Adulthood comes at you hard and fast. One minute you’re dreaming of what you want to be when you’re older and suddenly the decision, along with where you’re going to relocate to become it, is imminent.

With the UCAS deadline around the corner, we’re here to help you decide which university you should choose, and why. We’d like to introduce to you (drum roll please)… our Best Universities table updated for 2024.

To consider all angles, we looked at the Times Top 100 Universities and ranked them according to the following factors: 

• Times Higher Education ranking
• Student satisfaction
• Graduate prospects
• Average weekly accommodation costs 
• Cost of an ‘inexpensive’ meal
• Cost of a pint (domestic beer)
• Cost of a one-way ticket on local transport
• Cost of a monthly fitness membership
• The total number of nightclubs

We’ve created a detailed index for 2024 covering all of these. So, whether you’re looking for the best place to study or the university with the cheapest pint – we’ve got you covered.

The best UK universities overall

The top 10 universities overall covered a lot of ground. Overall, St Andrews University in Scotland is the best UK university for the second year running, scoring full marks across the board and the best for student satisfaction. This was followed by the University of Sheffield and the University of Bath who both moved their way up into the top three from 2023.

The best UK university for graduate prospects

The area you choose to study in can also have an impact on your post-university career and it’s useful to think of the next steps open to you – especially if you’ve already relocated to University you may want to find a graduate job in your new stix. 

This year, Imperial College London knocked St George’s University off the top spot with the highest graduate prospects in the UK (94.2). The University of Cambridge (93.1) also beat last years’ winners St George’s University of London who moved into third place (92.4).

The best UK universities with the cheapest accommodation

If only studying was the single factor for choosing a university. Unfortunately, the reality of it is that budgeting, finance and cost of living have to be taken into account when choosing the right university for you.

To make things easier, we’ve extracted the top 10 cheapest universities based on their accommodation costs.

As shown above, Staffordshire University, in Stoke-on-Trent, has the most affordable accommodation – costing an average of £80 per week. This is followed by the University of Huddersfield (at £81 per week) and Teesside University (at £88 per week). 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our top two most expensive accommodations were based in London. LSE was the most expensive at £261 per week, followed by the University of Greenwich (£238 per week) – and then Edinburgh at £222 per week.

The best UK universities for the most affordable lifestyle

What about beyond campus life? Fear not, we know the nightlife, the wind-down opportunities and the local costs also come into play when it comes to opting for the next step in your higher education.

For fitness-minded students, Stirling is still the most affordable monthly fitness membership at £16.99 per month – followed by the University of Portsmouth at £22.60 and the University of Central Lancashire at £23.40. The index also shows that the average cost for students wanting to keep fit has seen an increase since 2023 of £2.32 a month.

Warwick has the most expensive local transport, with the price of a one-way ticket standing at £7 – followed by Durham (£5), and Lincoln (£4.75). The most affordable was the University of Stirling at £1.40 – followed by our two Surrey universities (University for the Creative Arts and University of Surrey) at £1.50. 

Whether you’re financially driven, career-prospecting or simply looking for the best place to be educated, our index should help make your decision ahead of the UCAS application deadline a little bit easier.

The help doesn’t stop there, once you’ve made your decision take a look at our 1st Year Checklist to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next adventure.

The post The Best Universities in the UK appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

So you’re back at uni, and into the swing of things. Only this time, you’ve got an application to get your head around too – your placement year application. 

We know how tough it is knowing what to apply for and when, especially with all those lectures and seminars popping up. So we’ve put together a placement year timeline to help you navigate your application journey with ease.

It’ll guide you through everything from application deadlines to interview prep, assessment centres to call-back days.

What’s in the timeline?

Well… many things. We’ve created this timeline to guide you through your placement year application, ramp up your employability and give you a step up on the career ladder.

Let’s take a sneak peek of what it all includes…

September – November: This is when we have the most roles live on RateMyPlacement. So now is the time to apply, apply, apply!

December – January: Every company differs, but most will invite you for first-stage interviews around this time. It can be tough, but our biggest advice is not to compare yourself to others. Everyone has a different journey to finding their placement.

February – April: You’ll start attending final interviews and assessment centres. Haven’t found your placement yet? There’s still time. We have roles going live all year round so keep your eyes peeled for any that take your fancy and apply as soon as you can.

May – August: Congrats! Now’s the time you’ll find out you’ve secured that placement. Next, you’ll need to find accommodation for the year ahead and apply for your maintenance loan.

