When you apply to uni, it can be difficult to decide how you want to structure your course. Some people do their degree and then go straight into work. Others take a gap year before or after their degree. There’s also the option to take a placement year, also known as a sandwich degree. With this structure, students usually study for two years and then do an internship or work placement for their third year, before returning for their final year of study. If this idea appeals to you, here’s how to tell if it’s the right choice.
Cons Of Doing A Placement Year
Before you sign up to do a placement year, it’s a good idea to consider the potential problems that could go hand-in-hand with this decision. One problem that many students face is the difficulty of juggling placement applications with their uni work. Even though the course sets a year aside for you to work, that doesn’t mean the opportunity will automatically be waiting for you when you begin the year. You’ll need to plan far in advance and most likely go through several application processes before you get an offer, just like you would for a post-graduate job. This can be difficult to manage when you’re also working on assignments.
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Another issue that can come up is the risk of ending up in a placement that you don’t enjoy. While it isn’t permanent, a year is still a long time to dedicate to work that doesn’t suit you, particularly if you end up working in a different industry than you intended, or one that isn’t fully relevant to your degree. In contrast, waiting until you graduate to pursue work experience can give you more flexibility and time to find something that fits your needs.
Pros Of Doing A Placement Year
There are also many benefits to doing a placement year. It’s a great way to put the theoretical knowledge from your degree into practice, and to learn by doing. You’ll have the support of your university and many resources to help you while you’re applying and throughout the experience. Plus, it will provide you with some financial resources to carry you through into your final year.
A lot of the benefits of a placement year come into play after you graduate. Having concrete experience to talk about in an interview will put you ahead of other graduates who just have a degree when it comes to hiring. Employers want to know that you have practical skills and problem-solving experience within the field that you’re entering, and a placement is the perfect way to demonstrate this.