Real-world experiences to launch your engineering career
Everyone is familiar with the phrase ‘Knowledge is Power’. While this remains undeniably true, the boundless potential of applicable real-world experience remains highly important among employers especially now that jobs are continuously evolving, thanks to the influence of technology and artificial intelligence.
Recognising that internships are a great way for university students to get real-world experience in their field of study, the University of Southampton Malaysia, a foreign branch campus of the University of Southampton, is introducing a new programme called Industrial Placement Year.
‘’Employability is a key driver within the University’s education strategy’’ says Prof. Rebecca Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor (ASEAN) and Chief Executive Officer at Southampton Malaysia.
‘’We strive to ensure that employability is embedded into all parts of the student experience. At Southampton Malaysia, we have a range of clubs and extra-curricular activities as well as opportunities for students to gain work experience through placements, internships and volunteering. With the Industrial Placement Year, our students will have the chance to develop their employability and enhance their relationships with the labour market and employers in the UK,’’ she adds.
A recent graduate survey confirmed that the average amount of time for University of Southampton Malaysia graduates to find employment after graduation is three months. Most of its graduates have secured jobs in world-leading organisations such as Rolls-Royce, Intel, BP, Deloitte, GE, and Ricardo.
The University of Southampton is among the Top 20 most targeted universities by the top 100 graduate recruiters* and is ranked 16th best university in the UK** and in the top 120 in the world for employability***.
The University of Southampton Malaysia offers a range of engineering programmes, which include an Engineering Foundation Year, a MEng in Aeronautics and Astronautics, an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and a MEng in Mechanical Engineering. Each undergraduate programme offers a variety of specialisations that were designed to meet the demands of various industries and trends for future development. Current programmes are offered on a 2 + 2 arrangement with students spending the first 2 years of their degree at Southampton Malaysia before transitioning to Southampton UK for the final 2 years of their degree.
This new Industrial Placement opportunity is available for fulltime MEng (Masters of Engineering) students who have successfully transitioned from Southampton Malaysia and are between their third and fourth year at Southampton, UK. The Industrial Placement Year aims to enhance students’ employability by adding an additional yearlong paid placement in an engineering organisation based in the UK.
During the Industrial Placement Year, students will apply the knowledge they have gained from the taught elements of the programme, develop a deeper understanding of technical issues from work-related projects, understand the commercial and technical aspects of the sector, and reflect on their developing professional knowledge and skills.
The University of Southampton has a dedicated Work Experience Team in the University’s Careers Centre to help students through the whole process. The team will be able to provide advice on all aspects of searching for and applying for placements, and are responsible for ensuring that students are supported through their placement year.
To learn more about Southampton Malaysia's Industrial Placement Year, course offerings, and scholarships, visit the campus on the 17 and 24 August for the Open Day. Applications for all programmes are free of charge, so here is an opportunity to experience an education unlike any other. Call 075602560 or visit www.southampton.edu.my for further information.
*QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019
** QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019
*** Graduate Market in 2018