Find all the information you need about what to do with your student finance and accommodation in our go-to guide to industrial placements.

The post The Ultimate Placement Year Timeline appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Trust Yourself

Always remember they hired YOU for a reason! Trust your talent and capabilities, but always remember you’re there to learn! Own it.

Always Ask Questions

You’re not going to be expected to know everything about everything when starting! A new job is an amazing learning opportunity, so be a sponge and soak it all up.

Talk To As Many People As You Can

Being a new face in a close-knit company can be tough, but throw yourself out there! Help people remember who you are. If you can, think of good conversation starters, for example: what team are you in? How long have you worked here? What’s your favourite part of your job?

They can also help you make connections with other people in the company. Some of these initial connections will almost certainly lead to long-term relationships.

Fake It Till You Make It

It’s so normal to be scared (trust me, I had to hype myself up before walking into the office on my first day) but don’t let these fears stop you! Your new coworkers will want to make just as good of an impression on you as you do on them, so don’t be hard on yourself!

You’ve got this!

Make sure you’re following us over on LinkedIn for more weekly tips and tricks for finding, securing and thriving during your placement, internship or graduate role.

The post A New Placement Student’s Tips on How to Thrive During Your First Weeks appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

• Don’t get too comfy
• Ask for more
• Get a mentor
• Get clear on your end goal
• Do things besides work

Don’t get too comfy 

I like to think of a placement in different stages. 

First is the newbie stage, where you’re clueless and a sponge for knowledge, eager to soak up as much as possible. Then comes the improvement stage. You begin to grasp things, piece them together, and get better at your role.

Next is the best stage, the “aha!” moment. You’ve been with the company for a while, and everything starts to click. You understand how things are run and your role within it. Tasks that once seemed difficult become second nature, and you’ll feel relieved because you finally get it!

However, this is also where you can get complacent. It’s easy to coast through your placement in this stage without growing further, so it’s important to make that extra effort to avoid staying in your comfort zone because just outside it is where you’ll learn to thrive! 

Which brings me onto my next bit of advice…

Ask for more 

It’s easy to just do as you’re told, but once you’ve done that, what’s next? 

If your tasks start to feel repetitive, your workload lightens up, or an interesting project comes along, just ask to be involved! You’ll be surprised how often people appreciate the help and extra input, AND you’ll get to experience something brand new. 

Do you want more training? Or do you want to deepen your understanding of a particular aspect of your role? Bring it up! 

You don’t want your final months of placement to feel like deja vu, so don’t be afraid of asking for more. I promise you, people absolutely will appreciate the enthusiasm!

Get a mentor

One of the best tips I can share is to find a mentor or a work bestie, or both. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal arrangement. Just pick someone who seems familiar with the business and could genuinely be a friend. 

Having someone you can turn to for advice, support, and a bit of a laugh can make all the difference. Whether it’s navigating tricky projects or just needing a sounding board.  Need some technical help? Someone to rant to when it’s stressful ? Or some urgent office outfit inspo? They’re your go-to person! 

Workplace buddies are like your personal GPS for the office. They’re the ones you can ask those silly questions that you don’t want to ask anyone else; like where stuff is or how to use the printer (though there is no question too small or too silly). 

They can also help you make connections with other people in the company. Some of these initial connections will almost certainly lead to long-term relationships.

Get clear on your end goal 

Being crystal clear about your goals makes it way more likely that you’ll achieve them. Who would’ve thought?

It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just a straightforward statement will do. Something like “I want to be more confident by the end of my placement” or “I want to improve my coding skills” works perfectly. 

This keeps you focused and intentional during your time at the company. Repeat your goal to yourself now and then, like a little personal mantra. 

It’s worth checking in with yourself perhaps at the halfway mark and looking back at your progress. You can even discuss these goals with your mentor/work bestie.

This way, you’re actively improving yourself during your placement plus you now also have a solid, authentic answer to that classic interview question: “What is a personal goal you’ve worked towards and achieved?” 

Do other things besides work

Alright, so I know this blog is all about placement advice, and of course, doing your best is key. But when you’re suddenly thrown into the corporate world with a full-time 9 to 5, it can be overwhelming and all-consuming. It’s important to pace yourself. 

Remember that, even though your life might feel like it revolves around work for the year, you absolutely need to carve out time for yourself outside of it. It’s essential for keeping your sanity (I believe they call it work-life balance). 

