Undergraduate Industry Placements
There’s an entrepreneurial spirit here at Salford Business School. We’re proud of our close links with industry which provides valuable experiences and networks for our students, helping them to succeed in their chosen careers.
Not only is our academic course content industry focused, but we also offer each BSc programme with a professional experience year (year in industry), to help maximise your industry skills and employability.
Our undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to take a work placement year between their second and third years of study. During this year, you will not pay University fees and you will earn a salary for your work while you develop your real-world skills.
Industry Placement
The paid industry placement gives you the chance to undertake 9 - 12 months' employment with an organisation located regionally, nationally or internationally.
You will obtain your own placement but the Business School will support you with industry contacts as well as preparatory lectures in study skills, action planning, consultancy and more. You will be allocated a supervisor to support you throughout the placement, from preparing your learning agreement and action plan with your employer, through to delivery of your outcomes.
Industry placements are really popular with international students, as it allows them to benefit from a wider experience of working in the UK and its culture, build excellent work connections, and improve their communication skills.
If you are an international student, and are accepted onto a 9 – 12 month placement, you will need to extend your visa. You should do this three months before the placement is due to start, so that you have enough time for your visa to be processed. Find more information on our Immigration and Visa FAQ page – read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa.
Why our students love work placements
“The placement year is going great at IBM. I feel like I am 100% ready for the real working world once I have graduated!” Ramal Hassan, BSc Business Information Technology
"Being part of a team and having my colleagues rely on me to work hard and pull my weight has shown me that I am capable of much more than I ever imagined I was." Amy Haig, BSc International Events Management
"Because I am a placement student, I didn't think I'd be working on important tasks. So the fact that I've been doing this has surprised me. But this hasn't been a bad thing - it's a real job, it's amazing." Anna Nguyenova, BSc International Business
Enhanced Employability
Employability covers a broad range of non-academic or softer skills and abilities which are of value in the workplace. It includes the ability to work in a team; a willingness to demonstrate initiative and original thought; self-discipline in starting and completing tasks to deadline.
Many now expect to see evidence of these ‘Employability skills’ and achievements that boost someone's attractiveness as a potential employee
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the NUS are providing students with expert advice in a handy publication on what employers are looking for in new recruits and practical tips to help students meet these requirements
Academic benefits
The knowledge you gain may directly relate to your course and therefore benefit your academic work - on average, students who have gone on placement get higher marks and a better degree classification than those who do not go on a placement.
The opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge real situations and develop ideas for final year project.
Personal Benefits
Taking advantage of placement and internship opportunities doesn't just help your career, you'll also find a lot of personal benefits including:
- Students and graduates who undertake work placements report increased confidence in their abilities.
- You may be paid for the placement - it can be a good opportunity to earn money.
- Opportunity to adapt to workplace culture within a supported environment.
- A placement is an invaluable opportunity to make contacts, as well as learn from the industry professionals around you.
- Trial a career before committing to a permanent graduate job. Even if you decide the sector isn't for you, you’ll have gained valuable, transferrable skills which will enhance your employability in other roles.
International placements
If the prospect of an industry placement isn't exciting enough, there is also opportunities to complete your placement overseas!
The International Opportunities Team currently offer a variety of work placement abroad schemes, including Erasmus+ for training. All work placement abroad opportunities will either be promoted via student news, social media, on our website or through the Business school.
Writing your cv and application
From when you start with us!
As soon as you join us, you'll be guided on how to write your CV and applications to the highest standard.
From workshops to career consultants to in seminar guidance, you'll have everything you need to make a great first impression on paper.
Finding the perfect placement
October - March
Though securing a placement is ultimately up to you, every effort will be made to help you find and secure your perfect placement.
The Employability team, based in the Student Hub, manages the process of bringing together students looking for a placement and employers looking for students to undertake a specific project. We develop connections with students and relationships with employers so we can find the best and most beneficial placements and for students at Salford Business School.
Interview time
October - April
Depending on how long it takes to find your perfect placement, you should be attending interviews between October and April.
Support, advice and tips will be provided for through the Employability Team, in seminars and through dedicated employability events.
Applying for a visa (international students only)
February - April
If you are an international student, and are accepted onto a 9 – 12 month placement, you will need to extend your visa. You should do this three months before the placement is due to start, so that you have enough time for your visa to be processed. Find more information on our Immigration and Visa FAQ page here – read the section on extending your Tier 4 visa.
Starting your placement
June - August
Your start date will depend on the needs and wants of your employer. Don't worry! Your links with the University of Salford aren't put on hold!
You will be assigned a Placement Officer/Tutor who will check in, to make sure you are happy in your placement. Your Placement Officer is always interested to hear from you about your placement and encourages communication.
Support from our Employability Team
Our employability team, based in the student hub, manage the process of bringing together students who are looking for a placement with employers who want students to work on a specific project. They develop connections with students and relationships with employers to find the best internships, placements and live projects for undergraduate and postgraduate students at Salford Business School.
All placements are competitive. Though a wide variety of support is provided, you can expect to apply for a number of jobs, be interviewed and attend an assessment centre. You will also need to meet the employer's entry criteria in order to be accepted on any placement route. Click below to read more about the support available.
WRITING YOUR CV
Many employers will ask you to submit a CV when you apply for a placement opportunity. A CV is a document which summarises your skills, qualifications and work experience to date.
Our Careers Consultants have written a guide called 'Creating Your CV' which will help you to write and check your CV.
You may also wish to attend a CV Workshop, where you can pick up further tips and advice on putting together your CV.
Information on CV workshops and CV Check Appointments can be found on Improve Your CV webpage.
Completing application forms
You may need to complete an application form to apply for a placement opportunity. Make a copy of the application form and use our 'Application Forms' guide to help you.
If you feel you need to speak to a Careers Consultant on a one-to-one basis about the applications you are making, you can call into a Careers Appointment, where you will be seen on a 1-1 basis for 20 minutes and no appointment is necessary or you can book an appointment, up to one week in advance with a Careers Consultant, to book please contact us on +44 (0)161 295 0023 (option 5).
Interviews
Reading our 'Interviews' guide will help you prepare yourself for interviews. You can also book a mock interview with a Careers Consultant to help you practice ring 0161 295 0023 (option 5).
Careers consultant appointments
Any current students or graduates of the University can book an appointment to see a Careers Consultant to discuss their application form, personal statement, interview skills and career planning. A Careers Consultant will listen to your ideas, help you identify your strengths, weaknesses and skills and assist you in relating all of these things to the world of work. You can make appointments by calling +44 (0)161 295 0023 or booking online.
Careers workshops
Careers and Employability run regular workshops covering everything from writing a CV to making speculative job applications to impressing employers in interview. Details of the sessions can be found here.
