5 misconceptions about industrial placement degrees

As an upcoming industrial placement intern, I've come to appreciate the exciting prospects that await. A placement offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in your chosen field before completing your studies. However, there are several misconceptions surrounding these placements, some of which I had even while pursuing my degree. Let's debunk five of these misconceptions together.

1. The University Allocates You a Placement

This misconception was at the top of my list. Contrary to popular belief, universities don't simply hand out placements to students. Securing a placement requires proactive effort and initiative. While universities often have partnerships with companies, it's up to us students to apply to various organisations. This process offers the freedom to choose where to apply, but it also involves a significant amount of work, including crafting tailored resumes and cover letters and preparing for interviews.

2. Placements Are Unpaid

This one isn't completely wrong; most industrial placements are paid. The amount of pay varies depending on factors such as the company, location, and role. Some industrial placements, however, are unpaid, for example, most NHS industrial placement or industrial placements in the charity sector. Before applying, it's essential to research typical salary ranges for your desired industry and role. Websites like Glassdoor can provide valuable insights into salary expectations, helping you make informed decisions about where to apply.

3. Placement Is Easy

Securing an industrial placement is far from easy, and I don't say this to discourage you. It requires dedication, persistence, and a rigorous process of research and interviewing alongside your academic studies. Competition for placements can be fierce, with companies seeking candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and practical skills. As such, be prepared to invest time and effort into your application process to increase your chances of success.

4. You Can Work at Any Company

While it may be tempting to apply to prestigious or well-known companies, it's essential to consider whether the company's values, culture, and industry align with your interests and career goals. Applying to a company solely for its reputation, perceived prestige or for the sake of getting a placement can backfire during the interview process, as I've learned firsthand. It just ended up being a waste of time when my motivations for applying was assessed and my answers lacked genuine interest. Aside from this, some companies you want to intern at might not even offer placement schemes! This all goes back to doing research.

5. It isn't Worth It

The value of undertaking an industrial placement, especially since it extends the duration of a degree, may be questioned. I mean, an internship gives you work experience too and so will a graduate job in the future but the benefits are equally as invaluable, if not more. Not only does it provide hands-on experience and practical skills that complement academic learning, but it enhances employability upon graduation. Employers highly value candidates with industry experience, often preferring graduates who have completed placements over those who haven't. Additionally, placement offer opportunities to build professional networks, gain insight into different work environments, and clarify career goals.

In conclusion, industrial placement degrees offer a valuable opportunity for students to enhance their employability. By understanding the realities of securing and undertaking an industrial placement, students can maximise the benefits and opportunities afforded by this invaluable experience.