So do whatever it is that you do to rejuvenate yourself so you can show up at your placement as a well-rested and just generally nicer individual. 

Read this day in the life of a sales placement student to get a better idea of how they balance their day:

If there’s one last bit of advice I can possibly squeeze into this blog, it’s this: apply! RateMyPlacement already has openings at companies like The Walt Disney Company, Latham & Watkins, Savills and many more.

And when you’re done you’ll understand the theory in your lectures like a pro because you’ve actually seen (and done) it in action! 

Summing up my placement year, I’ve never learned so much, grown so much, or made such amazing connections as I have this year.  Do a placement —you won’t regret it!

The post 5 Things I Learnt on my Placement Year. appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

And, of course, like anyone else does before starting something new, you have your expectations all laid out. Ideally, an effortless transition from lecture hall to dream job, preferably with a sexy new office and free snacks right?

But wait! Before you start rolling out the red carpet, let’s take a second to talk about the gap between your expectations and the (sometimes less glamorous) reality. 

We’ve asked around, and these are some of the most common expectations before starting a placement, internship or graduate job and then their realities.

• Interns/recent graduates have little responsibility.
• Larger firms are better as they provide more opportunities.
• Your job description will be 100% accurate.
• Socialising with senior team members will be difficult and you’ll only connect with other newbies.

Interns and recent graduates have little responsibility

A common misconception is that you will be the DCR (Designated coffee runner) or the dude who’s glued to the printer. Scanning, photocopying and bored out of their mind. Before I started my job at my placement company, I dreaded that the absolute most. But I’m glad to inform you that this isn’t the case. 

While you may be subjected to a coffee run or two, the company hired YOU because you impressed them, and YOU have something they are willing to pay for. (You can add that to your daily affirmations!) Whether that be your bank of knowledge, personality traits or just a fresh perspective. Your contributions are valued just as much as any member of the team.

You’ll be given lots of training, taught new softwares, new ways of working and allocated tasks from the get-go. So you might find yourself knee-deep in real projects that actually make an impact as early as day one, but that’s the best bit! The practical element of the job will be where you learn the fastest and the best.

So, if you thought you’d be sitting on the sidelines, think again. It’s a lot more likely that you’ll be in the middle of the action, doing something worthwhile and contributing to the goals of the company.

First day worries? Gotta present in a meeting? It’s okay! Read How to Thrive Outside of your Comfort Zone

Larger firms are better as they provide more opportunities

Picking between a big-shot firm with a fabulous reputation and a more laid-back small firm is like choosing between the buzz of London and the chill vibes of a countryside village. They’ve both got their pros and cons so don’t rush into picking the big firm just because of its glitz and glamour. Take a moment to consider if it’s truly the right fit for you.

It is true, larger firms are undeniably impressive. They offer tons of resources, vast networks, and the prestige that comes with working for a name brand is just the gravy on top of the potatoes.

In a smaller firm, you might take on a wider range of responsibilities, helping you develop a broader skill set and perhaps step into leadership roles sooner. These environments often encourage innovation and creative problem-solving, with less red tape and more room for your ideas to shine.

Plus, the flexible structure of smaller firms can lead to a better work-life balance, with a culture that really values your contributions. So, while big firms have their allure, don’t underestimate the amazingly fulfilling experiences that smaller firms can offer.  

Whether you choose the grandeur of a big firm or the personalized charm of a smaller one, we’re here to bust the myth that either is better than the other. The key is to find the environment where you can thrive and make the most of your potential.

Want to know more about what it’s like to work for a small to medium-sized employer? Read about Abigail’s first-hand experience at an SME here

Hear some of our team’s experiences!

Your job description will be 100% accurate

Your job description isn’t going to be your work bible. Treat it more as a rough guide instead of a sacred script. Once you get your feet wet, your role may take a whole new direction based on your strengths and your company’s needs.

You may start off as an Excel whizz and end up as your company’s marketing magician. Your job description is not set in stone, so if you realise that there’s one part of your role you love or would like to try something new, keep an open line of communication with your manager to tailor it so you can best benefit both yourself and the firm you work for – And everyone’s a winner.

When the workday winds down, it’s clear that most jobs shape-shift like a chameleon. The role you start with might morph so much over a few months that it barely resembles the original job description. But that’s the beauty of change! As your company and role evolve, you get to grow and learn alongside them, picking up new skills and experiences along the way. So, embrace the journey – you might just surprise yourself with what you can do!

