There are two main ways to find a placement year. Apply for advertised placements, and seek out hidden opportunities by networking and applying speculatively.
How to get started
Our 30 minute presentation on 'How to find a year-long placement' covers:
where to look for a year-long placement
how to conduct an effective search
where to find additional information and support.
To view the presentation with subtitles, click the cc button in the player. You can also view a full screen version.
Not all placements are advertised. In fact, many people create work experience opportunities through networking and making contacts, or by developing their own business ideas.
If you have identified a company you would like to work for, you could try approaching them directly about possible opportunities. This is known as making a speculative application. Send them a tailored CV and covering letter, expressing your enthusiasm for the sector and showing that you have researched the company.
Where possible, identify a contact name to address your covering letter to. Call or email to find out who is responsible for recruitment within the organisation or a key contact in the department you want to work in.
It’s useful to follow up a speculative application with a phone call a few days afterwards to show you are serious and motivated.
