Final Year Compsci Grad in last semester

Hey there, I'm currently doing a Compsci degree and I'm in my last semester now however I've got so many things to do e.g writing my dissertation, finishing my modules, achieving high grades to get a 2:1 and I'm not sure how I'm going to do it. It seems like there's so much to do and not a lot of time to do it. As well as this I haven't got an internship or anything lined up so I'm not sure what to in terms of job prospects coming out of uni. Any advice would be helpful or if anyone was in a similar situation.

Reply 1

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Aleve1choices

Hey,

It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed in your final semester, especially with so many important tasks on your plate.

When it comes to juggling your dissertation, modules, and achieving the grades you need, it’s essential to break things down into manageable steps. Start by creating a clear schedule that includes deadlines for each piece of work and allocate time to focus on one task at a time. Prioritise your dissertation if it’s worth a significant portion of your grade, but make sure you’re still keeping up with module content to avoid falling behind. It might help to meet with your supervisor or lecturers to clarify any doubts and get feedback on your dissertation or assignments. They’re there to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

For your job prospects, while it’s great to have something lined up before graduation, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. Many people secure their first role after finishing their degree. Start polishing your CV now, tailoring it to highlight any skills and projects from your course, particularly those related to areas you’re interested in working in. If you’ve done group projects, coding assignments, or anything related to teamwork or problem-solving, those are great points to emphasise. You could also use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with alumni from your university or attend networking events.

At the University of Salford, we have a careers service that provides support with CV writing, mock interviews, and job searches. I’d recommend checking if your university offers something similar. They can guide you on internships or graduate schemes you might still apply for, even at this stage. Some graduate programs accept applications into the spring and summer months, so it’s definitely worth researching those.

As for internships, if you can’t find something formal, consider short-term freelance projects, contributing to open-source software, or even creating your own portfolio project to showcase your skills. These experiences can still give you something valuable to talk about in interviews and strengthen your applications.

Finally, don’t forget to take breaks and look after yourself. It’s easy to burn out during such a busy period, but staying well-rested and keeping perspective will help you work more effectively. You’re not alone in feeling this way, many students face similar challenges in their final semester. Take things one step at a time, and you’ll get through it!

Good luck,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative