Overview of Placement Opportunities at Queen's University Belfast

Queen's University Belfast (QUB) is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and practical experience, offering a wide range of placement opportunities to help students transition smoothly into the professional world. With a global reputation for excellence, QUB integrates work placements into many degree programs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for competitive job markets. The university's strategic location in Belfast provides access to thriving industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and engineering, fostering meaningful connections between academia and industry.

Career Development Centre (CDC)

The Career Development Centre at QUB serves as the central hub for all placement-related support. This dedicated team offers personalized guidance to over 20,000 students and recent graduates each year. Services include one-on-one career consultations, CV and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and access to an extensive online jobs portal called QSkills. The CDC also hosts regular employer fairs and networking events, connecting students with top organizations like KPMG, PwC, and the NHS.

• Drop-in Sessions: Available daily for quick advice on placements and job applications.
• Workshops: Covering topics like LinkedIn optimization, graduate recruitment processes, and sector-specific skills.
• Global Opportunities: Support for international placements through partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Structured Placement Programs

QUB offers both optional and mandatory placements across various disciplines, typically lasting from 6 weeks to 12 months. These are integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. For instance, the Year in Industry program is popular in engineering and sciences, where students work full-time with leading firms.

Key programs include:

1. Industrial Placements: Paid positions in sectors like aerospace (with Bombardier) and pharmaceuticals (with Almac).
2. Teaching Placements: For education students, partnering with local schools for hands-on classroom experience.
3. Research Internships: Opportunities at QUB's research institutes, such as the Centre for Cancer Research, leading to potential PhD pathways.
4. sandwich Degrees: Built-in work years between academic studies, enhancing CVs and earning salaries averaging £18,000-£22,000 annually.

Eligibility is straightforward: students must maintain a minimum GPA equivalent and complete a competitive application process, often including interviews. International students are supported with visa guidance under the UK's Graduate Route scheme.

Employment Statistics and Outcomes

QUB boasts impressive placement and graduate outcomes, with 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (HESA data, 2022). The university ranks in the top 10 UK universities for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide, 2023). Placements significantly boost employability; participants report 20-30% higher starting salaries compared to non-placers.

Degree Discipline	Placement Success Rate	Average Placement Duration	Top Employing Sectors
Engineering	92%	9-12 months	Aerospace, Manufacturing
Business & Management	88%	6-9 months	Finance, Consulting
Medicine & Health	95%	3-6 months	Healthcare, Biotech
Computer Science	90%	8-12 months	Tech, Software Development

These figures highlight QUB's commitment to measurable success, with alumni securing roles at global giants like Google, Deloitte, and the BBC.

Industry Partnerships and Support

QUB collaborates with over 1,000 employers through its Employers' Forum, ensuring placements align with industry needs. Initiatives like the Queen's Talent Academy provide exclusive access to premium placements for high-achieving students. Support extends beyond placements with mentorship programs pairing students with industry professionals.

For underrepresented groups, targeted schemes such as the Women in STEM Placements and Disability Employment Support offer tailored assistance, including accessibility accommodations and bias-free recruitment training for partners.

How to Get Started with Placements

To embark on a placement journey at QUB, students should:

• Register with the CDC early in their degree.
• Attend the annual Careers Fair in October for direct employer interactions.
• Utilize the MyFuture online platform to search and apply for opportunities.
• Seek academic advisors for program-specific placement integration.

Funding is available through bursaries and travel grants, covering up to 50% of placement costs for eligible students. QUB's placements not only build skills but also create lifelong networks, positioning graduates for long-term career success in a dynamic global economy.