Referred paper Preparing students for the world of work: an evaluation of undergraduate work placements by students and employers

Abstract

The importance of students putting theory into practice is well recognised in statistics education and there is an increasing emphasis on developing skills such as questioning, communication and interpersonal skills. Appropriate work placements for mathematics and statistics undergraduates, integrated into their degree programme, have an important role to play in the development of both technical and personal skills. The objective of this study is to report on the evaluation of work placements by the most recent cohort of Mathematics and Statistics degree students in the University of Limerick from 2009/10 (n=20). A summary of the qualitative comments from students, ratings and overall assessment are given together with an evaluation from their employers of their performance and the benefits of the work placement programme. This feedback provides useful information for faculty on how well students are prepared for the world of work and what areas could be improved on.