Types of work experience: Work placements

More in this section

1. Internships
2. Work placements
3. Vacation work
4. Part-time/casual work
5. Work shadowing
6. Volunteering

Get experience abroad

Do business in Beijing with work placements from CRCC Asia.

 

Case studies

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  Placement, MBDA: Heidii Taylor

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  Placement, KPMG: Emily Todd

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  Sandwich placement, IBM UK: Tom Millbrow

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  Rotational placement, Selftrade: Nikita Chandiramani

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  Summer placement, Infosys: Mario Lin

 

A work placement gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience of the working world and can be invaluable to entering into your chosen career.

On some courses, work placements are compulsory in order to get your degree, while on others you can opt to do a placement as one of your modules. If this isn’t the case on your course then you should still think about arranging a placement. Your careers service should be able to help you with this.

The important thing about work placements is that they provide an opportunity for you to get to grips with working - meeting deadlines and working in a team. While a placement may enhance your knowledge and help with your course it can also help you find out more about a job or industry.

How long will the placement last?

The length of time spent in a work placement depends on the sector and individual employer. Some work placements are undertaken during holidays and so last between one and three months. Other placements involve working one day a week over a period of time. In the law sector, one or two-week schemes are available in the form of mini-pupillages, which you can apply for at any time of the year.

On some degree courses you will need to spend a year in industry. This is often referred to as a ‘sandwich placement', as it usually takes place between your second and final year at university. These industrial placements are commonly found in engineering, science and construction-related degrees. They are built into your course and you will be paid a reasonable wage during the year. Most universities have a placement tutor to help you arrange your year with an employer. For more information and to search for placements, see The Year in Industry .

Will I be assessed?

If the work placement is a compulsory part of your course, it is likely that it will be formally assessed or accredited. Assessments vary and might include the completion of specific tasks or projects, writing a report or reflective log or using the learning from a work placement in another assignment or course activity.  

If the work placement is not a compulsory part of your course, then it’s a good idea to write about your learning in a personal/professional development portfolio (PDP). This will help you if you need to call upon your experience later to answer interview questions.

How do I apply for a work placement?

The way to apply for a work placement will be influenced by the purpose of it. For example, if the placement is part of your course, you may find that the organisation is simply allocated to you. Alternatively, other companies may require a formal application detailing why you are suitable for this specific placement and what you can bring to the role. Applying for a work placement can be as competitive as applying for a permanent job with many companies now holding formal interview and assessment centre days.

If you are arranging your own work placement, ask for the terms of the placement to be agreed in writing beforehand as, unlike paid employment, work placements are not covered by employment legislation. If you are in any doubt about the organisation or the activities, you should seek further advice from your careers service.

Why should I do a work placement?

The outcomes of work placements include:

• increasing your skills and knowledge;
• understanding a particular job or industry;
• gaining an insight into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face;
• clarifying your own career goals; and
• networking. 

The benefits of work placements can include:

• payment (more likely in longer work placements);
• subsidised travel or lunches;
• attendance at in-company training courses; and
• a supervisor who might be able to act as a referee for you in future job applications.