Overview of Placement Opportunities

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) is renowned for its strong emphasis on employability and practical experience, offering a wide range of placement opportunities to help students bridge the gap between academic study and professional careers. Placements at SHU are integrated into many undergraduate and postgraduate programs, allowing students to gain real-world experience, develop key skills, and enhance their CVs. Whether through sandwich degrees, summer internships, or year-long industrial placements, SHU ensures that students are well-prepared for the job market. The university's Careers and Employability Service plays a pivotal role in connecting students with employers across various sectors.

Types of Placements Available

SHU offers diverse placement options tailored to different academic disciplines. These include:

• Sandwich Placements: A full year in industry as part of a four-year degree, common in engineering, business, and health sciences programs. This extended period allows for deeper immersion in professional environments.
• Short-Term Internships: Typically lasting 8-12 weeks during summer breaks, ideal for gaining initial exposure in fields like marketing, IT, and media.
• Integrated Work Placements: Embedded modules within the curriculum, such as in nursing or teaching courses, where students apply theory directly in clinical or educational settings.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with global companies, particularly in business and engineering, fostering cross-cultural competencies.
• Voluntary and Community Placements: For students in social work or humanities, these focus on community impact and personal development.

Placements are available across all faculties, from the Sheffield Business School to the Department of Nursing and Midwifery, ensuring inclusivity for STEM, arts, and social science students alike.

Support and Guidance from SHU

The university provides comprehensive support to maximize placement success. The Careers and Employability Service offers personalized advice, including CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking events. Students can access the Placement Hub, an online portal listing thousands of opportunities updated daily.

Key support elements include:

1. Pre-Placement Preparation: Mandatory sessions on job searching, interview techniques, and professional etiquette, often led by industry experts.
2. Mentoring Programs: Pairing with alumni or faculty mentors to guide placement applications and on-site challenges.
3. Funding Assistance: Bursaries and travel grants for placements, especially those outside Sheffield, to alleviate financial barriers.
4. Post-Placement Reflection: Debriefing sessions to help students articulate their experiences for future job applications.

Additionally, SHU's Student Union runs placement fairs twice a year, attracting over 100 employers, from local SMEs to multinational corporations like Siemens and HSBC.

Employment Outcomes and Statistics

SHU boasts impressive placement-driven employability rates. According to the latest Graduate Outcomes survey (2022), 95% of SHU graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation, with many attributing their success to placements. Below is a summary of key statistics:

Faculty/Discipline	Placement Participation Rate	Employment Rate Post-Placement	Average Starting Salary (£)
Engineering and Technology	85%	97%	28,500
Business and Management	78%	94%	25,000
Health and Social Care	92%	98%	24,000
Arts and Media	65%	89%	22,500
Overall University Average	80%	95%	25,000

These figures highlight how placements significantly boost career prospects, with many students receiving job offers from their placement employers.

Partner Employers and Sectors

SHU collaborates with a vast network of employers, spanning industries such as manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and creative sectors. Notable partners include Boots UK, Arup, NHS Trusts, and BBC. Placements are available in high-demand areas like cybersecurity, sustainable engineering, and digital marketing, aligning with regional economic needs in South Yorkshire and beyond.

How to Apply for Placements

Applying for placements at SHU is straightforward. Eligible students should:

• Check their course handbook for placement requirements.
• Register on the Placement Hub portal early in their academic year.
• Attend career fairs and workshops to build connections.
• Submit applications via the university's system, including a tailored CV and cover letter.
• Undergo university approval for any self-sourced placements to ensure they meet learning outcomes.

International students are fully supported with visa guidance for UK-based placements. For more details, contact the Careers Service at careers@shu.ac.uk.

Student Success Stories

Many SHU students have transformed their careers through placements. For instance, Sarah Thompson, a Biomedical Science graduate, secured a research role at a pharmaceutical firm after her year-long placement, crediting SHU's support for her rapid progression. Similarly, engineering student Raj Patel converted his internship at a renewable energy company into a full-time graduate scheme, boosting his salary expectations.

In summary, Sheffield Hallam University's placement programs offer invaluable hands-on experience, robust support, and proven pathways to employment, equipping students for thriving professional futures.