What do you expect from your first Computer Engineering work placement?
Work placements are much more than just an academic requirement; they are your first immersion in the tech ecosystem. For a Computer Engineering student, this period is a golden opportunity to explore different roles, understand the dynamics of a development team and, above all, discover which area of computing you are most passionate about.
Far from the monotonous and repetitive tasks sometimes associated with work placements, the technology sector demands proactivity and fresh insights. As a future engineer, you’ll be expected to bring a new perspective and be ready to learn at a fast pace. During your work placement, you’ll likely join a team working with agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban, taking part in daily stand-ups, sprint planning sessions and code reviews.
It’s not just about writing code. You’ll also learn to collaborate, communicate your ideas effectively and understand how technical decisions impact the business. Companies such as Avanade and CaixaBank, with which UAX collaborates, are looking for precisely this hybrid profile: solid technical knowledge combined with a growing capacity for business decision-making.
What sort of tasks are carried out during the work placement?
The field of Computer Engineering is incredibly broad, and your tasks will vary greatly depending on the role and the company you choose. However, some of the most common responsibilities for an intern include:
- Software development: as a junior developer, you’ll be able to help design and implement new features for existing applications or even take part in creating new products from scratch. You’ll use languages such as Java, Python or C++ and learn to work with version control systems such as Git.
- Web development (front-end and back-end): if you join a web development team, you could be working on both the visible part of an application (front-end), using HTML, CSS and JavaScript with frameworks such as React or Angular, and on the server-side logic (back-end), managing databases and APIs.
- Data Analysis (Data Analyst): in a data analyst role, your day-to-day work will involve collecting, interpreting and analysing large volumes of information to help the company make strategic decisions. You’ll use tools such as Python, R or Tableau to visualise the data and draw conclusions.
- Cybersecurity: Security is an absolute priority. In a cybersecurity role, you could help design and implement measures to protect systems and data against attacks, monitor networks for threats or take part in security audits.
- Cloud Computing: More and more companies are migrating their infrastructure to the cloud. As an intern on a cloud team, you could oversee the cloud computing strategy, design solutions on platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, and optimise performance and costs.
- DevOps: this working culture aims to optimise the software development lifecycle. Your tasks could include automating deployment processes, managing infrastructure as code, or improving continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) workflows.
As you can see, the possibilities are vast. The UAX’s Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering prepares you to successfully take on any of these roles, thanks to a curriculum that combines programming, technology, data, AI and business strategy.
What skills do companies look for in an intern?
As well as the technical knowledge you gain at university, companies place great value on a range of soft skills and specific technical skills that demonstrate your potential to grow within the organisation.
Key technical skills
- Proficiency in programming languages: whilst you aren’t expected to be an expert, having a solid grounding in in-demand languages such as Python, Java or JavaScript is essential.
- Database management: knowing the basics of SQL for relational databases and, if possible, having a basic understanding of non-relational (NoSQL) databases such as MongoDB will open many doors for you.
- Version control: knowing how to use Git is practically a must in any modern development team.
- Familiarity with frameworks: having experience with web development frameworks (React, Angular, Django, Flask) or machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) is a big plus.
- Knowledge of cloud computing: understanding the basics of cloud services (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) will set you apart from other candidates.
Essential soft skills
- Problem-solving: the ability to tackle a technical challenge, analyse it and propose solutions in a logical and structured manner.
- Ability to learn: technology is advancing at breakneck speed. You must be curious, self-motivated and willing to learn constantly.
- Teamwork: knowing how to collaborate, communicate assertively and play an active role within a team is crucial.
- Effective communication: being able to explain complex technical ideas to people with different backgrounds, both technical and non-technical.
How can you find the best computer engineering work placements?
The search for work placements may seem overwhelming, but with a well-defined strategy, it is a process you can manage successfully.
- Make the most of your university’s resources: the first place you should turn to is your university’s careers or work placement department. At UAX, for example, there are agreements with hundreds of leading companies, which facilitates access to high-quality opportunities, whilst offering 300 hours of work placement (12 ECTS credits) and ensuring that first contact with the job market.
- Job portals and specialised platforms: websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor or platforms specifically for young talent, such as TalentIT, are excellent sources of job vacancies. Create a comprehensive and appealing profile, highlighting your academic projects, skills and areas of interest.
- Networking and industry events: attend job fairs, hackathons, technical talks and any event where you can meet professionals in the sector. Networking is one of the most effective ways to discover opportunities that aren’t always advertised on job portals.
- Internship programmes at large companies: many tech firms have highly structured scholarship and internship programmes. Check the careers pages of companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM or Indra and don’t hesitate to apply.
- Cultivate your personal brand: create a portfolio on platforms such as GitHub to showcase your personal or academic projects. A good portfolio is your best calling card and demonstrates your passion and ability to build things.
98 per cent of graduates from the UAX Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering find work within six months – a figure that demonstrates the success and high employability of this degree programme. Your work placements are the first step in that direction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Engineering Work Placements
Are work placements paid?
Yes, the vast majority of work placements in the computer engineering sector are paid. Although remuneration may vary depending on the company and the duration of the placement, it is standard practice in the sector to recognise the value that students bring through financial compensation.
Can I do my work placement abroad?
Absolutely. Undertaking your work placement in another country is an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally. Programmes such as Erasmus+ Placements or the scholarships offered by some companies facilitate this mobility. Furthermore, it will allow you to hone a second language, a highly sought-after skill.
How long do work placements usually last?
The duration is flexible. In the case of the UAX Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering, the curricular work placements last 300 hours. However, many companies offer extracurricular work placement contracts that can last between 3 and 6 months, often with the possibility of joining the staff upon completion.
Is it possible for me to be hired by the company after the work placement?
Yes, it’s very common. For many companies, work placements are their main source of recruiting junior talent. It is a period of mutual assessment: you get to know the company and they get to know your potential. If you demonstrate commitment, a willingness to learn and a good fit with the company’s culture, the chances of receiving a job offer are very high.
Summary
An internship in Computer Engineering is a fundamental and enriching experience that will allow you to apply the knowledge gained from your UAX Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering in a real professional environment. Throughout this experience, you will not only carry out technical tasks in cutting-edge areas such as software development, cybersecurity, data analysis and cloud computing, but you will also acquire key soft skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. It is important to make the most of the university’s resources, keep your portfolio up to date and network.
Sources
Work placements and how they differ
Information guide for students on work placements (MISSM)
Training contracts (SEPE)
