How to find work experience

There are lots of opportunities for help if you do not already have a placement. We have identified some of the support that is available from the Placements Team and the University’s careers service, Careers Network.

We have created a dedicated Canvas course to support you in your search for a placement and you can self-enrol to the course https://canvas.bham.ac.uk/courses/77960. The Canvas course also provides information about key dates and learning outcomes, such as placement registration deadlines, placement completion dates and tools to develop your understanding about your skills and strengths.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have a placement arranged for the module. If you don’t have a placement and are planning on choosing the module, or have already done so, please let us know what your work experience interests are by completing our Placement Plans form which will be sent to you following module registration.

Book a one-to-one appointment

The Placements Team also offer bookable appointments to students in their penultimate year who are considering or have chosen the Professional Development Module. Book a 'Professional Development Module Placements Support' appointment with a member of the Placements Team for some one-to-one support.

Finding work experience

Careers Network are available throughout to provide careers support and can help you in your search for work experience.

From deciding what to do to making your first approach to a company, the Internships and Work Experience team have created useful Work Experience Guidance pages to help you find a placement.

 

 

 

Bank of placements

The module’s dedicated Placements Team are going out to find placements for students in the public, private and voluntary sectors and these placements will be advertised to students on the module’s Canvas course. Students will have to apply to these placements directly and undergo a recruitment process set by the employer.

Funding options

You may secure an unpaid placement and therefore require financial assistance to cover travel and out-of-pocket expenses - please see some of the funding options that are available at the University:

  • The Turing Scheme is the UK’s global programme to study and work abroad. A minimum of £120 a week is available to support international summer work placements. Additional funding is available depending on the destination and/or if you are a widening participation student. Placements must be a minimum of 4 weeks and maximum of 8 weeks in duration, occurring between June and August 2024.  Register your interest with the Placements Team who can support you through the Turing Scheme’s application process and help you to apply for international placement opportunities.  

  • Student Support Fund - The Student Support Fund (SSF) is a discretionary grant, offering non-repayable support of up to £2,500 in an academic year. All applications will be means-tested, therefore some applications will be unsuccessful.

 

Colleges

Professional Services