Work Placements and Internships

At Robert Gordon University (RGU), practical experience is at the heart of our educational approach. Many of our programs incorporate mandatory or optional work placements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. For instance, our engineering and built environment courses often include a full year in industry, typically after the second year of study. This placement not only boosts your CV but also helps you build professional networks early on.

• Duration: Placements range from 12 weeks to a full academic year, depending on the program.
• Support: Our dedicated Placements Team assists with applications, CV reviews, and interview preparation.
• Examples: Students in nursing or radiography programs complete clinical placements in top NHS hospitals, gaining hands-on patient care experience.

Internships are available across disciplines, often paid and aligned with industry needs. In 2023, over 85% of our placement students secured roles in sectors like energy, health, and business, with many leading to graduate job offers.

Industry Partnerships and Employability

RGU's strong ties with industry ensure that our graduates are highly employable. We collaborate with leading organizations such as Shell, BP, NHS Grampian, and global firms like Deloitte and KPMG. These partnerships provide exclusive access to projects, guest lectures, and recruitment events.

Industry Sector	Key Partners	Opportunities Offered
Energy and Engineering	Shell, TotalEnergies	Sponsored projects, summer internships, graduate schemes
Health and Social Care	NHS Scotland, local hospitals	Clinical placements, research collaborations
Business and Finance	Deloitte, HSBC	Workshops, case competitions, entry-level positions
Design and Technology	Adobe, local tech startups	Portfolio reviews, freelance opportunities

Through initiatives like the RGU: Career Enhancement Programme, students participate in employer-led challenges, enhancing skills in leadership, innovation, and problem-solving. Our location in Aberdeen, the energy capital of Europe, opens doors to high-demand roles in oil, gas, and renewables.

Career Services and Support

RGU's Careers and Employability Service is committed to guiding you from day one to post-graduation success. We offer personalized advice, including one-on-one consultations, mock interviews, and access to an online jobs portal with thousands of opportunities.

1. Job Hunting Workshops: Regular sessions on LinkedIn optimization, networking, and application strategies.
2. Graduate Fairs: Annual events connecting students with over 100 employers, from multinationals to SMEs.
3. Mentoring Programs: Pairing with alumni mentors for tailored career advice in your field.
4. Entrepreneurship Support: Through the RGU Business Innovation Centre, aspiring entrepreneurs receive funding, incubation space, and business coaching.

For international students, we provide visa guidance and pathways to UK graduate visas, helping you stay and work in Scotland after graduation.

Graduate Outcomes and Success Stories

RGU boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with 96% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months (HESA data, 2022). Our focus on employability skills ensures high starting salaries—averaging £28,000 in engineering and £25,000 in health professions.

Alumni like Sarah Jenkins, who started as a pharmacy student and now leads a research team at AstraZeneca, credit RGU's placements for their career launch. Similarly, engineering graduate Tom Reilly transitioned from an internship at Subsea 7 to a senior project manager role, highlighting how our programs bridge academia and industry.

• Top Destinations: Graduates work in the UK (70%), Europe (15%), and globally (15%), with strong representation in Scotland's thriving sectors.
• Further Opportunities: Many pursue master's degrees or PhDs, supported by RGU scholarships worth up to £3,000.

Scholarships, Exchanges, and Additional Opportunities

Beyond employment, RGU offers diverse opportunities to enrich your experience. Scholarships include merit-based awards like the International Merit Scholarship (£3,000 per year) and subject-specific bursaries for underrepresented groups.

Our Study Abroad Program facilitates exchanges with partner universities in the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, allowing you to gain international perspectives while earning credits toward your degree.

Volunteering and extracurriculars, such as the RGU Student Union societies, build transferable skills and networks. Join the Engineering Society for hackathons or the Health Sciences Club for community outreach projects.

In summary, at RGU, opportunities are designed to propel your career forward, combining academic rigor with practical, industry-aligned experiences. Whether you're aiming for a corporate role, entrepreneurship, or global impact, our supportive ecosystem equips you for success.