A two-day workshop with global IT giant Hewlett Packard (HP) helped a De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student secure a one-year work placement with the company’s off-shoot, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
Currently in her second year of the Business Information Systems course at DMU, Khusbu Rajendra starts her Technical Consultant role at HPE in July.
She puts securing her placement down to attending a two-day workshop with HP during DMU’s Enhancement Week – a week dedicated to students’ academic, personal or professional development.
The 19-year old said: “We had the chance to spend two days with experts from HP, as well as placement students and DMU graduates who now work there.
“We found out lots about all areas of the company, got to do group exercises and practiced mock-interview and assessment scenarios.
“The support and the feedback from all of this really helped build my confidence for the real interview and assessment centre day for my placement.”
Khusbu was originally inspired to apply for her placement following a course-organised visit to the HP office based in Bristol during her first year at DMU, saying:
“It was great seeing the corporate side of things and finding out about all the products and services HP offers – it’s not just about printers!”
“I’m really looking forward to my placement and the challenge of project managing, meeting customers and advising on products.
“So far my course has given me a great grounding on the theory, but I’m excited to get some practical experience and pick up some softer skills along the way, especially in customer service and communication.”
Her enthusiasm for her course prompted Khusbu to become a Brand Ambassador, attending Open Days and speaking to prospective students.
She said: “I chose DMU because the Business Information Systems course here is one of a few that offers PRINCE2 project management accreditation and foundation studies in Information Technology Information Library (ITIL).
“Both of these really help with learning the language and processes commonly used in the industry. This can give you a competitive edge when it comes to looking for jobs when you graduate.”
“Also, the fact that the course is delivered in partnership with HP means it has a high employability rate, which is a really important factor to me.”
Posted on Monday 7 March 2016