At Nottingham University Business School, our placement year programme has seen remarkable growth. Led by Placement Year Manager Jack Kavanagh, the programme now boasts over 300 students gaining hands-on industry experience annually, giving students vital experience in the world of work that helps to inform their studies and prepare them for life after graduation.
"Moving up five places in the RateMyPlacement rankings is a testament to the strength of our placement program and the calibre of our students", says Jack. "It’s fantastic to see how much our students benefit from these opportunities - but it’s also great to hear from businesses about the fresh perspectives and contributions our students bring to the workplace.”
The placement programme has been instrumental in kick-starting the careers of our students. Recently, Silvia Ehigiator, a BSc Finance, Accounting, and Management student, completed her placement year with Grant Thornton UK LLP.
During her year, Silvia engaged in auditing financial statements, assessing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. She also honed essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication – and has secured a graduate position at the firm when she finishes her final year.
"The placement helped me with the experience of applying for jobs and interview practice,” she says. “I gained more technical and transferable skills to take into the final year of my degree and help me succeed in graduate role applications. The good news is they’ve offered me a graduate job, so I’ll be going back in September after graduation.”
If you're interested in taking on a placement student at your business, the benefits are substantial. The University of Nottingham is consistently ranked among the top 10 most targeted universities by employers, meaning you'll have access to some of the brightest talent available. Our students bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking into your workplace, offering new ideas that can help drive your business forward. Moreover, placement students work as real employees, applying their academic knowledge to real-world business challenges while developing essential skills that contribute to your organization's success.