Student placements within LJMU IT Services: a win-win situation

IT Services have regularly employed student interns for several years. This presentation sets out primarily to highlight the benefits to the students, but also the benefits to IT Services in what we see as a win-win situation. From the initial placement interview, students are supported throughout their placement working closely with their allocated team. During their placement, they are mentored by staff, which results in the students becoming integral members of their respective teams; additionally, staff develop coaching and mentoring skills. In recent years, the contribution from students has included: New Occupational Health system New Power BI reports showing Computer usage across the university and analysis of the Postgraduate Taught Survey results New See My Tutor booking system New Support Fund website Designed, procured, configured, and managed the networks in the Student Life and Education buildings and the proposed Law Practice Clinic These real-world examples from the students themselves (past and present) demonstrates the experience that they have gained, how that complements their academic studies and enhances their employability in the future. As a result, IT Services have now employed four recent graduates, plus other previous placement students have secured employment with employers such as Very, and the University of Liverpool. This session would be valuable to any staff or departments who are thinking of employing an LJMU student.