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Get a Head Start
Exclusively for first-year undergraduates with an optional placement year on their course.
Our Placement Preparation Programme consists of 5 sessions and is designed exclusively for first-year undergraduate students with an optional placement year. We'll give you the essential information you need to successfully find and apply for placements at the start of your second year - when most vacancies open.
Introduction to Placements
Wednesday 25 March, 1pm-2pm, Online
Discover the benefits of placements, sign up to the Placement Preparation Programme and hear first-hand from former placement students, including Amber Harris, who will share how her placement experience shaped her career journey.
Book on to Introduction to Placements
Understanding your Placement Options
Wednesday 22 April, 1pm-2pm, Richmond LT1
Find out about the placement options available to you and the support on offer. This session will explore industrial and self-employed placements, connected degrees, and key timelines, including when to start preparing and when to apply, to help you plan ahead with confidence.
Searching for Placements
Wednesday 29 April, 4pm-5pm, Online
Learn how to identify your skills and interests, find out how and where to search for placements, how to use LinkedIn and speculative applications effectively, and consider global opportunities.
Applying for Placements
Wednesday 6 May, 4pm-5.30pm, Online
Learn how to write effective CVs and cover letters, what employers look for in applications, how to use AI tools responsibly, how to strengthen creative applications and portfolios. We'll cover ways to improve your chances of passing online tests, interviews, and assessment centres.
Summer Action Plan for Placements
Wednesday 13 May, 1pm-2pm, Richmond LT3
This session will give you a clear summer action plan to help you make the most of your time and prepare for the placement recruitment process. You’ll learn about summer opportunities from the volunteering team, explore the Portsmouth Award, build your professional network, update your CV, and gain practical tips to ensure your summer activities boost your skills and get you ready to submit strong placement applications.
Why join our sessions?
Our Placement Preparation Programme is ideal for those who know they want to complete a placement year, or those who just want to learn a little bit more before they make up their mind.
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Get expert guidance on searching and applying for placements.
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Learn about different placement options and how they can benefit you.
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Gain practical skills to improve your applications.
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Hear from previous placement students and get their top tips.
Spaces are limited, so book your place for each session that you want to attend.
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Self-Employed Placement Year
Replace the traditional placement year in industry with freelancing and being self-employed.
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