Many computer science graduates choose to enter roles that utilise their technical knowledge and skills. Some relevant possibilities are listed below:
Researching the sector you would like to work in can also be beneficial when exploring your career options. A wide range of areas employ IT professionals and here are a few examples to help get your research started:
As well as your technical knowledge you will also gain a range of transferable skills throughout your time at Royal Holloway. The ability to work well in teams, analyse data and manage projects are skills which many employers value. Here are some ideas for areas of work outside of Computing and Information Technology.
Large numbers of students continue their studies after their time at Royal Holloway. Some pursue vocational courses to enter professions such as teaching or law while others follow taught or research postgraduate degrees.
Vocational
Postgraduate degree
Finding a PhD
Some PhD projects are advertised and these can be found by looking at University or Research Institute webpages. There are also websites such as findaphd.com| and jobs.ac.uk| which list PhD opportunities.
However, it is important to remember that responding to an advert is not the only way to secure yourself a PhD. Making a direct approach to a research group whose work interests you can also be beneficial. If you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for their research area then they may be willing to develop a PhD project with you.
Increase your employability
Students offering relevant transferable skills in addition to their degree are viewed positively by employers. There are lots of ways for you to make your application stand out to employers. Here are some ideas to help you build your CV and make a positive impression with recruiters.
-
Get involved in co-curricular activities
-
Complete the Royal Holloway Passport Award
-
Consider volunteering
-
Gain skills through part-time work
-
Gain work experience or internships
-
Try and arrange some work shadowing
-
Develop new skills through Sports/Clubs/Hobbies
Finding work experience and internships
Some employers advertise formal internship schemes and the details of these can be found on their company website. The closing dates for many of these large schemes falls early in the Autumn term of your second year of study. The dates vary between individual organisations so make sure you check the details for the companies that interest you so you don't miss out.
If you don't secure an advertised internship or can't find one that interests you there are other approaches you can explore.
-
Speculative applications. Many companies, particularly small or medium enterprises, won't run a formal internship scheme. In these cases you may wish to contact the organisation to ask if they would consider you for a work experience/internship opportunity. It is important to carry out research into the company and also consider the skills you are offering when making a speculative application.
-
Networking. Take time to think about who you already know and ways of extending your networks. You may be able to secure work experience by connecting with people who work in the industry that interests you.
Support
If you would like feedback on your CV, speculative letter or cover letter then you can get feedback on your application by making a quick query appointment with The Careers Service.
You are also encouraged to attend careers service workshops| on applications, CVs, assessment centres and interviews to help you prepare. Some sessions are run by employers such as PwC, Ernst & Young, Deloitte and Centrica so you can gain advice directly from recruiters.