Socialising with senior team members will be difficult, and you’ll only connect with other newbies

If you worry that socialising with your team is going to be tough because everyone else is older and more experienced, fear not! You might immediately hit it off with your fellow newbies but don’t sleep on your seasoned coworkers. They can be a goldmine of wisdom and great stories. 

These folk have been around the block and are often thrilled to welcome fresh faces and share what they’ve learned. You probably have more in common than you expected, and soon enough, you’ll be chatting like old friends. 

You can start conversations by asking about their career paths or seeking advice on projects—people love talking about themselves and their experiences. Offer to help with tasks or join team activities to blend in with the group.

Plus, the added bonus? Building strong relationships with experienced team members can open doors to mentorship and professional growth. So, break the ice, soak up their knowledge, and get ready to be the life of the office party, no matter your age!

Want some more advice on how to choose your very first adult job? Here’s some more guidance.

So there you have it, people—your ultimate guide to navigating the expectations versus reality in the wonderful world of work.

As you dive headfirst into your career, you’ll quickly find that reality can be a bit of a rollercoaster. But who said that’s a bad thing? Keep your expectations flexible, and remember that the professional world is always evolving, so adaptability is a great skill to have, no matter your role or industry.

Take your openness to change and your positive attitude with you, and you’ll be on track to thrive in the workplace.

The post Expectations vs Reality of the World of Work appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

While this isn’t CSI, forensic science is a real job requiring dedication, a sharp eye and plenty of patience.

Forensic chemistry is perfect for science students interested in the legal world. As a forensic chemist, you can help determine the key elements of an investigation.

Read on to find out more about the job and how you can get started.

• What does a forensic chemist do?
• Is a forensic scientist the same as a forensic chemist?
• How do I become a forensic chemist?
• What skills do you need to be a forensic chemist?
• How much does a forensic chemist get paid?

What does a forensic chemist do?

Forensics play a huge part in criminal investigations and a forensic chemist is responsible for analysing and processing evidence in a lab. These pieces of evidence are usually substances brought in from crime scenes and it’s a forensic chemist’s job to determine what they are. 

Substances can include;

• Explosives
• Poisons
• Hazardous chemicals.

A forensic chemist will spend the majority of their day-to-day based in a lab (snazzy coat in tow too). You’ll work mainly in a lab, but you’ll also have the odd occasion where you’ll have to attend a crime scene in person and testify in court.

Is forensic chemistry hard?

It’s hard, but it’s also super rewarding.

Working as a forensic chemist is exciting because you’ll come across complex cases every day. However, work can be repetitive and you’ll be dealing with highly sensitive information and substances that will require you to have a high level of detail and careful handling.

Is a forensic scientist the same as a forensic chemist?

It IS a forensic science. In fact, forensic chemistry comes under the forensic science umbrella.

As a forensic scientist, you’ll provide courts with scientific evidence in criminal and civil investigations. Your main area of concentration will be to examine materials found at crime scenes or that are connected to the case in question.

Forensic science can be split into three key areas;

• Biology. A forensic biologist will usually be involved in helping to solve crimes against people, such as murder and assault. Here, you’ll test DNA including hair, teeth and bodily fluids such as saliva and blood.
• Chemistry. You’ll test substances found at a crime scene. These can include paint, mud samples, poisons, burns, and acids. A forensic chemist’s services are usually needed for arson and burglary cases.
• Toxicology. Here you’ll test for drugs, poisons and alcohol. You’ll do this across a variety of cases including murder, drug charges and drunk driving.

Forensic scientists usually specialise in one of the above depending on your background, but there is always an option to take a general approach to the industry. A jack of all labs.

FUN FACT: The first written account of using medicine to solve criminal cases is attributed to Xi Luan Lu, written in China in 1248.

How do I become a forensic chemist?

All forensic chemist jobs require a degree in forensic chemistry, chemistry or similar. These degrees include;

• Forensic science (with a focus on chemistry and mathematics)
• Biological science
• Criminology with forensic science
• Physics 
• Medical science.

Always check to see if The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accredits your course. These clever people set the standard when it comes to regulation, professionalism and reputation.

To be accepted on a typical forensic chemistry degree course, you should have the following;

• Three A Levels in chemistry and a second science subject
• Five GCSEs (including maths and science).

