Placement Opportunities at the University of Hertfordshire

The University of Hertfordshire (UH) is renowned for its commitment to employability and practical skills development, offering a wide range of placement opportunities to help students transition smoothly into the professional world. Located in Hatfield, just north of London, UH benefits from strong ties to industry leaders in sectors like aerospace, finance, health, and technology. With a focus on real-world experience, the university integrates placements into many degree programs, ensuring graduates are job-ready. In fact, UH consistently ranks highly for graduate employability, with over 95% of graduates in employment or further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data.

Types of Placement Programs

UH offers diverse placement options tailored to different academic levels and career goals. These include:

• Sandwich Placements: Integrated into undergraduate degrees, these typically last 9-12 months between the second and final year. Students earn a salary while gaining hands-on experience, often leading to full-time job offers.
• Short-Term Internships: Ranging from 4-12 weeks, these are ideal for summer breaks or as elective modules. They provide introductory exposure to industries like marketing, engineering, and IT.
• Year in Industry: For STEM and business students, this involves a full academic year working with partners such as Rolls-Royce, Barclays, or the NHS.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through partnerships with universities in Europe, Asia, and the US, supported by the Erasmus+ program.

Popular courses with built-in placements include Business Management, Computer Science, Nursing, and Aerospace Engineering. For instance, the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science boasts a 100% placement rate for eligible students in relevant fields.

Employability Statistics and Success Stories

UH's Careers and Employability Service plays a pivotal role in placement success. The service reports that placements boost starting salaries by an average of 10-15% compared to non-placement peers. Key statistics include:

Academic Year	Placement Uptake (%)	Graduate Employment Rate (%)	Average Placement Salary (£)
2022-2023	85	96	21,500
2021-2022	82	94	20,800
2020-2021	78	92	19,500

These figures highlight UH's upward trajectory in placement integration post-pandemic. Success stories abound: Sarah Thompson, a Business graduate, secured a marketing role at Unilever after a six-month placement, crediting UH's placement preparation workshops for her confidence. Similarly, engineering student Raj Patel transitioned from a year-long internship at Airbus to a graduate engineer position, emphasizing the university's industry mentorship programs.

Support and Resources for Placements

The university provides comprehensive support to maximize placement outcomes. Key resources include:

1. CV and Interview Clinics: Free one-on-one sessions with career advisors to refine applications and practice interviews.
2. Placement Portal: An online platform listing thousands of opportunities, updated daily with exclusive UH partner vacancies.
3. Skills Development Workshops: Covering LinkedIn optimization, networking, and sector-specific skills like coding bootcamps for IT students.
4. Funding Assistance: Bursaries up to £1,500 for unpaid or low-paid placements, plus travel support for international options.
5. Alumni Network: Access to a global community of over 100,000 graduates for mentorship and job referrals.

Additionally, UH's Employability Award scheme recognizes students who complete placements, enhancing their CVs and providing references. The university collaborates with over 2,000 employers, including FTSE 100 companies, ensuring placements align with current market demands. For postgraduate students, research placements with organizations like the European Space Agency offer pathways to PhD opportunities or industry R&D roles.

Industry Partnerships and Future Prospects

UH's strategic location in the Golden Triangle of innovation fosters robust partnerships. Notable collaborators include:

• Tech Sector: Microsoft and IBM for digital placements.
• Healthcare: East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust for clinical experiences.
• Creative Industries: Warner Bros. Studios for media and film internships.
• Finance: PwC and Deloitte for accounting and analytics roles.

These ties not only secure placements but also influence curriculum design, ensuring relevance. Looking ahead, UH aims to expand placements in emerging fields like sustainable energy and AI, with new initiatives like the Hertfordshire Innovation Hub set to launch in 2024.

In summary, the University of Hertfordshire's placement ecosystem equips students with invaluable experience, networks, and skills. Whether you're seeking local opportunities or global adventures, UH's dedicated support ensures your career launch is successful. For more details, visit the Careers Service website or attend upcoming placement fairs.