The South East Physics Network (SEPnet) is looking for businesses to join BMW, Xerox, the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy and many others, to take undergraduate physics students as summer interns. The students, from universities across the south east are carefully selected and businesses are able to dictate their own selection process. 

Last year the scheme was over-subscribed by businesses and students. SEPnet received 60 applications from businesses and 90 applications from students for the 30 funded posts.

Businesses will be chosen on the basis of the opportunity they can offer to the students. The very best opportunities will be the ones selected. 

Claire Potter, who runs the scheme on behalf of SEPnet said:

“We’re offering some of the brightest young people in the country to work with businesses and we want them to be put to the test and given the chance to work on really interesting projects that will help prepare them for the world of work post-graduation.

“We’re especially interested in working with small and medium size enterprises. We have yet to place our interns with a finance or IT company and would be interested in hearing from  businesses those sectors.”

The internship scheme is fully administrated and funded by SEPnet and has been running since 2009. Students accepted into the scheme are encouraged to apply for the placements on offer. Business participants can select applicants online, by telephone interview, or by inviting shortlisted applicants to interview. 

The aim is for undergraduate students to gain some valuable work experience. Employers benefit from having another person on their team with a fresh perspective and different problem solving skills. They will also have the opportunity to participate in promotional work and have their experiences recorded in the project materials.

Students receive a £1,500 bursary for the eight week work placement from SEPnet. There is no cost to the employer. 

Alex Nicholas, a student at the University of Kent completed a placement at BMW. He said: 

“Doing the SEPnet placement with BMW gave me the opportunity to try  something different. I’m enjoying my course and haven’t decided what to do next, but working with BMW was really interesting. Whether I look for employment or continue with a PhD after this, I have gained some valuable skills and experience.”

Dave Willmore from BMW added: 

“The scheme is well-organised and makes it very easy to find a great student. The quality of applicants was excellent and we were in the fortunate position of picking the best student from a very good bunch!

“We had Alex working on engineering problems – his Physics background means that he brings a mathematical approach that we may not have considered, and he’s a fresh pair of eyes. We hadn’t previously considered hiring physics graduates into engineering roles but we’ll definitely consider it for the future.”

Employers interested in joining the scheme must apply by 23 January. Businesses will be shortlisted between 23 January and 8 February. Student applications will be taken between 8 February and 23 April. Placements take place during the summer vacation period between dates that suit you and the student.

For more information, Please click on PDF icon above to open brochure/download (PDF 1.9MB)