Overview of Placement Opportunities

Royal Holloway, University of London, is committed to enhancing student employability through a robust framework of placement opportunities, internships, and career development programs. With its picturesque campus in Egham, Surrey, the university fosters strong industry connections, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, media, and healthcare. Placements are integrated into many undergraduate and postgraduate programs, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning academic credits. The university's Careers Service plays a pivotal role, offering personalized guidance from the first year through to graduation and beyond.

Career Services and Support

The Careers Service at Royal Holloway provides comprehensive support to help students secure placements. Key offerings include:

• One-on-One Advising: Tailored CV reviews, interview preparation, and career coaching sessions available throughout the academic year.
• Workshops and Events: Regular sessions on job search strategies, networking skills, and sector-specific insights, such as tech innovation fairs or finance networking evenings.
• Online Resources: Access to a dedicated portal with job listings, placement vacancies, and alumni success stories.
• Placement Matching: Partnerships with over 1,000 employers, including global firms like Deloitte, IBM, and the BBC, to match students with relevant opportunities.

International students receive additional support, including visa guidance for UK placements and resources for global internships.

Integrated and Optional Placements

Royal Holloway offers both integrated placements as part of degree programs and optional placements for those seeking extra experience. Many programs in the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and the Department of Computer Science include a mandatory year in industry, typically after the second year of study.

• Sandwich Degrees: These 'thick sandwich' courses incorporate a full year of paid work placement, extending the degree to four years. Popular in subjects like Psychology, Management, and Electronic Engineering.
• Short-Term Internships: Summer placements lasting 8-12 weeks, often funded through university bursaries or employer sponsorships.
• Subject-Specific Placements: For example, Media Arts students can intern at film studios, while Earth Sciences placements involve fieldwork with environmental agencies.

Students on placement receive ongoing academic supervision and can access university facilities remotely. Funding options, such as the Placement Year Bursary, help cover living expenses during unpaid or low-paid roles.

Graduate Outcomes and Employment Statistics

Royal Holloway boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with 93% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation (based on the latest Graduate Outcomes survey). The university ranks highly for employability, particularly in research-intensive fields.

Subject Area	Employment Rate	Average Starting Salary (£)	Top Employers
Computer Science	95%	32,000	Google, Microsoft, BT
Business & Management	92%	28,500	Deloitte, KPMG, Unilever
Psychology	90%	26,000	NHS, Mind, Local Councils
Media & Communications	88%	27,000	BBC, Sky, The Guardian

These figures highlight the value of placements in boosting career prospects. Alumni often credit their placements for securing graduate roles, with many progressing to leadership positions within five years.

International and Diverse Opportunities

Royal Holloway emphasizes global employability, offering placements in Europe, Asia, and North America through partnerships like the Erasmus+ program. Students can participate in exchange placements, gaining cross-cultural experience. The university supports underrepresented groups via targeted initiatives, such as the Women in STEM Placement Scheme and diversity-focused employer fairs.

Student Success Stories

Take Sarah, a Computer Science student who secured a placement at IBM through the Careers Service. "The experience transformed my understanding of AI applications and led directly to a full-time offer," she shares. Similarly, Ahmed from the Management department interned at Unilever, crediting the university's networking events for his opportunity.

To maximize placement success, students are encouraged to:

1. Build a strong LinkedIn profile early.
2. Attend career fairs and apply early in the academic year.
3. Seek feedback on applications from advisors.
4. Reflect on experiences through placement portfolios for future job hunts.

In summary, Royal Holloway's placement ecosystem equips students with the skills and networks needed for thriving careers. Whether through structured programs or self-sourced opportunities, the university ensures every student has a pathway to professional success.