NARRATOR:
You will hear two students discussing a work placement.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 24.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 24.
TIM:
Could you tell me about the placement you completed last summer?
TIM:
I'm considering one myself.
TIM:
Was yours with an environmental services company?
LAURA:
Yes, it's a small firm that needed a company brochure.
LAURA:
I wanted business experience because I'm interested in occupational psychology and commercial settings.
LAURA:
I was responsible for the entire project.
TIM:
Which skills did you develop?
TIM:
Did you create the artwork and layout?
LAURA:
We employed a professional photographer.
LAURA:
I used some I.T. skills to combine text from marketing leaflets.
LAURA:
But I had done that before.
TIM:
Did you improve at organizing your time and deciding priorities?
TIM:
You used to find that difficult.
LAURA:
Meeting the deadline created considerable pressure.
LAURA:
I also improved my communication, explaining ideas and stating my views because I met the marketing manager weekly and reported my progress.
TIM:
So the placement benefited you.
LAURA:
And the company gained two.
TIM:
Using a professional advertising agency would have cost considerably more, wouldn't it?
LAURA:
Yes, about 250 percent more.
LAURA:
Although we produced everything internally, the final brochure looked professional and improved the company's image immediately.
LAURA:
I used its powerful computer and borrowed scanning software from the university.
TIM:
In time, it may attract clients and raise sales.
LAURA:
That is the intention.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 25 to 30.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 25 to 30.
TIM:
I think I'll apply for a placement.
TIM:
What should I do first?
LAURA:
A government agency called Step organizes placements.
LAURA:
Begin by obtaining its information booklet, which may be available online.
TIM:
The psychology department keeps printed copies.
TIM:
I'll collect one there.
LAURA:
After reading it, discuss the possibilities with somebody.
TIM:
Perhaps my personal tutor.
LAURA:
A university careers officer would know more about the employment market.
LAURA:
Once you decide, register with Step using the address in the booklet.
LAURA:
You'll be assigned a mentor to supervise the application.
TIM:
Then do I simply wait for news?
LAURA:
Check the Internet for new placement alerts and updates.
LAURA:
Mentors should inform you, but don't depend entirely on them.
TIM:
Should I contact companies directly?
LAURA:
If a company wants to interview you, its personnel department sends the invitation by letter or email.
TIM:
Do I reply to that department?
LAURA:
Step becomes involved again only after a job offer.
TIM:
After the interview, I should tell my mentor the result, including whether I receive and accept an offer.
LAURA:
The mentor informs the careers office once the placement is confirmed.
LAURA:
After accepting, you may need a reference because the offer is conditional.
LAURA:
Ask your personal tutor who knows your academic ability and qualities such as reliability.
TIM:
I'm beginning to look forward.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part three.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part three.
