Benefits of placements
A placement gives you an insight into your subject and career potential, and develops your professional experience. It can be invaluable in developing work-based skills and helping you secure your graduate career.
The perfect kickstart to your career
Partnering organisations provide opportunities for students to put their skills into practice and to experience a real working environment, helping you to become a fully rounded and reflective individual. These qualities are widely recognised by placement providers, and a significant proportion of our placement students are offered permanent graduate employment with their placement provider.
What it's like to do a placement at BMW
Explaining what it is like to do a placement at BMW
CV and career benefits
By being part of the prestigious multi award-winning Professional Training scheme, known to employers due to its pioneering and decades-long track record of producing excellent work-ready graduates, you will benefit from:
- Recognition of the placement on your degree certificate and Higher Education Achievement Record, that can also count towards the Professional Skills Award.
- A digital badge on successfully completing the Professional Training placement.
- Continued access to Surrey Pathfinder and the full suite of employability opportunities, events, appointments and resources, including a dedicated online placements module.
- Additional opportunities to enhance your CV on the back of your year, including blogging, taking part in our coaching scheme for placement seekers and participating in central or departmental ‘transfer of learning’ activities.
- Eligibility for the Professional Training placement Student of the Year Awards.
Student benefits
You will have continued student status, giving you access to all the usual services, platforms and email account at the University, plus student discounts.
You can apply for reduced travel fares/Oyster cards, Council Tax exemption and much more!
Year-round support
You will receive regular communication highlighting relevant information and support services available before, during and after your placement.
University support: you will receive and be able to access support from our Professional Training team and academic staff, including placement meetings.
Academic staff support: you will have three placement meetings, with one face-to-face in your place of work.
Students' Union support: Ongoing membership of your Students’ Union providing access to support during your placement and any placement focused events and initiatives.
Returning support and advice
Advice to help you transition back into studies after you finish your placement.