Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a placement anywhere (or with any company)?

Yes, you can BUT there are a few conditions you need to comply with.
If you find a placement yourself you must contact the Placements Office and supply them with details by completing the Student Record Form.  We will have the role verified to make sure it is both suitable and applicable for your award.

You must stay within the restrictions of any visa’s that may be applicable.  i.e. non EU citizens hold a visa that allows a 12 month work placement  to take place as part of their degree within the UK but will not be applicable outside the UK, (students in the past have secured placements in Canada and the USA but have been refused a student work visa).

If you obtain a placement abroad and a Staffordshire University tutor is unable to visit, you are responsible for providing the university with the name and contact details of a local academic who may be willing to act as your Placement Visit Tutor.

What work will I be expected to do whilst on placement?

The work that you will undertake during your placement will be related to your degree course and the skills that you have learnt and acquired during your study period.  On occasions you may need to consider a position which will give you more of a broad experience rather than focusing on one particular area of study. 

The work is as varied as the companies that want to employ our students.

Will I receive help looking for accommodation?

Most companies have a rolling program of students – this means that there is usually a hand over period when you will be helped to settle in.  The previous student or a member of staff will usually be able to help you with local information before you start your role.  Again if you are having difficulties we will do our upmost to help.

Can I apply for a student loan during my placement?

Yes, you can apply for half loan from Student Finance.  The decision to apply for it is totally yours. 

What is a PAT

A PAT (placement application template) is an extended CV which you can find here. (DOC, file size: 60KB)

How many positions should I apply for?

We encourage students to apply to as many companies as they can - as long as the positions are related to their degree. Students should also only apply for roles that they are interested in and would be happy to accept if they were offered the role.

Where do I access the Placement advertised jobs?

 
The jobs that we advertise on behalf of companies are posted on the placements website under current vacancies known to Log-on to view jobs.  You will be asked to provide your user name and password before accessing the placements.

Will the fact that I’ve done a placement make a difference to a future employer?

Companies appreciate the value of employing a student who has undertaken a placement as part of their degree.  This is what companies have told us.  Most companies prefer to employ people with experience and job adverts will often specify experience required - a placement is how a graduate gains experience prior to graduation.

How will I benefit from doing a placement?

We actively encourage students to undertake a placement as it will provide you with a wealth of experience; you will also get a feel for what it is like to work in a real life industry and you will be earning an income from the placement.

 You will be given the opportunity to use your skills in a working environment and to bring new and innovative ideas to an organisation.  It will also give you confidence working with other people and develop your personal skills.

Will a placement help me in my final year?

Undertaking a placement will help you in your final year, as you will have learnt new skills that can’t be taught at University and you should return with a good idea of what you wish to do for your Final Year Project 

When should I start my placement?

Generally undergraduate students start their placements anytime between June to September.  Postgraduate students may also have the opportunity to start in January/February depending on when they started their MSc.

How long should my placement be for?

This will depend upon your course. Engineering and Technology students will need to complete a minimum of 36 weeks, Computing students a minimum of 48 weeks and Masters Students a minimum of 24 weeks.

What should I do if I’m not doing the work I was promised?

Try talking to your line manager to see if there is a reason you are not being progressed onto more challenging work.  If this proves unproductive, you should contact your allocated Placement Visit Tutor or the Placements Team as soon as can.  Remember that your first couple of months may be less challenging than you would hope, as you settle into the company.  Conversely you may find yourself in at the thick of things very quickly.

Will I have to relocate?

Only if you choose to take a role that needs relocation.  This is a decision you need to make when you start applying for jobs.  You need to balance costs such as rent deposits and the actual physical move against the work on offer and the opportunities that it presents which may include living abroad.

When do I choose my final year options?

You will be contacted by your Award Administrator during the placement year.  It is vital that you keep the placements Team up to date with your addresses and telephone numbers.
 

I’ve accepted a job, but now I’m worried I won’t be able to do it

Don’t worry – it’s very common for students, especially those placed earlier in the year to feel this way.  Just remember that the company chose you because they could see potential; they are not expecting the finished product, but a work in progress!  They've probably had placement students before and some of them may well have been on placement before they graduated.

Can I carry on applying for jobs, once I’ve accepted one?

NO!  Once you have accepted an offer of a placement you must stop applying to other companies.  If you have other interviews lined up you must inform them that you have been offered a placement and will not be available for interview.

What should I consider when applying for job?

This is what previous students had to say.

“…aim to get work experience in areas that interest you….don’t apply for just anything when finding a placement gets hard and your confidence has been knocked by rejections… pursue your goal as settling for anything may bring great disappointment.  When things get hard, communicate with the placements office as they will always help, no matter what the situation…”
NR placement student 2006

“Don’t choose the easy option. Choose a placement which is both interesting and most importantly challenging.”
RJ placement student 2007

What if I have a problem during my placement?

You should contact your allocated Placement Visit Tutor or the Placements Team as soon as you can.  We are here to support the placement process and will do all we can to help.

What if I can’t choose between two jobs

You can’t do two!!! Discuss your options with the people who know you best.  Talk to the Placements team; we may be able to help you by looking at the situation objectively. 
 

What should I do to prepare for an interview

Firstly you should research the company and ensure you are up to date with their latest news.  Make sure that you are fully familiar with your PAT and prepare some questions to ask.  It is also a good idea to book an appointment to see a Careers Advisor who can advise on interview techniques.

Advert asks for skills I have not got

Don’t be put off by the fact that you have not got all the skills a company have listed as necessary.  If you feel that you meet 75% of the requirements then apply for the position.  It’s then up to the company to decide if you fit their ethos.