Support
We will help you find a placement that matches both the needs of your degree and your future career plans, and prepare you for your role, giving you the professional and personal skills, you need to succeed. The majority of placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way, whatever placement you decide to pursue.
How we support you
Recognised as the Best University Careers and Employability Service at the National Undergraduate Employability (NUE) Awards 2022; we will support you throughout the placement experience.
We can assist you with the application process, be there during the placement and help with your return to your studies.
Employability and Careers Centre
Our Employability and Careers team will encourage you to be proactive and apply for your industry placement yourself, by writing a CV and cover letter. The application process can include interviews and assessment centres for which we offer support to ensure you are well-prepared. We also offer additional support if you decide to source your own placement, subject to university requirements being met.
Personal and senior tutors
Your school or department will have a Director of Employability who is an academic member of staff with responsibility for delivering the Professional Training scheme, and supporting you at all stages of the journey. We also have a central team of Professional Training administrators who work with you from the application process all the way through to the completion of your placement.
A personal tutor from your school or department will be appointed who will meet with you to offer support and check on your progress (the exact number of visits will be dependent on your placement length and particular course).
Online resources
There is also a wealth of online resources available to support you throughout this process, including our new interactive Professional Training module. This module has been designed to provide you with guidance and signpost you to the most useful tools and resources.
You can work through sections relating to every stage of the journey, from the first time you hear about Professional Training and want to know more, all the way through to coming back from your placement and wanting to share your experiences and maximise your learning outcomes.
Coaching scheme
For our undergraduate students we offer a Professional Training coaching scheme, where you can be paired with a student who has recently returned from their placement.
A coach will:
- Give you friendly support and advice
- Help you through the placement-seeking process
- Prepare you for the world of work.
Language skills
Some placements abroad may involve learning and communicating in a language other than English, as such we have support available to help you develop your language skills.