We know how important it is to invest in your future, which is why we give you as many opportunities to do so while you’re with us. Our faculty placements and internship programmes allow students to apply their studies in a practical, real-world setting, gearing them up for the world of work.
As well as providing valuable work experience, a faculty placement can help to improve your self-confidence, boost your CV and potentially secure a graduate job offer.
Additionally, an optional placement year is available for undergraduate students whose course does not have a compulsory placement or study abroad element.
I decided to apply for PALS, an institution which supports young people that have difficulties with the normal school system and therefore provides an alternative programme, giving students hands-on and practical sessions like working in workshops or motorbike engineering. I have always had an interest in working with children and therefore thought this was a suitable option.
The placement application process was very straightforward. First, you must provide a CV and a cover letter. The cover letter should be altered and tailored for the chosen placement conveying the necessary skills for the placement. After this came the interview stage (mine happened to be in person.) My advice would be to come prepared! Ensuring you know what the company's aims are and how they would benefit by having you. I would also recommend asking questions, both to show your interest and to answer any queries you may have.
Once I began my placement, my role was to act as a teaching support, helping children in a 1:1 setting to ensure they get any help needed and the most out of their day. This primarily included helping students if they needed support or further explanation in Maths and English in order to complete and achieve their Functional Skills diploma.
Due to the nature of my placement, I was working as part of a team, both with other university students on placement, the teachers and other supports too. This relieved some of the pressure since if I didn’t know something, there were always peers there to support me or to explain how certain things worked, making me feel at ease and welcomed.
Reflecting on my placement, I have fond memories. I really enjoyed my time spent with the students who in a way taught me too. Working there both broadened my experience, working with children who need certain types of support whilst increasing my confidence in my capabilities. It also gave me a chance to meet new people from different backgrounds (I had never been to Nottingham before starting university), hearing these students' life experiences was really interesting and at times very entertaining.
Libby Grunwald
Sociology student
