Is it worth going for a year of placement and graduating a year later?
Many individuals in university courses have the opportunity to take a placement year and graduate a year later than the rest of their cohort. Here are the factors you need to consider when thinking about taking a placement year and graduating a year later.
Many employers nowadays look for graduates who have done a placement year as it increases employability. It also allows you to develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, dealing with pressures of a work environment, and effective timekeeping. It will make you stand out in comparison to other students who have little or no work experience.
Although at times it can mean that you graduate a year later, it can open up the opportunity for you to meet new friends and work in a new environment that really challenges you and makes you grow as a person. It makes you really push yourself past your comfort zone and allows you to grow in confidence and courage, which you need after you graduate from university. Plus, always consider that other people are in the same boat too.
Work experience or a year of placement allows you to choose a career that you see as your future and experience it, which will ultimately help you to decide if this is something that you want to pursue in the future once you graduate. It will allow you to get first-hand experience of what it may be like to work as a new graduate, and the typical day-to-day activities and tasks you may need to complete.
It allows you to expand your social circle and make professional connections with other people. Being in a work environment allows you to network with other like-minded individuals who have the same passions you have, and expand your knowledge. It also allows you to open doors and meet people who could advance your career in the future. At times, the company you had your placement with may also offer job opportunities after you graduate.
A year in placement can be very flexible and can be available in different geographical locations or even abroad. Spending the time to explore new areas and cultures can also be a huge part of a year of placement.
Some placements can also be funded and may give you a salary for working in the company or firm. It is crucial that if you are looking for funded placements you look early as they can be competitive and be taken up very quickly depending on the demand.