The sandwich degree: how to fill your course with a dream placement

By ITS Education Asia

Here are some tips about how to find the best opportunities to get a degree with industry specific work experience included. 

Lots of students favour degrees that include a year working in industry. The experts reveal how to find the best opportunities.

The sandwich degree – which incorporates a year working in industry, rather than a BA in baguette-making – is beloved by students for its employability boost.

The advice given:

• Start early — Most schemes ask for applications in October of the year before your placement.
• Look for opportunities everywhere — Start with your university’s online jobs board as well as other job portals.
• Network — If you do meet a potential contact, “take their business card and make a note of your conversation with them.”
• Look beyond the major firms — Smaller firms and start-ups tend to offer interns more things to do.
• Be personal — Tailor your CV and covering letter for every application. Even though it’s time-consuming, ensuring your application highlights the skills or requirements of a specific company and placement is vital.
• Don’t give up — “Lots of students feel demoralised if they haven’t been offered a placement by Christmas and stop looking.”

Good luck on searching for that relevant work experience while undertaking your degree!