Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper addresses the theme of transitions during study through the experience of college students as they become 3rd year direct entrants on computing degree programmes, and as they prepare to undertake either graduate work or summer placement at the end of that year. Historically, few direct entrants apply for summer placement opportunities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that while they appreciate the benefit of undertaking placements they don’t feel ready, due to a number of factors including lack of awareness of opportunities and deadlines, and lack of confidence in marketing their skills to potential employers. The paper outlines a response to these challenges, ‘Placement Academy’, a personal and professional development programme to support students as they navigate significant transitions and provide an ‘employability journey’. The paper presents an evaluation of the design and outcomes to understand the place of Placement Academy in helping students negotiate transitions into university, and onwards towards the workplace.