Distinguishing Work Placements from Internships:
There’s often a blur between work placements and internships, but these experiences stand apart in significant ways. Internships are typically over summer breaks or post-graduation, while work placements formal part of an academic degree during the “sandwich year” or “year in the industry” at university. This sandwich year usually takes place between year 2 and year 3.
Duration and Variety:
Work placements vary in duration and structure. Optional placements can span from one to three months, while others might involve working one day a week over an extended period. In sectors like law, short-term schemes like vacation placements and mini-pupillages offer one or two-week opportunities, available year-round. However, for mandatory placements, students often commit to a year in industry.
Compensation Considerations:
Payment structures vary very much depending on the type of work as well as organisation reached. Discussing payment terms with the employing organisation beforehand to ensure alignment and transparency before commencing the placement is necessary to avoid disappointment.
Advantages of Work Placements:
Work placements provide a platform to apply academic knowledge and hone practical skills in a professional environment.
Develop competencies highly valued by employers, thus increasing their attractiveness in the job market.
Gaining insights into organisational dynamics and the challenges faced by industries.
Opportunity to explore specific job roles or industries, aiding in clarifying career aspirations and goals.
Networking Opportunities that could potentially open doors to future career prospects.
Access to specialized training courses
Financial compensation can alleviate financial burdens and even save for the future.
Disadvantages of Work Placements:
Taking a year out for a placement may delay graduation compared to peers who opt not to participate.
Securing a placement can be competitive, requiring significant effort in tailoring applications and undergoing rigorous selection processes which might take extra time.
Relocating for a placement might bring financial, emotional and visa challenges.
When to Pursue Work Placements:
The timing of when to start exploring work placements and internships can vary depending on the nature of the opportunity and your own circumstances.
A sandwich year placement,
- it’s advisable to commence your search as early as the summer after your first year and continue into the first semester of your second year.
- Many sought-after placements require applications to be submitted around the autumn of your second or third year for a placement the following summer or year.
More flexible placements, you might have the freedom to pursue them at any point.
- It’s crucial to be aware of any deadlines that placements may have, as missing these could result in missed opportunities.
Before you apply
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Clarify Your Objectives: what do you hope to achieve from your experience? industry exposure, develop specific skills or stand out in a competitive market?
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Assess Your Abilities: Direct experiences aren’t always readily available. Consider instead valued skills in the field, this could broaden your placement options.
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Craft a Stellar CV: As a first impression, ensure it’s polished and tailored to the role you’re applying for. Keep it concise, relevant experiences for the position and error-free.
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Utilise LinkedIn: Provide additional insights into your qualifications and experiences than in your CV. Studies show that profiles with at least five skills receive higher visibility, so ensure yours is comprehensive.
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Address Skill Gaps: in this competitive environment research potential employers thoroughly , consider alternatives such as virtual work experiences, or temporary roles to enhance your skill set. Volunteering during the summer cna boost your CV.
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Continuously Update and Adapt: Keep refining your CV and cover letter to align with specific placement opportunities. Flexibility and persistence are key traits in navigating the placement landscape effectively.
Applying to placements
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Use your university resources like career fairs and placement links provided through modules, as well as guidance from your personal tutor.
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Utilize LinkedIn for professional connections and internship searches. Also, explore job search engines like Indeed, Bright Network, and Target Jobs…
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Check out dedicated portals like Rate My Placement, Milkround, and E4S for internship listings tailored to your preferences.
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Research work experience opportunities with national companies, ensuring you adhere to application deadlines…
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Consider reaching out directly to inquire about placement opportunities. Tailor your communication to the company’s objectives and requirements. Keep in mind the possibility of “ghost internships,” where opportunities may not be advertised but could be available upon inquiry.
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Explore placements with charities, public sector organisations, local government bodies, or arts and cultural institutions.
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Having multiple options ensures you’re not reliant on a single opportunity and gives you the flexibility to choose the most suitable placement.
Tips
On platforms use keywords like “year in industry,” “industrial placement,” or “sandwich year” and filter results by recently posted jobs to increase your chances.
Don’t overlook small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for placements.
Always include a personalised cover letter with your application.
- Research the company,
- Express why you’re interested in them,
- Highlight your suitability for the role,
- Explain why they should choose you.
Practice assessment on online pages before the real deal. You can search for the specific assessments the company might use, like the situational judgement tests
Strike a balance between selling yourself effectively and targeting realistic opportunities. Avoid wasting time applying for roles that don’t align with your interests or qualifications.
Now all thats left for you to do is apply, keep a positive attitude and discover about yourself in this journey.