Offered a Placement or Work Experience

Registration and Preparation

If you’ve arranged work experience, a placement, or a volunteering role as part of your course, consult with your academic staff to ensure it aligns with your career goals. They’ll also advise on any required procedures, such as paperwork or pre-approval, and provide details on supervision.

As a student of the university, you’ll continue to receive support throughout your placement.
Keep an eye on your university email for important updates and messages.

Sandwich Placement - Make sure you are enrolled on your sandwich year before the term begins.

Sandwich Placement and Short Placements - You'll receive your module handbook and assessment details from your academic contact.

For placements in France or Spain, make sure you complete the necessary Internship Agreements. Details can be found on our Global Opportunities page.

Once you start your work experience, placement, or a volunteering role, remember that while you're employed by the host organisation, you're still a USW student. You have a responsibility to act professionally towards both the university and your placement host at all times.

Etiquette

• Punctuality - Stick to your agreed working hours. Don’t be late!
• Phone Use - Keep phone usage to breaks or lunchtime only.
• Dress Code - Dress appropriately for your industry or role.
• Professionalism - Address colleagues and customers with respect.
• Body Language - Show engagement through good eye contact.
• Confidence - Trust in your own abilities and skills.

Adhere to Policies

Follow the organisation’s policies on confidentiality, intellectual property, health & safety, and social media.

Confidentiality & Intellectual Property (IP) 

Do not disclose any confidential or personal information received during your work experience, placement, or volunteering role to third parties, both during and after your placement.

As a student, you generally own the rights to IP you create subject to the conditions set out in the USW Student Intellectual Property policy, but the employer may have a licence to use it for their business. In some cases, the employer may own the IP, and you’ll be informed of this before accepting the placement. USW retains the right to use your IP for educational purposes. For paid placements, you may be subject to the employer’s IP policy unless agreed otherwise.

Make Connections and Network

Maximise every opportunity during your work experience, placement, or volunteering role to build industry connections and network with potential future employers. Connect with them on LinkedIn, and if you're posting about your experience on social media, remember to tag #uswplacement.

Record

Document your experiences and skills as you go. Note your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. Capture work examples, but ask for permission if you plan to use them for assessments.

If any issues arise during your work experience, placement, or volunteering role, first discuss them with your line manager or supervisor. If you're uncomfortable doing so, reach out to your academic for advice and support. 

Reflect

At the end of your work experience, placement, or volunteering role, review your notes to highlight key achievements, learning moments, and skills gained. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile with this information.

Ensure you complete any required feedback forms or assessment documents before leaving.

Thank You and References

After your work experience, placement, or volunteering role, it's a good idea to write a thank-you note to your host and discuss obtaining a reference. Future employers value work references as they provide insights into your character and work style.