Why should I do a placement/internship?
You can find where your interests lie
Getting some work experience will allow you to gain a better idea of what you enjoy doing, and in what direction you’d like your career to go.
You get to ‘trial’ the company
Before applying for a graduate role, you’ll want to know that the company is right for you, and that you’re right for them.
There’s no better way to find this out than through a placement/ internship. Plus, it gives you plenty to talk about during the graduate application process!
You can return as a graduate
After you’ve completed your placement/internship, many employers will offer you a place as a graduate.
You may even get to fast-track the graduate application process.
You’ll gain valuable experience
And if the company isn’t for you, you walk away with practical experience in the world of work and a better understanding of where you’d like your career to go.
“It’s a really good opportunity to see if the company’s a good fit for you” – GSK
Hints & tips
Part-time jobs, volunteering
Every type of work experience is valuable. Any work or volunteering you’ve done will equip you with soft skills, so think about what you’ve learnt, and how this can be applied to the role.
Make the most of it
Really do your homework on the role and decide what you could, and want to, get out of it. This will help you convey what it is about the opportunity that excites you during the application process.
Be flexible
It’s important to be open to trying new things. Your perfect role could be something you’d never considered trying before. And if you can, try and be flexible when it comes to location because it will give you a lot more choice and freedom.
Network, network, network!
Talk to as many people as you can to really get to know different areas of the company and its progression opportunities. The relationships you build there could help you later in your career – whether you stay with the company or not!
“I networked during my internship...and that’s actually how I ended up being hired!”– Graduate at P&G
