Undergraduate Internship Programme
Background and Guidelines for Students
The ICT Ireland Undergraduate Internship Programme, which is being run in association with
the Higher Education Authority, is an ICT
industry-wide programme involving a two-day week placement for undergraduates in the third
and fourth year of degree courses across a range of specified ICT disciplines.
The School of Electronic Engineering
(Faculty of Engineering and Computing) in DCU is a modern, dynamic
engineering school with excellent teaching and learning facilities, a
strong research culture, and a history of close links and effective
cooperation with industry. We believe that the Internship Programme is
of great benefit to students, complementing academic excellence with
significant, relevant industrial experience in major ICT
companies.
The Internship programme is currently available to students taking the
B.Eng. (Honours) in Electronic Engineering (DC191)
and the
B.Eng. (Honours) in Information and Communications Engineering (DC192) programmes.
The existing form of these honours degree programmes (which involve a six month industrial placement (INTRA) in third year instead) will continue, offering a choice of placement type (INTRA or Internship) to students.
Background to the Internship Programme
The ICT industry in Ireland is extremely concerned at the fall-off in the number of students
taking computer/engineering courses at third level and a fundamental review of Ireland's
education policies is necessary to avoid the ICT sector in Ireland suffering significant
skill shortages over the coming years. This is against an international background
whereby the ICT sector throughout the world is experiencing an upturn in demand.
The Internship Programme is seen as a prime opportunity for the ICT industry to address the
issue on a medium to long-term basis in collaboration with the education sector. It is
envisaged that the programme will provide a stream of graduates for the ICT industry. This
progressive initiative is the first of its kind in Ireland. It will build on the ICT Ireland
Graduate Placement Programme which, over the short space of two years, has already placed
350 graduates with ICT companies.
The programme illustrates the long-term commitment by the industry and the Government to
investing in graduates of computer science/engineering and ICT-related disciplines,
recognising the growing concern amongst the high tech sector in Ireland of our declining
skills-base. It will be a further way of promoting Ireland as a highly skilled engineering
workforce, one of the criteria used by multi-nationals when determining where to invest.
Benefits to Interns
Many graduates find it difficult breaking the
‘no-experience’ barrier when seeking their first job. The
Internship Programme will help to equip them with significant
industrial experience and professional skills to bolster their CV and
open up a wider range of employment opportunities. Also, it is expected
that internship employers may offer positions to students immediately
after completion of the degree programme.
Most undergraduates work on average 20 hours per week, to supplement their incomes, in jobs
that seldom have relevance to the course they are studying. With the Internship Programme,
they will be well-paid and will work with first class employers gaining practical and
relevant skills, which will give them a head start in the job market and be of benefit for
the rest of their careers.
It can be difficult for students to relate theory with practice in an
industrial context. It is anticipated that the Internship Programme
will enhance appreciation and enjoyment of studies and clarify the
relevance and importance of the academic programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time frame for the Internship?
Internship students will work in their host company two days per week
during term time in the third and fourth years of their degree
programmes.
Why a two-day work week? Two days working
and three studying strikes a good balance between giving you a
significant amount of continuous work experience over 2 years and providing ample time for the
academic side of the programme.
Which companies will be employing Interns? The
Internship Programme provides an opportunity to work with leading
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies in Ireland,
for example, Intel, Xilinx, HP, Ericsson and other leaders in the
field.
How will I be placed in a company? You
will undergo a normal job application, interview and selection process
with the host company. This will give you invaluable experience in the
job application process in ICT companies. We will of course help you to
prepare your CV and through the interview process.
When will I be placed?Interviews
for internships will normally take place from towards the end
of second year, and possibly through the following summer and
start or first semester in third year.
What type of work would I be involved with? You
will be engaged in work highly relevant to your area of study and also of value to the company, giving
you an opportunity to map your theoretical knowledge to practice.
Will there be support available from the School during the Internship? Yes.
It is a primary objective for the School of Electronic Engineering to
provide full support to students on internships through a mentoring
facility. The Internship Programme will be continually assessed and
monitored to ensure it is providing maximum benefit to you.
Can I continue working over the summer period between third and fourth years? There
may be an opportunity to continue working with your host company during
summer months. This can be discussed with your employer on a
case-by-case basis.
How much will I be paid?
You will be paid competitive rates (in-line with other placement programmes) which will be agreed between you and your employer.
Do I get holidays and study leave? Yes.
You will have all the usual rights as a part-time employee and receive
the normal benefits such as holiday leave. Arrangements will also be made to
ensure that you have adequate leave for study coming up to exams.
How is my performance in the company assessed?You
will produce written reports and presentations on your work and your
academic supervisor and your employer will review your work
accordingly. Details of the assessment my be found from a link at
top of this page.
Does the internship contribute towards my degree? Yes.
The internship is an integrated part of the degree programme (worth a
total of 15 credits) and as such will contribute towards your degree.
Is the academic part of the degree programme shorter or less involved? No.
The academic part of the degree programme will remain at the same high
standard as the existing honours degrees offered by the School of
Electronic Engineering. You will complete the full academic content of
the programme over the same time period (four years in total).
Will I be hired by my host company having completed the degree? You
will have an excellent chance to demonstrate you abilities during the
internship period and given that you will be working with your host
employer up to the end of the degree course, you will have a
significant advantage of gaining full time employment with your host
employer immediately following the degree.
How do I find out more or apply?
Please contact internship@eeng.dcu.ie for further information.
(Last updated: April 2007)
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UIP Flyer
Internship Assessment - Student Guide
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