Overview of Placement Opportunities

Loughborough University is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and practical experience, integrating placements into many of its degree programs. With a focus on real-world application, the university's placement schemes help students bridge the gap between academic learning and professional careers. Over 90% of Loughborough graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data. Placements are a key factor in this success, offering hands-on experience in diverse industries.

Types of Placements Available

Loughborough offers a variety of placement options tailored to different academic stages and career goals. These include:

• Sandwich Placements: Integrated into four-year degree programs, these typically last 9-12 months and occur between the second and final years of study. Students in engineering, business, and sciences often participate, gaining full-time professional experience while earning a salary.
• Internships and Summer Placements: Shorter opportunities, usually 8-12 weeks during vacations, ideal for first- or second-year students. These are available across all faculties, including sports, technology, and humanities.
• Year in Industry: Specialized for STEM disciplines, allowing students to work on industry projects that align with their coursework. Many are paid, with average salaries ranging from £18,000 to £25,000 annually.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global companies, enhancing cultural competence and international employability. Programs like Erasmus+ support these exchanges.

Placements are not mandatory for all courses but are highly encouraged, with dedicated placement tutors in each department to guide students through the process.

University Support for Placements

The Careers and Employability Centre at Loughborough provides comprehensive support to ensure students secure high-quality placements. Services include:

• One-on-one career coaching and CV workshops to tailor applications.
• Access to an online vacancy database with over 1,000 placement opportunities annually.
• Mock interviews and assessment centre simulations, often with input from industry professionals.
• Placement preparation modules embedded in the curriculum, covering skills like networking and professional communication.

Additionally, the university hosts annual careers fairs, such as the Loughborough Careers Fair, attracting over 150 employers like Deloitte, Rolls-Royce, and the BBC. These events facilitate direct connections, with many students securing placements on-site.

Placement Statistics and Outcomes

Loughborough's placement programs yield impressive results, as evidenced by recent data:

Metric	Percentage/Figure	Notes
Students Undertaking Placements	Over 40% of undergraduates	Includes sandwich and summer options
Employment Rate Post-Graduation	94.5%	Within 15 months (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022)
Average Starting Salary	£28,000	Higher for placement participants (£2,000 above non-placers)
Top Sectors	Engineering (25%), Finance (20%), Sports & Leisure (15%)	Reflects university strengths
Return-to-Employer Rate	70%	Students offered graduate roles by placement hosts

These figures highlight how placements boost graduate prospects. For instance, engineering students on placement often see a 20% increase in employability compared to non-placement peers.

Top Employers and Industry Partners

Loughborough collaborates with leading organizations to provide diverse placement experiences. Notable partners include:

• Engineering & Manufacturing: Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Siemens – focusing on innovation and design projects.
• Business & Finance: PwC, KPMG, Barclays – offering roles in consulting, auditing, and analytics.
• Sports & Health: Nike, Adidas, Premier League clubs – leveraging the university's world-class sports facilities.
• Technology & IT: IBM, Microsoft, Google – placements in software development and data science.

These partnerships ensure placements are relevant and challenging, often leading to long-term career opportunities.

How to Apply for Placements

Securing a placement starts early. Students should:

1. Register with the Careers and Employability Centre in their first year.
2. Attend placement briefing sessions and use the myFuture portal for job listings.
3. Build a strong application by gaining relevant skills through extracurriculars, such as the university's volunteering programs.
4. Apply directly to employers or via university-coordinated schemes; deadlines typically fall in the autumn term for the following year.

Financial support is available, including bursaries for unpaid internships and travel grants for international placements. Loughborough's Placement Guarantee Scheme ensures assistance for those who don't secure one independently.

Student Success Stories

Many alumni credit placements for their career launches. For example, Sarah Thompson, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, completed a sandwich placement at Rolls-Royce, which led to a graduate engineer role and eventual promotion to project manager. Similarly, in business, placements at Deloitte have propelled students into global consulting positions. These stories underscore the transformative impact of Loughborough's placement ecosystem.

In summary, Loughborough University's placement programs are integral to its reputation as a top employability institution, equipping students with the skills, networks, and experience needed for thriving careers. Whether through structured degrees or flexible internships, the opportunities are abundant and supportive.