Placement Information at Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is committed to enhancing students' employability through robust placement programs, career support, and industry partnerships. With campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and London, ARU offers diverse opportunities for students to gain practical experience, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional careers. The university's Careers and Employability Service plays a pivotal role in guiding students from application to post-graduation success, ensuring high employability rates.

Career Services and Support

ARU's dedicated Careers and Employability Service provides comprehensive support throughout your studies and beyond. This includes one-on-one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and access to an online job portal. The service organizes regular career fairs, employer presentations, and networking events, connecting students with leading organizations.

• Personalized Guidance: Advisors help tailor your career path, from exploring options to applying for placements.
• Skill Development: Workshops on LinkedIn optimization, presentation skills, and sector-specific training.
• International Opportunities: Support for global placements and study abroad programs with employability focus.
• Alumni Network: Access to a vast network of over 150,000 alumni for mentorship and job leads.

Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate, the service ensures placements align with your course and career goals, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds.

Placement Programs and Opportunities

ARU integrates placements into many degree programs, offering sandwich years, internships, and work-based learning modules. These opportunities range from 6 weeks to a full year, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings. Popular programs include placements in healthcare, business, engineering, and creative industries.

Key placement types include:

1. Sandwich Placements: A full year in industry, typically in the third year of a four-year degree, enhancing your resume significantly.
2. Short-Term Internships: Summer or semester-based roles, ideal for building initial experience.
3. Volunteering and Projects: Community-based placements that develop soft skills and leadership.
4. Subject-Specific Placements: Tailored to fields like nursing (NHS partnerships) or law (mock trials and firm attachments).

ARU collaborates with over 1,000 employers, including global giants like IBM, PwC, and the NHS, as well as local SMEs. Students in the Faculty of Business and Law often secure roles in finance and marketing, while those in the Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care benefit from clinical placements.

Employment Statistics and Outcomes

ARU boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022). The university's focus on placements contributes to this, as students with placement experience are 20% more likely to secure jobs in their field.

Here's a breakdown of employment rates by faculty (based on recent data):

Faculty	Employment Rate (%)	Average Starting Salary (£)	Top Placement Sectors
Business and Law	96	28,000	Finance, Marketing, Legal Services
Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care	98	25,500	Healthcare, Social Work, Education
Science and Engineering	93	30,000	IT, Engineering, Environment
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences	91	24,000	Media, Publishing, Public Sector

These figures highlight ARU's effectiveness in preparing students for the job market. Postgraduate placements often lead to higher salaries, with many transitioning directly into permanent roles.

Top Employers and Success Stories

ARU's partnerships ensure placements with reputable organizations. Notable employers include:

• Healthcare: Addenbrooke's Hospital, East of England Ambulance Service.
• Business: Barclays, Deloitte, local startups via the Peterborough campus.
• Tech and Engineering: ARM, Cambridge Innovation Parks.
• Creative Industries: BBC, local media outlets in London.

Success stories abound: A Business Management student secured a year-long placement at PwC, leading to a graduate scheme offer. In nursing, many complete placements that count towards professional registration with the NMC.

Application Process and Tips

To apply for placements, register with the Careers Service early in your degree. Deadlines vary by program, but most placements are advertised via the university's portal. Tips for success:

• Build a strong CV highlighting relevant skills and modules.
• Attend employability bootcamps for interview practice.
• Seek feedback from mock assessments.
• Network at ARU's annual Employability Fair, attended by 200+ employers.

ARU's placement ecosystem not only boosts employability but also fosters personal growth, equipping you with the confidence and skills for a thriving career. For more details, visit the official ARU Careers website or contact the service directly.