Work Placement, Worth My Time?

Written by Amber

Unsure about completing a work placement and whether or not it is worth delaying final year? Maybe you’re anxious about applying for something completely new? Or is it that this opportunity would give you more responsibility and rely on what you’ve learnt at Uni so far and you don’t feel ready? Or is it that this opportunity would mean watching your friends graduating without you and leaving you behind?

I’ll start by saying you’re not alone when feeling unsure about a placement year but hopefully after sharing my experiences you will feel more able to consider the whole picture before making a definite decision. 

I was just like you, I wasn’t sure about a placement year and if I’m honest I didn’t plan on completing one until I saw one job description in particular. This role stood out to me because it gave me the opportunity to work with and help people, which I’m really passionate about, while still developing my psychological knowledge. Maybe when you look at opportunities suited to you something will jump out at you! 

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Tops tips for deciding or applying…

• If you’re unsure, do some research – make sure you have looked at all your options! (the earlier you start looking the better!)

• Make sure you are passionate about what you are applying for – you are committing to do this role for a set period of time (12 months for me) and you will be assessed on your time there (for me it was a 3000 word reflection – don’t let this put you off, I didn’t feel like this was enough words!)

• Speak to Careers – lots of the applications are different and for a placement position you want to make sure you really are selling yourself and that your CV is tailored to that particular role. (Support is offered for interviews too)

• Don’t be afraid to show you are passionate about the role and share what you could personally offer the company or bring to their team by working there

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My Personal Experience

My placement was the scariest, most challenging but most rewarding experience of my life so far! I think everyone with the opportunity to do a work placement should. During the 12 months I was a Life Coach, I used what I had learnt at Uni previously to help me deal with certain situations but a lot of what happened required thinking on my feet and adapting to surroundings and people’s needs.I wouldn’t change this experience for anything as I now have industry experience, more resilience and confidence in myself (you will realise you are more capable than you think too!) and I have friends and colleagues that I still keep in contact with and that willing offered to take part in my final year project. 

Benefits…

• Industry experience that will set you apart from other people studying the same course as you. 

• Some opportunities may be paid – if yours isn’t don’t panic mine wasn’t either! 

• There are plenty of bursaries or other types of funding you could apply to.

• The opportunity to build relationships and connections that will last.

• Potential focus for final year project – this opportunity is a great place to get ideas for what you want to research/focus on for your project.

• Opportunity to go back and work there in the future. 

• Access to references in your relevant field.

• You will be doing something worthwhile and that you’re passionate about.

Like this post if you found this blog useful! Considering doing a work placement? Let us know in the comments below!

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