Increasingly so, employers are actively recruiting graduates with actual work experience behind them. This makes for a competitive graduate job market, but there are some simple choices you can make throughout your university experience that can really help you. Deciding on completing a ‘placement year’ is an excellent way to gain that competitive edge, in time for when the graduation schemes launch.
What is a placement?
What are the key benefits of a placement year?
One year in duration, based normally within the UK (overseas is a possibility) and within a job role that has relevance to your programme of study. A placement will allow you to experience first-hand a professional working environment where you will be able to advance your knowledge of the internal working practices of a company, whilst developing as an individual.
What are the key benefits of a placement year?
- Get a taste of your chosen career and gain self-confidence
- Earn some money whilst gaining experience. Placements on average pay between £14,000 and £19,000 per year, depending on location
- Gain professional knowledge and skills that will help you towards the successful completion of your final year of study
- Start building your own network of contacts and connections in industry
- Gain key ‘employability skills’. Employers favour graduates with real and relevant work
- Experience who then evidence graduate attributes and skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving
- Various placements can lead to full-time employment at graduate level, with the same company.
What help will you receive from the University?
Plenty! In year one and year two, you have a dedicated ‘pre-placement module’ designed to help you with each stage of securing a placement. We also have a dedicated Careers Service, open five days a week, which can offer a number of services. While on placement you will be allocated a ‘placement tutor’ from your faculty team who will visit you and stay in regular contact.
For a number of years, our University students have seen the benefits of placements. We, therefore, have various employers/placement providers we work with year on year. We also look to expand upon this and we can also support you in approaching companies of your choice.
Simon Taylor
Placements & Employer Liaison Adviser
Pre-Placement module lead (Technology & Engineering)
Careers Service
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Careers Service
We offer students, graduates and employers quality and impartial information, advice and guidance. Whether you are a student looking for part-time work, a graduate wanting to kickstart your career or an employer looking to raise your profile or promote specific jobs, we can help.