Work experience
Work-based learning can be a valuable, memorable, and motivating experience for many students. Working in a subject-relevant sector is a great opportunity to enhance your C.V. and to rehearse the steps you’ll likely take before and after you graduate to define and secure your next role in life.
Work and work placement
This unit is available as an option to all 2nd year undergraduate students in the School for Policy Studies and has been developed specifically with social science graduates in mind. It provides an opportunity to apply academic study and theory to real practice and lay experiential foundations for further study.
You will also be guided on where to look for relevant opportunities, develop a powerful C.V. and learn how to network — all vital skills to ensuring that you can compete effectively in the marketplace and secure a fulfilling role on graduation.
Student placement
Students will be able to gain real life experience of working in a range of public, private, and other organisations relating to their degree subject.
Examples
- BSc Childhood Studies - organisations working with or supporting children and families
- BSc Criminology - criminal justice agencies or organisations working with offenders or victims
- BSc Social Policy - organisations promoting individual and community well-being
The placement experience will be complemented by personal reflection and academic learning, so you are better equipped to critically assess your specific skills and career motivations, and the job market. You will also gain a practical understanding of contemporary service-provision and policies in an area of work related to your undergraduate degree.
My work placement was at a not-for-profile organization called Flamingo Chicks, an inclusive dance school where disabled children can dance alongside their friends. The opportunity provided valuable insight into the workings of this employment sector: from campaigning and fundraising to administration and finance [and] I was given the chance to do a variety of roles. I feel so much more confident working in a professional environment than before.
I had never had to write a C.V or an application form or had a job interview before…the placement supported me to gain valuable experiences in presenting myself to employers. After being coached through the application experience, I secured a prestigious placement at the office of Thangam Debonnaire, the Labour MP for Bristol West. Being fortunate to land such a placement helped me explore the working sector in London and Parliament.
On selecting my work placement, I knew that I wanted to work in the third sector. St Paul’s Advice Centre in Bristol gives free advice to lower income, marginalised groups in the local community and so it suited what I was looking for perfectly. My role involved writing fundraising proposals, which requires researching a wide variety of social issues and using this information to convey a compelling argument to potential funding bodies. The placement had a positive impact on my self-esteem and confidence.