Placements and practical experience

One of the great things about studying for a degree is the opportunity to create connections with employers and build industry networks. Universities are well connected within their city and region, meaning they have the tools to help you build the latest skills in a work environment.

Every university will have a dedicated careers team who can support you in finding the right practical experience for your goals, including our very own at Solent.

At Solent, we’re all about giving our students opportunities to gain practice-led experience while they study. If you’re not familiar with how you can boost your CV with placements and practical experience while at uni, read on to find out how you could benefit.

Work-based learning

Going to university isn’t just about learning the ins and outs of your chosen field in a lecture hall, it’s about gaining experience in the field itself.

Throughout your degree, you will have the opportunity to gain work-based experience, adding skills to your CV and, ultimately, raising your awareness of the industry you're hoping to enter after university.

As an example, at Solent, on-campus enterprises such as Solent Creatives and Solent Productions connect students to opportunities with real-world clients (as well as at music festivals and live events), while many courses offer assignments which require undergrads to deliver a brief for businesses. This is great for building up those practical skills while giving your CV a competitive edge.

Placement years

Sometimes known as a sandwich year (we know, confusing), placement years give you the opportunity to spend a year of your studies on the job. This means you won’t be taking part in lectures or seminars but going to work every day in your chosen field.

Placement years are great for the CV as it means you'll leave university with a year’s relevant work experience already under your belt. They also inform your studies, so when you return to university you can apply your practical knowledge to your learning.

It’s important to remember that while a placement year is a great way to get insight into your chosen industry, it will extend your studies. This means you add an additional year onto your time at university, making a traditional degree of three years into four (including the year you spend on placement).

The opportunity to spend a year working in the industry can sometimes lead to a job offer when you graduate too, setting you up for success as soon as you get your degree. But it’s important to remember it’s not guaranteed.

Volunteering

Another way to gain practical experience is by volunteering. While it’s unpaid, becoming a volunteer is a great way to gain skills in an area you’re interested in while making a positive difference.

Undergraduates usually have the opportunity to undertake volunteering while at university in an area that relates to their course. Sports coaching students at Solent have been volunteering with Southampton Football Club’s charity, Saints Foundation since 2014. Read all about it here.

Although you won’t be paid as a volunteer, volunteering can sometimes lead to job offers depending on the employer and the impact you’ve made as a volunteer, so it’s always a great route to explore.

Short-term placements

If you want to get experience with an employer but don’t fancy taking a year out, lots of universities work with businesses to create short-term opportunities.

Short-term placements can complement your studies, and your course leader will usually be able to provide advice on how to secure one. Usually there is flexibility around short-term opportunities, meaning you can take a part-time position at any time of your studies, or during breaks.

If you like the look of a particular organisation, you can also send out a speculative application. Remember, your developing skills and ideas can be of use to a business, so put yourself out there – you never know what opportunities might come of it!

Shadowing

A more informal way to get insight into your field of study, shadowing gives students the opportunity to learn from the professionals. While you won’t be expected to contribute as an employee, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how things are done.

Shadowing is all about observing and it’s a great thing to consider for students who want to get a flavour of their chosen industry.

Student societies

Another great thing about university is the opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share similar ambitions and interests.

When you start your degree, you’ll be introduced to a huge range of student-run groups and societies. You can guarantee that there will be one which focuses on giving students practical experience – usually within creative fields. To get an idea of what this might involve, check out SonarEvents, Solent’s award-winning student-led live events society.