Placement years
As an undergrad you can convert your degree into a Degree with Employment Experience by spending a year on work placement. Whilst there are many placement opportunities in the UK, there are also year-long international placements. Opportunities in the UK and around the world include L’Oréal, Disney, Rolls-Royce, HP, Microsoft, SAP and Hewlett Packard.
All our undergrads have the option of taking a year out to work in industry. Summer placements (8–12 weeks) are also available.
As a postgrad, you can’t take a year out, but you might be able to go on a longer placement when your course ends. Come and talk to us to find out more.
If you are unsure which area of business is for you, a placement is a great trial and error year. You can find out if you like your selected discipline and discover if you can see yourself working in that department in your future career.
Lily Robinson
BA Business Management with employment experience 2016, placement at Arla Foods.
Where to find placements
We can help you find suitable placements, just come into the hub for a chat or book a 1 to 1 appointment with a careers advisor. Our employability bulletin lands in your inbox every Wednesday – so look out for the latest placement opportunities.
Keep your options open and cast your search wide, you can look at our list of resources to help you get sorted, as well as the following sites:
More information
For more information on placements, see the Careers Service website or book an appointment with a Careers Consultant through your Career Connect account
Meet the ambassadors
Our placement ambassadors are current students who have completed a placement year. They’re ready to share their experiences and help you navigate the choices and challenges ahead.
Doing a placement during a pandemic
““It’s been a very beneficial experience so far and I recommend doing a placement even if it’s virtual.”
Find out what it’s like doing a placement during the COVID 19 pandemic with this blog written by placement student Elly who is working at the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.
Placement Insights
Find out what’s like to do a placement from previous placement students in our Placement Insights videos, including students who worked at L’Oreal, Marks & Spencer and IBM.
Other types of opportunities available
Summer Internships
Undergrads can also go on summer placements (sometimes called internships) for 8–12 weeks between June and August after your first year. If you’re a taught postgraduate students you may be able to do a placement at the end of your degree.
Volunteering
If you are interested in volunteering, we can help you find a scheme that is right for you. By giving your time to contribute to your community you will gain new skills and experiences, which will in turn enhance your personal development and can make an impact on your CV.
In the Employability Hub we have a number of volunteering leaflets and resources. You can find out more about volunteering on The University of Sheffield website.
Looking for International opportunities?
Our international careers resource supports students looking for international opportunities, including employment, further study, work experience and voluntary work.