world of work.
Making a Difference: The ‘Baby’ was born in Computer Science at Manchester University in 1948 and changed the world forever. Where better to start your journey than in the birthplace of the modern computer, the workplace of Professor Steve Furber who was the principal designer of the ARM Microprocessor, a development that underpins the modern mobile technology industry. A place that continues to make huge contribution to the development of technologies, the most recent being the discovery of Graphene (a super conductor) the discovery of which led to the award of a Nobel Prize.
Career Prospects in Computer Science
- Computers and computing technology lies at the heart of many different organisations across all industrial sectors. Our Computer Scientists and Engineers are equipped through their undergraduate studies to support and develop these systems. Computer Technology is the fastest developing technology in the world and the requirement for graduates with the skills to work in this constantly developing and changing field is continuing to grow, whilst the actual supply of graduates with the skills is dropping world wide.
- Computer Science Graduates are on average the highest earners on graduation from University, with a high earning capacity.
- Computer Science is an intellectually stimulating subject because it continues to change the world we live in day by day. Computer Science is always working in the future and being in this field gives you the opportunity to be one of those world changers. Computer Scientists are ‘puzzle solvers’ taking the most complex situations then finding and developing solutions.
- English is the language of choice for the computing industry, therefore careers across the world are open to graduates from English Universities.
Where do our graduates find work?
View Industrial Experience @csmcr in a larger map
Students from the School of Computer Science at Manchester are sought by companies and institutions across all areas because our programmes provide the student with the solid theoretical foundational skills in all technical and transferable skills that are attractive to employers.
Computer Science 'with Industrial Experience (IE)' programmes
Why spend a year in Industry?
- More than 1/3 of jobs for new graduates go to those who already have a connection with an employer.
- Those without any work experience have "little or no chance” in the current job market of finding the right start to their career on graduation.
- "stark warning to the Class of 2012 that in a highly competitive graduate
job market, new graduates who've not had any work experience at all during
their time at university have little hope of landing a well-paid job with a
leading employer"
(Source : BBC News – Education January 11th 2012 ,Sean Coughlan - Education Correspondant)
All undergraduate study programmes in the School of Computer Science offer an option to include Industrial Experience as an integral part of the programme.
The School of Computer Science has one of the largest and most active "with Industrial Experience" cohorts not only in the University of Manchester but also of any Computer Science Department in the UK.
The School of Computer Science has a rich history of working with companies to balance our teaching of the foundational aspects of Computing with the latest experiences and techniques in industry.
Our Industrial Placement Schemes represents the biggest activity in this area, with around 50 students each year taking up both short-term and year long positions with organisations across the UK.
BSc ‘with Industrial Experience’ Programmes
Students studying for a BSc ‘with industrial experience programme’ typically take up placement/internships for a minimum of nine months (maximum 14 months) between the end of the second year of study and the start of the final year of study. The School currently offers the following ‘with industrial experience’ programme:
- BSc Computer Science with Industrial Experience
- BSc Artificial Intelligence with Industrial Experience
- BSc Computer Engineering with Industrial Experience
- BSc Computer Science and Mathematics with Industrial Experience
- BSc Computer Science with Business & Management and Industrial Experience
- BSc Computing for Business Applications with Industrial Experience
- BSc Software Engineering with Industrial Experience
- BSc Software Engineering (Business Systems) with Industrial Experience
This path is only offered to students who have maintained a first or second class result at the end of their second year, ensuring that companies gain high calibre students.
MEng Programmes
Companies may also be interested in recruiting students from our MEng degree programmes for short summer placements. The MEng programme is designed to fulfil the highest professional requirements and challenge our ablest of students. Students on these programmes are available for 8-12 weeks placement during the summers between their second and third years and again between their third and final years.
The MEng third year placement is assessed and contributes to the student’s final degree. Marks are awarded based on student’s written report of their time on placement, a presentation seminar and managerial report. Placement providers are asked to write a short report on the students work and progress, and are invited to attend the MEng Presentation Event, which is held in conjunction with our annual Computer Science Careers Fair.
