FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to all undergraduate students who:
- Are enrolled in a UK Higher Education Institution undergraduate degree course
- Or have completed an undergraduate degree and are planning to study for a postgraduate degree
- Or have completed a HNC or HND and are planning to continue studying
If you meet these criteria and have the skills for the job, you can apply.
What is the deadline for applications?
Each placement is advertised with its own deadline – the programme runs from June to September with placements being advertised from March onwards on a rolling basis. Normally placements are advertised for between two weeks and one month, so make sure you allow plenty of time to prepare your application and CV before the deadline. You should check the website every few weeks to keep up to date with new vacancies – or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Do you only recruit from certain courses?
No, we recruit from all different degree disciplines. Of course, there will be some technical roles (e.g. Engineering) that require specific degree backgrounds, but each advertisement will be clear about what qualifications the candidate needs to have.
Can I apply to multiple placements?
Yes, but make sure you are clear about your motivations for each one. Don’t just copy and paste your application from one to another. You need to tailor your application for each vacancy. Please ask your careers service for help.
What is the application process?
The application process is very simple. Click on "apply" on the page of the vacancy you want to apply for, register for an account, and then complete the online application form and attach your CV. We recommend you download the word version of the application form so that you can prepare your answers carefully and spell check before you post everything online. Make sure you have a copy of the application sent to you.
Following the closing date, you will be contacted by someone from the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme who will let you know whether your application has or has not been forwarded to the employer.
If the employer chooses to interview you, either he or she will be in touch directly to schedule the interview or somebody from the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme team. Following the interview, you will be given feedback on whether you have or have not been selected for the programme.
What makes a good application?
We want to see your motivations for applying for the eight week project and for the specific placement company. Take the time to research the company and why you feel you would be the right candidate. It is important that you demonstrate in the application what skills and experience you have that make you the best candidate for the placement. Remember that attention to detail and the overall quality of your application are extremely important – poor spelling and sloppiness will put your application at a disadvantage.
I don’t have any formal work experience, can I apply?
Yes. If a company is looking for any specific work experience, this will be clearly stated in the job advertisement. Most placements, however, are looking for your academic and extra-curricular experience, and the potential you will bring to the company.
What will happen at the interview?
Each company is typically only recruiting one or two students and
will have a very simple interview process. The interview may take place
in person or via the phone or Skype. You may be asked to prepare a
presentation for your interview. In some instances you may be asked to
sit a test as part of the process.
I don’t live in the same place as the placement company, will I be helped to move?
As part of the programme, you won’t be offered formal/financial assistance to relocate. Usually, the programme team and the company have links to particular letting agencies/local vacancies and may be able to offer some advice about relocating.
How much will I earn?
The minimum wage is £6.19 per hour, but often companies pay more. Please refer to the individual advert for the details.
What kind of support will I receive during the programme?
You can contact a member of the placement team at any point during the programme if you have any questions, concerns or feedback. You will also be visited at your workplace once throughout the placement by a member of the team.
Interacting with other students on placement through our Facebook group is a great way of getting support and also from you main supervisor, who will be your manager in the placement company.
Will I receive training while on placement?
Your company will train you in the specific areas required and you will attend a 2 day residential training course as part of the programme, which teaches employability and personal development skills. Read more about the training here.
What happens at the end of my placement?
We ask you to submit a short report at the end of your placement so that we can see what you have learned and achieved. We will also send you a brief questionnaire to get your feedback on the whole process. And we will invite you to attend our finals day where all students present their projects in 10 minutes and can win prizes.
If you have any further questions please contact us by e-mail.
