Having work experience as an international student can be a great way to stand out in a competitive job market. In addition, being exposed to a professional environment while studying can enhance your knowledge and skills. Work placements can be the ideal way to augment your experience in your field of study and help you complete your qualification. We investigate what a work placement is, what you can expect if you undertake one and some of the benefits.
How do work placements work?
Work placements are programmes of structured work experience that form part of a degree. Completion of the work placement is an essential part of achieving the degree. In most cases, work placements occur during regular term time and can be anything from three months to a year in duration.
Some degrees or qualifications that include a work placement are known as ‘sandwich courses’. The reason for this is that your work placement usually occurs in the second year of a three-year degree. Some universities may also describe a work placement as a ‘year in industry’ or ‘professional placement’.
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What will I do at a work placement?
What you do at a work placement will depend on the role you'll be doing and the degree you're studying for. It is not expected that you'll have all the professional knowledge and skills needed to start with. A work placement is much more about developing these through the undertaking of tasks and projects. However, employers are looking for a student that is work ready and possess a good level of skill for a role.
Some of the tasks you'll do will be like that of a full-time employee. Don’t feel discouraged if some work you do is at an entry-level, this is all part of the learning experience. Your work placement may be evaluated in a similar way to your academic study, with your employer and university jointly assessing your performance. Some tips for doing well include:
- Take on as many new tasks as you can.
- Network and meet new people.
- Practice your new skills and knowledge regularly.
- Volunteer for extra opportunities or work.
- Fully explore the career paths and options.
You must make sure to complete any formal assignments, projects or reports related to your work experience. Finishing these well can play a significant role in your assessment.
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How do you qualify for a work placement?
Qualifying for a work placement may depend on whether it is a compulsory part of your degree. If completing a work placement is essential for getting your degree, your university will usually have a structured programme of work placements and undertake the organization. Universities will also help you identify the most appropriate work placement for your profile.
That is not to say that you will not have to apply for a desirable work placement through your university and undergo an interview or vetting process. Work placements can be competitive, so your academic performance can play a role.
If a work placement is not part of your curriculum, this does not mean you cannot undertake one. You can organize your work placement by working through your university’s careers office or searching independently for opportunities. Make sure to do your research and prepare well before applying. Getting a work placement is a great way to enhance your CV and prospects after graduation.
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Will I be paid for a work placement?
It depends very much on the type of work placement you undertake. For shorter work placements of between one and three months, you usually do not get paid. However, if you undertake a work placement as part of your course that last between six months and a year, it is not unusual to receive a small salary.
Salaries will differ according to the industry that you work in and what role you fulfil. They can vary widely, but usually, an employer will pay an entry-level or living wage, potentially in the region of GBP 12,000 to GBP 23,000. It’s important to discuss wage expectations and any financial matters with your university and prospective employer before undertaking a work placement.
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What is the difference between a work placement and an internship?
The difference between an internship and a work placement can seem confusing. They are however different. Internships are much shorter in duration than work placements. In addition, internships are mostly undertaken outside of term time during vacation periods. Internships are very much about learning new skills and getting oriented in an industry. Internships rarely pay a wage.
Work placements, on the other hand, most often form part of official university study and courses. They can last up to a year with the expectation of performance and an associated assessment. Academic credit is awarded for a work placement. A work placement requires both learning and active engagement in work through the completion of tasks or projects at a professional level.
Now that you are in the know about what a work placement is and what to expect you may want to expand your exploration of potential careers. You can read our guides to the top five graduate jobs in the world, how studying abroad can help your career, and how to future-proof your career.
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