Citations from companies
Goldman Sachs
"He demonstrated an exceptional level of ownership for the projects he worked on and was able to perform a role that I would normally have not expected a graduate with several years experience to do as well… He has been truly exceptional as a placement student."
3M
"He is technically excellent, picking up new systems and technologies very easily. At 3M we have very high expectations of our placement students, but even against those he has excelled."
Transitive
"Becoming a respected engineer at Transitive requires a high level of technical competence mixed with an ability to engage with a variety of people. He has delivered beyond expectations on both scores. I would have no hesitation recommending him for permanent employment at Transitive once he has completed his studies."
IBM
"He has a very good and broad set of technical skills which he used effectively during his placement to meet his challenging goals… I strongly believe that he will continue to improve himself over time and become a very reliable and rounded engineer."
GCHQ
"He showed that he already has the core research skills that we would expect from a good permanent member of staff."
BAE Systems
"His knowledge of the Software Development process is quite comprehensive. I have given him a series of challenging tasks covering several different skill sets, all of which were completed to time and with the minimum of supervision."
Comments from students
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
"I have strengthened my knowledge of Java beyond my initial expectations. I feel much more confident… I think my time here will make me a much stronger candidate for the first class honours I am aiming for upon graduation.
myGrid project, University of Manchester
"All the experience which I obtain by doing my current work will be invaluable when applying for any IT-related full-time job after graduation, including both technical and interpersonal skills."
Morgan Stanley
"Overall, I feel my placement has been able to offer me a glimpse into real work situations, allowing me to develop both my soft and technical skills."
Transitive / IBM
"Having worked with cutting edge technologies gives me a great boost to my career and great confidence going into the penultimate year at university."
Schlumberger
"The internship gave me invaluable experience which will be very important for me in the next few years. If I had to choose whether to do it again, I would definitely do it (and I would advise everyone else to do the same!)"
PriceWaterhouseCoopers
"I have found almost every aspect of the experience enriching and feel I have extended my skill set considerably in both a personal and technical sense."
British Energy
"I took on the placement wanting to gain experience of working life, and that I most certainly gained. My placement leave me better prepared for when I graduate and for the rest of my career, whatever path that may be."
Transitive / IBM
"My placement has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. The technical knowledge I have gained is immense."
Brawn GPSoftware
"Taking on a placement year has been the highlight of my University life so far, it is an unbelievable experience to work in Formula One."
Companies
Where School of Computer Science Students meet Industrial Partners
Meet employers at Drop Ins
Employers visit the Student Common Area on a regular basis to be available to talk to students about placements and Careers in their Companies Some of the well known participating companies –
- Goldman Sachs
- IBM
- Coca Cola
- UBS
- BBC
- Credit Suisse
- Amazon
- Universal Music
- Morgan Stanley
Competitions
Companies organise competitions and events for students to participate details appear on the Competitions Section of the Web Pages.
Careers Events
These take place every year, organised by the School and Careers Service.
The 2012 SCS Fair takes place on October 16th and has around 20 participating companies, just looking to recruit graduates or interns from the School of Computer Science at University of Manchester.
The Careers Service normally runs at least two Careers fairs each year targeted at technology and engineering careers.
External Speakers
SCS has external speakers from companies and organisations contributing to the curriculum by giving guest lectures as part of course units.
Careers Awareness and Training
1st Year Students – "How to boost your employability"
A lecture designed to make students understand the importance of their development outside the directly taught curriculum. Invited speakers with industrial knowledge talk about how to expand your cv.
2nd Year Student – Careers Workshop
A two day workshop looking at the skills in cv writing, application forms, covering letters, assessment centres, interviews etc. All delivered by professional recruiters from major companies e.g. IBM, Accenture, Price Waterhouse.
3rd Year Students – "Updating your c.v."
A follow on lecture from the second year Careers Workshop.
