We joined Peter Dawson to find out what life is like on our Industrial Placement scheme and his advice to anyone considering it.
Tell us who you are and what you do
Hello everyone! I'm Peter and I'm an Industrial Placement student at BT. I'm currently working in the B2B Strategy & Innovation team. In this team, we plan for the future by looking at market trends and integrating next generation technology into the business. I am also a Business & Management student at the University of Sussex and a keen musician on the side!
What is it like to work at BT?
BT is a great place to work with an inclusive culture that allows everyone to be themselves. The opportunity for learning is huge as there are so many people who want to share their expertise. BT is a collaborative environment which thrives on effective communication and teamwork. There is a strong community feel within teams that allows for a fast paced, innovative environment. There is a fantastic Early Careers Community which organises great social events for all the Graduates, Placements and Apprentices.
What are your 7 top tips for candidates looking to apply for an Industrial Placement?
- Start applying early! (Don't wait till the close date)
- Use LinkedIn to network with people to get advice
- Be confident in your abilities and play to your strengths
- Make sure that you understand the company, their products and their customers
- Speak to your peers about placements to share advice
- Having said that, try your best not to compare yourself to others
- Don't worry too much! The application process gets easier with practice
Why should people consider an Industrial Placement role at BT?
BT has an amazing history and a world-renowned brand. Although we are known for telephones, BT Enterprise provides businesses with cutting edge technology including Cloud, Edge and IoT. It is definitely an exciting time to be a part of BT! On placement you will get the opportunity to work alongside inspiring managers and gain a huge range of skills through a variety of training and experiences. In such a difficult economic time, BT is resilient and will provide a stable platform for future opportunities. Also, if you perform well on your placement there is the opportunity to take part in the graduate scheme!
What’s next for your career?
Next year, I will go back to Sussex to finish my degree. After that, I'm hoping to be able to come back to BT on the graduate scheme!