Placements can be a fundamental aspect of some degree courses and can be beneficial for
professional and personal development. Despite this, it can, be a time-consuming process to
find the relevant placement that ties in with your degree and fosters your future career
development- and it’s no secret that you’ll be up against plenty of competition along the way.
If you’re about to embark on finding a student placement, the below tips should come in useful
for your search:

Contact small local businesses

Small businesses are the perfect place to start when it comes to finding work experience placements. While you may have your sights set on large, successful businesses, your placement request may be overlooked. On the other hand, small businesses are much more likely to be appreciative that you considered them and will be willing for the extra help, providing you have the knowledge and skillset required. What’s more, you may even be able to get experience in multiple roles within the business which can further develop your professional practice. To start, it may be useful to ask friends and family if they have acquaintances who run local businesses in your desired field and can recommend you. Alternatively, it may be worth contacting companies to enquire whether they would consider taking you on as a student placement.

Sign up to a recruitment agency

If you’re struggling to find a student work placement as part of your degree course, it would be worthwhile to sign up to a recruitment agency that specialises in student placements and graduate job roles – such as Inspiring Interns. This service is free of charge – and you’ll be guided by a professional team of recruiting experts who can inform you of the best available opportunities in your desired field. As part of the application process, you’ll introduce yourself by recording a video CV which is later published and gives you exposure to potential employers. You’ll also be given valuable advice by the team to help you secure the placement, such as how to conduct yourself during the interview process and how to write a quality CV and cover letter.

Understand why you’re getting rejected

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your placement application rejected – or even not hearing back at all. If you have been applying for weeks or even months, it may well be that there is a general reason. If you’re feeling brave, it would be worth contacting the companies you have applied to and asking for feedback concerning your application (although you may not always hear back). Perhaps your CV isn’t quite up to scratch or you didn’t prepare yourself enough for the interview – knowing where you have gone wrong will ensure you don’t make the
same mistakes next time around.

 Don’t narrow down your search

Although you may be focused on securing your dream job at your dream company, try not to be too narrow minded when it comes to finding a placement. Any company that is willing to teach you fundamental knowledge and skills which tie into your desired career path is a valuable opportunity to add to your CV – and of course, allows you to complete your studies. Even if you do turn down any placements that you are offered, knowing you were considered the most suitable candidate is sure to give you the ‘feel good’ factor – and what’s more, you can put it down to practice.