It’s worth noting that roles across forensic science are super competitive, so the more you do to get an edge over other students, the more likely you’ll secure that all-important job.

One way to do this is by taking higher education further and studying for a Master’s degree in forensic chemistry or similar. You can even decide to take on a PhD as your career progresses.

Another way is through an internship or placement. Read on.

Can I get work experience as a forensic chemist?

Employers are keen to hire students who have lab experience. Although placements and internships are very rare, the good news is there are plenty of work experience roles that offer lab time.

You could spend a year working as a chemist placement student for CooperVision or a chemistry science quality assurance placement student at BAT. There is plenty of opportunity.

“I developed knowledge and skills in the testing involved with material science based in an industrial lab. Most of the techniques and equipment were far removed from the academic teaching labs I had experienced prior. This experience was invaluable. Further to this I improved my soft skills, such as time management, communication and presentation skills. The professional environment nurtured and developed me to improve these necessary life skills to ready me for commercial work.”

Applications Chemist at Lubrizol

Read our Guide to Science and Research Internships, Placements and Graduate Jobs

What skills do you need to be a forensic chemist?

Skills are everything and as a budding forensic chemist, you will need a whole bacterial colony of soft and hard skills in your petri dish.

Soft Skills

• Eagle-eyed attention to detail
• Teamwork and being able to work alone
• Logical reasoning and critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Working under pressure
• Communication skills.

Hard Skills

• Legal knowledge of court procedures and regulations
• Data entry programs specifically for laboratory work
• Lab health and safety.

Ready to apply for a job or work experience in forensic chemistry? Read Skills to Add to Your CV.

How much does a forensic chemist get paid?

The entry salary for a forensic chemist is between £18,000 and £20,000 per year. As you progress in your career, this can move up to between £25,000 and £40,000 per year. An experienced forensic chemist can look to make a very tidy sum of £45,000 per year.

Think you’re about ready to get your lab on? We have a wide selection of science job for you to have a look at. Click below to start your journey.

The post What is a Forensic Chemist? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

While you probably won’t be sent into space to intercept an alien race heading for Earth (so sorry, Will), you’ll design and build some of the most important aircrafts and satellites with multiple uses, whether travel or defence.

Read on to learn more about what they do and how you can start a career as an aerospace engineer.

• What is aerospace engineering?
• What does an aerospace engineer do?
• How do I become an aerospace engineer?
• What skills do aerospace engineers need?
• How much do aerospace engineers get paid?

What is aerospace engineering?

If you’ve ever heard the expression ‘it’s not rocket science, you know’, this is! Aerospace engineering is a relatively modern branch of engineering that deals with the design and building of machines and crafts that fly or exist within the Earth’s atmosphere, including;

• Aeroplanes
• Gliders
• Helicopters
• Jets
• Spacesuits
• Satellites
• Weather prediction machines.

Types of Aerospace Engineering

While you’ll have a wide range of knowledge and expertise in aerospace engineering, there is plenty of opportunity to specialise. 

Aeronautical. These engineers focus their efforts on building and designing aeroplanes and rocket ships.

Astronautical. Here, engineers deal with the design, testing and development of spacecrafts.

Avionics. As an avionics engineer, you’ll design, test and maintain electrical systems found within aircraft.

Mechanical. These engineers focus solely on the mechanical aspects of aircraft design, usually engines.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

So now that you know what aerospace engineering is, what does an aerospace engineer do, and what does the typical day-to-day look like? Let’s get into it.

As an aerospace engineer, you design, build, and maintain various aircraft types. You’ll wear many hats, including developing parts and components, improving flight safety, and maximising fuel efficiency.

Meet Kat Voltage, a NASA engineer. In this video, she talks about her role and what it’s like to work for NASA.

Aerospace engineer responsibilities

The role is exciting on many levels. There’s no such thing as a dull day at the office in this job, as you’ll have several projects on the go. Your day-to-day responsibilities will vary, but some of them will include,

• Designing aircraft and propulsion systems
• Testing new designs to see if they meet customer requirements and safety standards
• Developing criteria for design methods
• Ensuring projects meet quality standards
• Inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions
• Investigating aircraft accidents
• Assessing the cost and reliability of projects.

How do I become an aerospace engineer?

Several routes are available to help you realise your dream of building a real-life USS Enterprise. Let’s look at what these are.

