Navigation menu

What is the Kent IT Clinic?

The Kent IT Clinic (KITC) has been set up within the School of Computing to provide students with first-hand experience of consultancy whilst studying. The Clinic provides a 'light touch' consulting service to local small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and individuals. Since its launch in October 2004, it has made many successful client consultations. It has proved very popular with our students at Medway and Canterbury who can earn cash or credits towards their final degree. The clinic has project rooms in the University at Medway and Canterbury.

How will it benefit me?

Here are just some of the benefits that you can expect:

• gain valuable practical experience doing real work for local companies
• enhance your CV and improve your future job prospects
• earn money for the work you do - or do it as an optional module and earn credit towards your final degree
• learn how marketing a small business works and help to promote its activities at national exhibitions
• explore different types of work to help you decide what sort of work you want to do in the future

What sort of work will I be expected to do?

You will be expected to work directly with clients as well as with your KITC colleagues on consultancy work coming into the clinic over the year. The work is wide ranging and may include the development and installation of software, hardware support and installation, and advising on new technologies. Examples of work already completed include

• technical support on a campus wide wireless network for the Franciscans International Centre
• extensive contribution to the provision of marketing services - including company logo, web site, marketing leaflets and promotional stand - for Medway Adult Learning Service on behalf of the Learning in Medway Partnership
• advice and support on the delivery of a system to support the Pathways to Work activities for the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI)
• evaluation and installation of a networked support service for the wholesale and retail suppliers of flower bulbs, P DeJager & Sons Ltd

What help will I get

The Kent IT Clinic co-ordinators are on hand to offer support and guidance throughout all the activities of the clinic. This includes the selection of student consultants, training of consultants, allocating work, support during the work stage and the follow-up period and the final reporting process. Students are also mentored by academic staff and other students from within the computer science department.

All consultants will attend an initial training module before doing any consultancy work. In this module you will learn about project management in a commercial context (including assessing financial, organisational and technical risks), how to explore and decide between competing solutions to a given business problem, and how to deal with customers in a consulting role (including communication, presentation and negotiation skills).

How do I become a KITC consultant

You can apply to become a consultant in your second or final year. When you come to make your module choices for that year you will be offered a Consultancy Methods module and a Consultancy Practical module in addition to the academic modules on offer. If you opt for the consultancy modules you will be required to attend an interview prior to being accepted on them.

How does being a KITC consultant differ from choosing a Year in Industry

We offer two ways to gain work experience during your studies.

As a KITC consultant you would do the work during your time at university, typically during your 2nd or final year. You can choose to do it in your spare time and earn cash for your work. Or you can choose to do it as one of your optional modules and earn credit toward your final degree.

If you choose to do a Year in Industry you would take a year out from your studies and work for a company full-time. This would add an extra year to the time it would take you to gain your degree. Returners from a Year in Industry may become KITC consultants in their final year.