Finding & Applying for Placements

Follow this advice from the Engineering Placements Team and students who have been successful in securing Engineering Placements:

• Attend pre-placement preparation workshops and events organised by the Engineering Placements Team, read the weekly e-newsletter sent to year in industry students and follow the Engineering Placements Team on LinkedIn and Instagram.

• Research the type of companies that interest you and the different placements that they offer.

"Once you know which employers interest you, visit their 'careers' website, follow them on social media and find out if they are presenting on campus during autumn semester." 

• Plan your time: Don't underestimate the amount of time it will take to secure a placement. Be ready to start applying for placements as soon as possible in semester one.

  • "Check the timeline to know the general schedule for applications, some companies will start to advertise placements as early as July or August!"

• Pay attention to when schemes open and early closing dates.

"Some companies stop accepting applications ahead of the advertised closing date so don't delay in submitting your application."

• Research smaller companies:

"Smaller companies often recruit later in the academic year, but can provide a richer experience with greater involvement and more responsibility."

• Update your CV and covering letter,  and then make sure to get your CV or application reviewed. You can book an appointment, via Career Connect, with a member of our team (appointments during the vacation are online and during term time a mix of in person in the Engineering Heartspace and some are available online) .

• Make sure your applications are tailored to the company and role you are applying for.

"Quality of applications tends to be more successful than quantity of applications."

• Apply for multiple placements:

"The majority of people get rejections before securing a placement, so make sure to stay persistent in applying."