Looking to find out if a work placement is right for you? Here's our guide
Many students will find they have to do one at some point in their course, whether they want to or not, but some may be offered the chance to do one. I am, of course, talking about work placements.
These periods of time away from university life and conventional studying that could last anywhere between a couple of weeks to a full year. If you find yourself on a work placement, you have a real chance to grow as a person and the chance to go far. If you’re wondering whether you should do a work placement, read on for our reasons why you should do one.
They let you use your knowledge in a work setting. You’ll be able to put what you have learnt at uni to the test in a real-world setting. Plus, by using your knowledge and experience practically, it’ll help you to better remember what you have learnt. Ideal for any future assessment and exams.
They help you to boost your skills and that are highly sought after by employers. If you are on a work placement, learning and building upon skills that are required by your placement employer, you are bound to be able to impress a future employer.
Help you to understand how organisations and your chosen industries actually work, and any challenges that may arise. This will come in handy in the future, once you have graduated, and return to your chosen industry.
Help you get a better idea of what your chosen career or industry is like. You may have had ideas in your head of what your ideal career was like before you went to university, but you may find that it’s totally different once you’re on a placement!
They’re a great source of networking and career opportunities. Think about it, you’re meeting new people all the time, some who are at the top of their game in their respective industry. It would be wise if you connected with them, even if it’s via LinkedIn.
Allow you to gain some extra skills, knowledge and training that you may not have got on your course. These are all valuable extras that you can add to your CV later on.
A work placement will help you to clarify your career goals. Perhaps you go on a work placement and discover that it’s not for you. It’s not the end of the world, you might find that it points you in a totally different direction, and that’s totally fine.
Conversely, you might even find that you’re in love with your future career and that it’s totally what you want to do, which is great!
Hopefully, we’ve convinced you as to why you should consider a work placement. Looking for somewhere to live during your placement, or perhaps when you get back to uni? We’re here to help. Be sure to check out our website for all your accommodation needs.
