Employability with global reach: changing lives with business placements

By Georgina Jeronymides-Norie

The University of London is dedicated to providing students with the skills, qualities and experience they need to be successful in their future careers. Employability is a key consideration for many when choosing their academic institution and we see the preparation of students for the graduate job market as an integral aspect of their student experience.

Our standing as a leading provider of distance and flexible learning means we are in a unique position to offer our global student community first-hand workplace experience spanning several countries. One way we are able to do this is through the University of London Business Placement Scheme, which offers our students life-changing work-based learning opportunities. Not only do students gain a unique chance to boost their employability in their chosen field, but placement providers also benefit from the enthusiasm and dedication of our outstanding student cohort.

Offering business placements

Since the initiative launched four years ago, we have worked with over 30 organisations to offer business placements in a wide range of industries, including multinational corporations, law, tech and airline companies, for which we’ve received thousands of applications. The best part of facilitating this process is having had the pleasure of seeing over one hundred students go on to achieve success in their placements, often resulting in subsequent job offers upon completion of their studies.

Joanne Harris, Associate Director: Student Experience, who leads on the Business Placement Scheme, said: “Facilitating Business Placements becomes more rewarding every year, with students telling us about the lasting positive impact their placements have had on their academic, professional and personal development.”

Enhancing employability

The University champions lifelong learning when it comes to enhancing employability, which is why we mirror a commercial recruitment process. Before and after applying for a Business Placement, we provide students with rich resources and guidance on how to enhance their CVs, written applications and interview skills, making this scheme a learning experience for all who apply.

This approach has seen us shortlisted by the National Undergraduate Employability Awards in the ‘Most Improved Commitment to Employability’ category for two consecutive years.

Exceptional students

The success of the Business Placement Scheme is, of course, a testament to our exceptional students. One of my main roles as Student Experience Manager has been supporting students throughout their Business Placement journeys. Through this, I have witnessed inspiring levels of work-ethic and ambition, and a willingness to learn and grow in every way possible. Some students have travelled to cities and countries they have never visited before for their placement. Why? Because they know it will make them stand out when applying for future career opportunities.

To find out more about offering a Business Placement, visit: bit.ly/business-placement