Left: Alex Redwood

BSc Politics and International Relations (2018)

Placement: Data Analyst at Devon and Cornwall Police

 

Right: Valeriya Titkova

BSc (Hons) Sociology with Proficiency in German (2017)

Placement: Research Executive at Kantar Public

Demand for Q-Step work placements on the increase

The University of Exeter’s Q-Step centre offers all Q-Step students the chance to undertake three to six weeks fully-funded internships with leading quantitative data analysing organisations in the UK or overseas. Second year Q-Step students must complete a placement as part of an accredited module and many of them choose to stay for longer than the required one hundred hours to gain the most they possibly can from the opportunities. 

We believe that work placements give students invaluable experience of the professional world; allowing them to build networks and utilise analytical skills learnt in the classroom in ways that would not otherwise be possible. But don’t just take our word for it! See what the students and organisations themselves say about Exeter’s Q-Step placements.

"In my opinion, the work placement module is an absolutely essential part of the degree. I was given a chance to be a part of various stages of the process of research: starting from attending training sessions along with the other employees on how to write research proposals, finishing with using SPSS to analyse the data that was received from another department. Being able to see the process of research from start to end made it clear to me where I wanted my career to head. The experience was life changing and I am now hoping to apply for a graduate scheme at the company. I believe everybody who is given the opportunity should take this module."

Valeriya Titkova

"The two placements I completed with Devon and Cornwall Police allowed me to apply my data analysis skills to interesting real life situations. I was given genuine responsibility and great guidance, as well as flexibility in shaping the work I did. The staff at DCP made me feel needed and like I was making a genuine contribution which is really satisfying. Their feedback gave me greater confidence within the academic world as well as in seeking future placements and employment. The skills and experience you gain make a great boost to your CV, without the hassle of gaining a placement through more conventional application processes. Having access to the Q-Step bursary made a great incentive as well as making it feasible financially. I would thoroughly recommend taking part in this program. "

Alex Redwood

Contact Hannah Murdock, Work Placements Officer for more information about Q-Step placements and how to get involved. Visit the Q-Step employability web page for further information.

Date: 29 June 2017