Placement Information at the University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is renowned for its commitment to enhancing student employability through comprehensive placement opportunities, career support, and industry connections. Located in the vibrant city of Brighton, the university offers a range of programs designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional success. With a focus on practical experience, Sussex ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the competitive job market. Whether through internships, sandwich years, or dedicated placement modules, students across disciplines can gain invaluable real-world exposure.

Career Services and Support

The Career Hub at the University of Sussex serves as the central resource for placement and career development. This dedicated service provides personalized guidance from the moment students arrive on campus until graduation and beyond. Key offerings include:

• One-on-one advising: Tailored consultations with career advisors to help identify strengths, set goals, and navigate job applications.
• Workshops and events: Regular sessions on CV writing, interview techniques, networking, and personal branding. Annual career fairs attract top employers from sectors like tech, finance, healthcare, and creative industries.
• Online resources: Access to a digital platform featuring job listings, internship opportunities, alumni networks, and skill-building tools.
• Mentoring programs: Pairing with industry professionals and Sussex alumni for ongoing support and insights into specific career paths.

These services are free for all students and alumni, ensuring equitable access to high-quality placement preparation. The university also integrates employability skills into the curriculum, with many courses incorporating mandatory placement elements to build practical expertise.

Placement Opportunities and Programs

Sussex offers diverse placement options tailored to various academic fields, from sciences and engineering to humanities and business. Students can opt for short-term internships, year-long industrial placements, or integrated work experiences within their degree programs.

Key Placement Programs:

• Sandwich Degrees: Many undergraduate courses, such as Business Management, Computer Science, and Psychology, include a full-year placement between the second and third years. This 'thin sandwich' model allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings while earning a salary.
• Internship Schemes: Summer internships and micro-placements (4-12 weeks) are available through partnerships with organizations like IBM, the NHS, and the BBC. The university's Placements Team assists in securing these roles.
• Subject-Specific Placements: In fields like Engineering, students collaborate on industry projects with companies such as Rolls-Royce. Law students access pro bono placements with legal firms, while Media students intern at local agencies in Brighton's creative hub.
• International Placements: Opportunities abroad through the Erasmus+ program and global partnerships, enabling experiences in Europe, Asia, and North America. For instance, Business students can intern at multinational firms in Singapore or Berlin.

The university emphasizes inclusive placements, with support for students from underrepresented backgrounds, including funding for travel and accommodations via the Access Opportunity Scholarship.

Graduate Outcomes and Employability Statistics

The University of Sussex boasts impressive graduate outcomes, with 95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (according to the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey). This high employability rate is bolstered by strong placement integration, which enhances skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.

Below is a table summarizing key statistics for recent graduates:

Discipline	Employment Rate (%)	Average Starting Salary (£)	Top Sectors
Business & Management	96	28,000	Finance, Consulting, Marketing
Computer Science & IT	97	32,000	Tech, Software Development, Data Analysis
Engineering	94	30,000	Manufacturing, Energy, Aerospace
Humanities & Social Sciences	92	25,000	Education, Media, Public Sector
Sciences	95	27,000	Research, Healthcare, Environment

These figures highlight Sussex's success in preparing students for diverse careers. Notably, 70% of placement students receive job offers from their host organizations, underscoring the value of hands-on experience.

Industry Partnerships and Skill Development

Sussex fosters robust ties with industry leaders through its Enterprise and Innovation Hub, which facilitates placements and collaborative projects. Partners include global giants like Google, Deloitte, and Unilever, as well as SMEs in the South East region. These connections provide students with cutting-edge opportunities, such as innovation challenges and startup incubations.

To maximize placement benefits, the university offers skill-building initiatives:

1. Professional Development Modules: Courses on leadership, digital literacy, and sustainability, often credited towards degrees.
2. Assessment Centers: Mock assessments simulating real employer scenarios to build confidence.
3. Alumni Network: Over 100,000 strong, offering mentorship and job referrals.

Additionally, Sussex's location near London and Gatwick Airport enhances access to metropolitan job markets, with shuttle services and networking events in the capital.

In summary, the University of Sussex's placement ecosystem empowers students to transform academic achievements into professional triumphs. By combining expert guidance, practical opportunities, and measurable outcomes, Sussex equips graduates to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape. For more details, students are encouraged to visit the Career Hub or attend orientation sessions.