Opportunities at Solent University

Solent University, located in the vibrant city of Southampton, offers a wealth of opportunities for students to enhance their academic experience and prepare for successful careers. With a strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused learning, Solent equips graduates with the skills, networks, and experiences needed to thrive in a competitive job market. From placements and internships to entrepreneurship support and global exchanges, the university fosters an environment where ambition meets real-world application.

Placement and Internship Opportunities

One of Solent's standout features is its commitment to work-based learning. Many undergraduate and postgraduate programs include mandatory or optional placements, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. These opportunities are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring seamless academic and professional development.

• Duration and Structure: Placements typically last from 6 weeks to a full year, depending on the course. For example, in the BA (Hons) Fashion Design program, students undertake a 48-week sandwich placement to build industry portfolios.
• Industry Sectors: Opportunities span creative industries (media, design, animation), business, engineering, maritime studies, and health sciences. Partners include BBC South, Rolls-Royce, and local SMEs.
• Support Provided: The Placements Team offers CV workshops, interview preparation, and a dedicated online portal for finding placements. International options are available through partnerships in Europe and beyond.

According to recent graduate surveys, over 90% of Solent students secure placements in roles directly related to their studies, boosting employability rates to 95% within six months of graduation.

Career Services and Employability Support

Solent's Careers and Employability Service is a cornerstone of student success, providing year-round guidance from the first day of enrollment to post-graduation. This service helps students navigate the job market with confidence.

Service	Description	Benefits
One-to-One Advising	Personalized sessions with career advisors to explore options and set goals.	Tailored advice leading to higher job application success rates.
Skills Workshops	Regular sessions on LinkedIn optimization, networking, and presentation skills.	Enhances soft skills valued by employers.
Job Fairs and Events	Annual careers fairs with 100+ employers, plus virtual networking events.	Direct access to recruiters from top companies like IBM and PwC.
Alumni Mentoring	Pairing with successful graduates for ongoing mentorship.	Real insights into industry progression and career pivots.

These services are free for all students and alumni for up to three years after graduation, ensuring long-term support.

Industry Partnerships and Collaborations

Solent boasts extensive links with industry leaders, which translate into exclusive opportunities for students. The university's location in Southampton, a hub for maritime, aviation, and digital industries, amplifies these connections.

Key Partnerships Include:

1. Creative and Digital Industries: Collaborations with Warner Bros. and Pinewood Studios provide access to film and media projects, including internships in post-production and game design.
2. Business and Enterprise: Ties with the Southampton City Council and local chambers of commerce offer consulting projects and startup incubators.
3. Engineering and Technology: Partnerships with BAE Systems and the UK Space Agency enable research placements in aerospace and sustainable engineering.
4. Health and Social Care: Links with NHS trusts facilitate clinical placements and community health initiatives.

Through these alliances, students participate in live briefs, guest lectures, and collaborative research, often leading to job offers upon completion.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support

For aspiring innovators, Solent's Enterprise Hub is a dynamic resource center offering funding, workspace, and mentorship. The university's Launchpad Programme supports student-led startups with seed grants up to £5,000 and access to accelerators.

• Incubator Facilities: State-of-the-art co-working spaces equipped for prototyping and pitching.
• Funding Opportunities: Competitions like the Solent Innovation Awards provide cash prizes and investor introductions.
• Success Stories: Alumni entrepreneurs have launched ventures in sustainable fashion and app development, scaling to national recognition.

This ecosystem encourages risk-taking and creativity, with over 200 student businesses supported annually.

Global and Exchange Opportunities

Solent promotes international exposure through study abroad programs and exchanges with over 50 partner institutions worldwide. Students can spend a semester in countries like the USA, Australia, or Japan, earning credits toward their degree.

Additionally, the university's Global Skills Award recognizes intercultural competencies gained through volunteering, language courses, and international projects, adding value to CVs.

Alumni Network and Lifelong Opportunities

With a global alumni community of over 80,000, Solent provides ongoing networking events, job boards, and exclusive webinars. Notable alumni include directors at major advertising firms and innovators in renewable energy, demonstrating the lasting impact of a Solent education.

In summary, Solent University transforms academic potential into professional achievement through diverse, accessible opportunities. Whether pursuing placements, entrepreneurship, or global experiences, students are empowered to build fulfilling careers.