Course: BSC HON IT WITH BUSINESS STUDIES 

Name of Placement Employer: Digital Technology Services Sheffield Hallam University 

Job Title: IT support Analyst

Overall, describe your placement experience: 

The placement experiences have helped shape my work experience in IT support and widen my knowledge. With the relevant skills that have been gained, I have more choices to explore my IT skills. During my placement, I was able to develop excellent technical skills, transferable skills, and gain experience in a real work environment that is relevant to what I am studying at the university. Overall, my placement at the university has been a valuable experience and has permitted me to put my IT knowledge into practice in a real-life work environment, every moment of it has been enjoyable and has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

 Describe a typical day within your placement job role: 

Providing support to users who have IT issues that require communication, troubleshooting, and resolving skills. We support IT issues on devices including computers, printers, docking stations, AV issues, and classroom support. In addition, reimagining and deploying application on PCs and workstations across the university.  

What were the areas of your placement you were most worried about before starting, and how did you overcome these? 

I had concerns about Creston and CRS (classroom support) and making mistakes during my daily tasks, but I managed to overcome them with the help of adequate training, shadow sessions, and support from line managers and colleagues, and learned from my mistakes, which helped me excel in the role.  

Best part of the placement year:

I have found my placement enjoyable because I was able to work with different team members and help with tasks and projects. These have enabled me to expand my knowledge and skills without limiting myself. Working alongside experienced people has allowed me to see how they handle complex problems and learn how to approach them systematically and efficiently. 

 
What are the skills you developed as a result of the placement year? 

I have gained key technical tools include SWIM, MECM, Active Directory for laptop/PC troubleshooting and fixes, Assyst (Service Management Tool) for communicating with customers and providing services or fixes to incidents, and Unidesk for asset management work. Other tools available include Crestron for classroom support, AV systems and network issues, and soft skills like time management and attention to detail.

How do you think your placement year will benefit you within your final year, and applying for and securing a graduate role?

The placement experience has been an invaluable opportunity for me to develop and improve my skills in a real work environment. Also, improving my academic learning by giving me a deeper understanding. I am certain that the experiences and knowledge I have acquired will create a strong base for my future career in technology, which will enable me to acquire a graduate role.  

Would you recommend other students carrying out a placement, if so why? 

It is important to complete a placement because it helps you stand out in the job market after graduation by gaining real-world work experience, gaining new skills, and preparing for job roles after graduation. 
Additionally, it allows you to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to a real work environment, networking and make connections in the industry, potentially leading to job opportunities. In summary, a placement year is a valuable chance for personal and professional development, making it highly recommended for all students.