Hey, international students, get excited because it’s time to take your university-level experience in the UK to the next level. Just consider the value of having a competitive edge in a degree program and setting yourself apart. Sounds great, right?
For this, you should consider an academic placement year in UK!
These fantastic programs, offered in most degree courses, deliver third-year students an incredible chance to gain working experience.
A placement will enable you to gain valuable knowledge, earn credits, and develop the skills that are super important for your career. This is the time when you can devise your plan for the final year and equip yourself for success in your desired job. Read on to learn more about the exciting placement year in UK.
When is the Right Time to Apply for a Placement Year in UK?
To fully benefit from the life-changing opportunity of a placement year in UK, it’s advisable to apply from September to May in the second university year. Also, keep in mind that placement year positions can be quite competitive, so it is really important to lodge your application well in advance and present it properly for each role and company you apply to.
Traditionally, placement years are completed between students’ second and final year of university and in some cases contribute to their final degree. It can provide practical working experience, guide you to the occupations that may interest you, and obtain skills that can be quite useful for you in other fields.
Most students generally apply to 10 to 20 internships before they grab the most suitable one. So I will suggest that you do the same. Although it may seem daunting at first, still trust me, it’s definitely worth the process not just for securing your desired position but also for the people you’re going to meet.
Moreover, you should also keep in mind that most of the best opportunities are not advertised so you need to dig deeper and find yourself the ones that complement your qualifications and will turn out to be fruitful for your career in the long term.
Note: If you have decided to do a placement year in UK, you should start researching your available options well ahead of time and keep track of all the deadlines, so you won’t miss any opportunity.
Benefits of a Placement Year in UK
A placement year in UK can be a developmental stage for your career that will surely shape a bright future. Here’s what you need to know about this incredible opportunity in the UK:
- Some placements in the UK entail a bursary which may meet your expenses for a year when you are in the industry. This can go a long way to easing the financial burden of students.
- Recent work experience in your field will give you a competitive edge and will set your CV apart from the saturated crowd.
- If your overall performance is good in the placement year, your supervisor may agree to refer you for a job.
- A placement year in the UK gives students a chance to meet people of interest in their chosen field or career path. This might come in handy in the next stages of life especially when one is seeking a job after completing university studies.
- A placement year can equip you with all the required skills that employers want which will directly boost your chances of landing your dream job in UK as well as other parts of the world.
- During placement, you may be able to join training courses repeatedly with your new co-workers. This exposure can enrich your experience within the marketplace of employment.
- A placement year can provide you with the best glimpse of an industry you want to join upon completion of your course.
Duration of Placement Year in UK
An accredited work placement can last from 6 months to a year, thus it can still be called ‘the year in industry’. However, in order to ensure strict standards, a work placement should not be more than one-third of the total length of the degree so that the educational side of study courses is not compromised.
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FAQs:
How do I find a work placement that’s right for me?
The right work placement should align with your career goals. Here’s what you need to consider while looking for placements in UK:
- Define your career objectives
- Research all the available opportunities
- Reach out to your university career services for better guidance
- Contact employers directly
If you try to follow the above-mentioned process, you’ll for sure find the right placement for you in UK.
Do UK universities offer placements?
Yes. Many universities in Great Britain now have made it mandatory to integrate almost a year of placements as part of students’ degree programs. These placements, often referred to as “sandwich years” typically take place between the second and final years of study. Students usually receive academic credit for their placement year, which is assessed as part of their degree.
Can international students do their placement year in the UK?
Yes. International students are permitted to do their placement year. However, there are certain rules and regulations that international students in UK should be aware of and abide by:
- The work placement should not exceed 50% of the duration of the actual degree program
- During term time, students are obligated to work under the 20-hour-per-week limit
- You must hold your student visa in UK while doing the placement year.