Placement Opportunities at Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) places a strong emphasis on practical experience, integrating placements into its curriculum to prepare students for successful careers in agriculture, land management, and related industries. With a heritage dating back to 1845, RAU ensures that every student has access to real-world opportunities that bridge academic learning with professional practice. Placements are a cornerstone of the student experience, fostering skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and industry knowledge essential for employability.

Types of Placements Available

RAU offers a variety of placement options tailored to different degree programs, allowing students to gain hands-on experience at various stages of their studies. These include:

• Summer Internships: Short-term placements lasting 8-12 weeks during university holidays, ideal for first- and second-year students to explore career interests.
• Sandwich Placements: Full-year work experiences integrated into a four-year degree, typically undertaken between the second and third years. These are highly recommended for degrees in agriculture, equine science, and rural estate management.
• Integrated Work-Based Learning: Embedded placements within the curriculum, such as farm-based projects or consultancy roles, counting towards academic credits.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global organizations, focusing on sustainable agriculture in regions like Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Placement durations vary from a few weeks to a full academic year, with RAU's dedicated Placements Team assisting in securing roles that align with individual career goals.

Support for Finding and Securing Placements

RAU's Careers and Employability Service provides comprehensive support to ensure students thrive during placements. From CV workshops to mock interviews, the service is designed to build confidence and competitiveness in the job market. Key support elements include:

• One-on-one career coaching sessions with experienced advisors.
• Access to an online vacancy portal featuring exclusive RAU-partnered opportunities.
• Employability workshops on topics like networking, LinkedIn optimization, and industry-specific skills.
• Funding assistance for travel and accommodation through bursaries for eligible students.

Additionally, RAU hosts annual Careers Fairs and Employer Networking Events, connecting over 100 organizations with students. The university's alumni network, comprising more than 10,000 professionals, often mentors current students and offers placement referrals.

Key Sectors and Employer Partners

Placements at RAU span diverse sectors within the agri-food, environmental, and business landscapes. Common areas include sustainable farming, agribusiness, conservation, and equine management. The university's strong industry ties ensure placements with reputable employers who value RAU graduates' practical expertise.

Sector	Example Employers	Typical Roles
Agriculture and Farming	National Farmers' Union (NFU), Arla Foods, Local Farms	Farm Manager Trainee, Agronomist Assistant
Land and Estate Management	National Trust, Savills, Knight Frank	Estate Agent Intern, Conservation Officer
Agribusiness and Food	Unilever, Tesco, AHDB	Supply Chain Analyst, Food Technologist
Equine and Animal Science	British Horse Society, Racing Syndicates	Equine Nutritionist, Stable Manager
Environmental and Sustainability	Environment Agency, WWF	Sustainability Consultant, Biodiversity Researcher

These partnerships not only provide placements but also lead to graduate job offers, with many employers recruiting directly from RAU's talent pool.

Graduate Outcomes and Success Stories

RAU boasts impressive placement and employability statistics. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey, 95% of RAU graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with placements playing a pivotal role. Over 80% of students who complete a sandwich year report enhanced job prospects and higher starting salaries—averaging £25,000-£30,000 in agriculture-related fields.

Real student experiences highlight the impact: "My placement at a local dairy farm through RAU's network taught me sustainable practices I now apply as a farm consultant," shares alumni Sarah Jenkins. Another graduate, Tom Hargreaves, credits his international placement in Kenya for landing a role at a global agribusiness firm.

How to Apply for Placements

Getting started is straightforward. Students should:

1. Register with the Careers and Employability Service upon enrollment.
2. Attend introductory placement sessions in the first term.
3. Build a professional CV and cover letter using university templates.
4. Apply early via the placements portal, with deadlines typically in October for summer roles and March for sandwich years.
5. Prepare for assessments, including site visits and interviews arranged by the team.

RAU encourages all students, including those on part-time or mature pathways, to participate, with flexible options available.

In summary, placements at the Royal Agricultural University are more than temporary jobs—they are transformative experiences that equip students with the tools to excel in dynamic industries. By combining academic rigor with practical immersion, RAU ensures its graduates are not just employable, but leaders in agriculture and beyond.