You're a 100% My Type on Paper
Rachael Collins
Deputy Director of Careers & Employability at Manchester Met University
How completing a work placement can be the start of a beautiful relationship, or just a journey to self-discovery.
Finding the right placement can be life changing for many students; an experience that will both enrich and enhance their lives. At University of Liverpool we strongly believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to engage with real world experience and that in doing so, students and employers will reap the rewards. But, is there such a thing as a bad placement? Does it come down to finding the right match?
For some students, placements are an opportunity to play the field and see what’s out there, but for others they enter into the placement process with a fixed idea of what they are looking for, drawn in by familiar brands and attractive roles. There are pros and cons to both approaches but the beauty of a placement is that neither side is expecting long term commitment. The ‘try before you buy’ concept is encouraged on both sides and allows for pre-conceived ideals and expectations to be tested.
All’s fair in love, war and placements!
The initial weeks applying for roles can be tough, as students put their best self forward but try hard not to seem too eager or desperate. Questions such as ‘will they/won’t they call?’ and ‘did I show enough interest?’ consume their every day. Rejection is a hard lesson and students’ confidence can falter, as employers play hard to get. Self-doubt can creep in, but it is important to reassure students that this is a normal part of the process and there is a placement out there for everyone.
The period that follows is one of compromise as unfamiliar employers and roles are given a second chance and students adopt a refreshingly open mind. Our students are reminded that looks aren’t everything and whilst familiar brands may have mass appeal, it is important they don’t overlook others that may have potential.
The compatibility test.
Once the placement starts, and the honeymoon period is over, there can be a mix of emotions. Most students admit to experiencing the Kubler-Ross Change Curve and at their lowest points ask themselves if they are ready for this kind of commitment. Thoughts of what they have left behind creep in and they are left yearning for the safe university environment. However, this soon passes and they become exposed to a new world filled with unique experiences, networks and friendships.
Bringing out the best in one another.
A placement year is a win/win for both students and employers. Employers choose the pick of the bunch to fulfill essential roles and, by investing time and energy in their new recruits; they build trust, encourage open dialogue and embrace new ideas and perspectives.
Once settled into the role, students begin to change the way they act, look and feel about themselves, mirroring the employer by adopting their culture, language and values. They acquire skills like never before, and reflect on what they have learnt and how they can apply their new knowledge back at university. A recent study we conducted found that our ‘Year in Industry’ students increased their average final year mark by an impressive 6.6%, resulting in many more achieving a first class degree.
It’s not you it’s me.
At the end of the year, it’s ‘make or break’ time. Some students are ready to make a promise to their employer to remain faithful during their final year at university, whilst for others it is time to part ways. There can be lots of reasons for this: it could be mutual, as both parties discover they have little in common or, perhaps it hasn’t lived up to expectations. Often, they just aren’t ready to settle down and the experience has empowered them to explore what is now within their reach. Whatever the decision, they return to university with a mature outlook, new sense of confidence and an ability to make informed choices.
My advice for anyone thinking about embarking on a placement year is to embrace the challenge, allow yourself to learn (and fail from time to time) and grow. Enjoy every minute of it because when you look back, you will always remember your first!
Interested in finding the right match for your organisation? Get in touch to find out how we can support you in the recruitment of our students and graduates.
Global Supply Chain Planner at BVI Medical
7 年The reason I came to Liverpool was because of the option of a placement year as I had no idea what I wanted to do - hoping that something would fall into place somewhere! I honestly had no idea what Supply Chain was until I landed a placement year in it, and it's by far the best opportunity I could have taken! It exposed me to an industry I wasn't even aware of and now I'm sure of the career I want to pursue. Being able to graduate with real work experience behind me put me in a much better place applying for graduate schemes! I can honestly say my placement year and the support from uni was by far the most valuable part of my degree!
Senior Product Manager at LexisNexis
7 年Great article Rachael, I can definitely relate! If I didn't complete a placement whilst at the University of Liverpool, I don't think I'd be where I am today. I learnt so much, and it allowed me to focus my interests and career direction for when I returned for my final year at University. Additionally, I grew my proffesional network, increased my overall university grade, and had so much fun living and working in London! I think maintaing a relationship with your university in this time is also really imporant for suport, something which Liverpool does really well.
Director of Student Futures
7 年Great article Rachael Collins! Its so easy to forget ALL the benefits and learning that can be gained from securing these key pieces of work experience!