How to Find Computer Science Work Experience

If you’re aiming to study computer science or seeking a career in the industry, building up some work experience is key. It demonstrates your interest in the field, develops your skills and knowledge, and is a chance to showcase what you can do.

But finding computer science work experience is challenging, especially for pre-university students in Year 12 or below. This guide takes you through the options to secure a placement and provides some tips on applying.

We also discuss Dukes Plus’s own Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience, an incredible programme with the chance to earn a UCAS-accredited work experience qualification.

How to Get Computer Science Work Experience

Through school

The first step for aspiring computer scientists should be your school. Your computer science department or careers advisor may have connections with companies in the local area who can offer you a placement. They can also advise you on putting together your application, including drafting a CV and cover letter, and approaching potential employers.

Work experience platforms

There are various online platforms which connect students with work experience opportunities. For instance, Springpod can help you find virtual work experience in computer science and other STEM subjects. Many large tech firms use the platform to find placement students. Although they’re not in-person, these placements can still help bolster your CV.

You can also consider Nuffield Research Placements in STEM, which are designed to be undertaken in the summer after Year 12.

Internships

A lot of large companies run official internship programmes for computer science-related careers. These might be companies in the tech or digital industry, for instance Cisco and Currys.

But don’t only limit yourself to these industries. Most large organisations will have a significant IT department which might offer suitable work experience. Past computer science applicants have found placements at a variety of organisations, for example:

• Accenture
• GCHQ
• Deloitte
• JP Morgan
• Natwest

Internships in the technology or data analysis functions of these companies could make for highly valuable computer science work experience. However, they are highly competitive, so we recommend exploring some of the other routes mentioned here in addition to boost your chances.

Local firms

A tried-and-tested route to work experience of any kind is to research local companies and approach them ‘on spec’ to see if they are able to offer you a placement. You can start by looking at software, IT, and tech companies in your area – but remember, large corporations are also likely to have an IT function where you may be able to gain experience.

Past students have found computer science work experience everywhere from cybersecurity firms to builders’ merchants.

You may have to cast your net wide and approach a lot of firms – one response per ten applications is common – but you stand a good chance of securing a valuable placement if you do.

Tips on Applying for Computer Science Work Experience

If you’re reaching out to a local company in the hopes of securing work experience, you’ll want to make the strongest possible impression. Follow these tips to improve your chances:

1. Research the Company

Before applying, take time to understand exactly what the firm does. If they’re a tech company, what exactly do they do? Do they work closely with specific industries? What products or services do they offer? If you’re applying to the IT department of a non-tech company, what kind of industry are they in and what will their IT staff likely be working on? Use this information to tailor your application and demonstrate a genuine interest in their work.

2. Write a Personalised Cover Letter

A generic cover letter won’t do—craft a unique one for each company you contact. Introduce yourself, highlight your academic background and aspirations, and explain why you’re particularly interested in this firm. Use your research to show you understand what they do. If you have a portfolio of projects, it would be a good idea to share this. When requesting experience, keep it flexible—rather than asking for a full two-week placement, suggest shadowing someone for a few days. Once you’re there, if you make a positive impression, they may offer you more time.

3. Prepare a Clear, Concise CV

Your CV should fit onto a single page and clearly outline your academic qualifications and any relevant experience. Include your name and contact details, but there’s no need for a photo. Ensure the layout is clean and easy to read.

4. Find the Right Contact Person

Rather than sending a general enquiry, try to identify the most appropriate person to contact—check the company’s website or call them to ask. Address your cover letter and email directly to them for a more professional and targeted approach.

5. Follow Up

If you don’t get a response within about two weeks, send a polite follow-up email to check if they’ve received your application or if there’s someone else at the company you should contact instead. However, if you still don’t hear back, it’s best to move on—smaller firms may simply not have the capacity to respond, and persistent follow-ups could be counterproductive.

6. Handling Rejection

If your application is unsuccessful, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Find out whether there was something you could have done differently or if the company simply doesn’t offer work experience placements. Any insights you gain could help improve future applications.

Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience

Dukes Plus’s own Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students aged 15-18 to experience a career in computing.

Based in London, you’ll program robots, design video games, and visit leading tech firms and motion capture studios.

With the chance to gain a UCAS-accredited work experience qualification, it’s the perfect way to enhance your university applications and career prospects.

Other Routes to Getting Work Experience

Build your own portfolio

The good thing about computer science is that you can gain vital experience by yourself. Top universities and employers will want to see a portfolio of projects you have worked on. For instance:

• A website
• An app
• A school programming project
• A game

These make for valuable material for discussion in your personal statement and at interview (if you’re applying to Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, or other universities that commonly interview). You’ll also rapidly build up your skills and knowledge.

If you’re stuck for ideas or looking for some structure, you could complete online challenges like these at Code Wars.

Awards and Certifications

Award and certifications can provide an official record of your skills and experience. Achieving them will also require you to develop new competencies which can boost your applications.

Check out the iDEA bronze, silver, and gold badges for a start. Codecademy also issues you with certifications for completing its courses.

You might also be interested in what extra work and experience the Computer Science department at Oxford recommends.

Young Computer Scientist Summer Experience

Experience a career in computing, with the chance to earn a UCAS-accredited work experience qualification.

Book Now