University degree

Having a degree will be a huge help, and there are loads of various subjects that’ll start you on your aerospace engineering path. Some of these include;

• Aeronautics
• Aerospace engineering
• Computing
• Design technology
• Mathematics
• Physics.

Employers usually ask for a 2:1 in aerospace engineering or a similar degree when you start looking for graduate or other roles.

Some aerospace engineering courses are accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), meaning you could work towards Chartered Engineering status during your career, giving you a considerable edge over others in your field.

If you’re not on an accredited course, you can still be a member of the RAeS. Membership is free for students if you’re in full-time education and intend on a career in aerospace. Some benefits include;

• Access to online training and podcasts
• One-to-one career guidance
• Help with CV and interview prep
• Dedicated scholarships, medals and award schemes
• Show off your membership on your LinkedIn profile.

If you’re studying and looking to gain some aerospace experience, the best way to do this is through an internship or placement. Read on to find out more.

Work experience

Why is work experience just so damn good? That’s a great question. Around 49% of students who take on a placement or internship are rehired by their employer. So it’s worth the effort to find one.

Getting work experience before you graduate will give you considerable bragging rights with employers. It will also look fantastic on your CV, and you’ll have extra cadet points over the competition.

Many employers are always looking for talented students like you to join them. Here are a few that offer aerospace engineering work experience.

Airbus

One of the world’s leading companies in space and aviation, Airbus provides the best in aerospace, defence, and connected services. They also run internships for students all over the world across several sectors, including;

• Engineering
• Finance
• HR
• IT
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• PR
• Supply chain

“At Airbus, the atmosphere buzzes with innovation and collaboration. Teams united by a shared passion for aerospace excellence work seamlessly to tackle challenges. Open communication fosters creativity, nurturing talents and fostering a purposeful environment.”

Engineering Intern, Airbus.

BAE Systems

With a skilled workforce of over 93,000 people in around 40 countries, BAE Systems offers many work experience opportunities for students, including budding aerospace engineers.

“I very much enjoyed my Placement at BAE Systems in the Air Sector. Throughout the year I was able to experience a number of areas within engineering as the year-long industrial placement gives you the opportunity to take up three roles across the year. As the placement allowed me to change roles it meant that I was able to gauge what role I enjoyed most and what sort of discipline I would want to work in within the future.”

Aerospace Engineer, BAE Systems.

Want to know more about what aerospace engineering is like? Have a read of our expertly written student reviews.

What skills do aerospace engineers need?

To become the best aerospace engineer, you will need some skills. There are a ton of skills that you’ll already have and technical skills you’ll develop during your degree and work experience. Let’s have a look at some of these skills.

Are you looking to develop your skills? Here are eight skills you can pick up while at university.

How much do aerospace engineers get paid?

How much you earn as an aerospace engineer depends on various factors. This can be anything from level to years of experience.

If you’re at the work experience level, you could earn between £19,500 and £25,000 per year if you’re on an aerospace engineering placement, pro rata if you’re an intern.

Starting salaries range between £27,000 and £35,000 per year, and they can rise to up to £60,000+ per year as your expertise grows and you level up within your field.

If you’re ready to leap lightyears into a career in aerospace engineering or any other engineering role, we’ve got you covered.

The post What is an Aerospace Engineer? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

But why should you give up the glorious months of summer to sit behind a desk?  Well there’s actually a lot of reasons why. Internships provide value beyond the skills you learn and connections you make. 

Keep reading to find out more.

• Understanding yourself better 
• Understanding your industry better 
• Brighten up your resume 
• Building a network 
• Do something worthwhile 

Understanding yourself better

Not to get all therapist-y on you but a summer internship is essentially a way to help you better understand yourself.

Being in the thick of it, actually working with people in your industry and having to take responsibility in the work world will show you what tasks you enjoy and, more importantly, what you don’t.

Working alongside someone with many more years of experience in your dream job will give you a really good idea of whether this is really the role for you. 

Perhaps you wanted to be a teacher, but your internship helped you realise it involves a bucket load of marking or maybe you were nervous about the workload of being a lawyer but your summer internship taught you that you were more than capable.  

Either way, you’ll leave not guessing, but knowing your strengths, weaknesses, what type of work fulfills you and what your professional goals are. And that, my friend, is invaluable information when it comes to choosing a career path. 

Understanding your industry better

 A lot of industries seem all glitz and glamour from the outside. You’ve watched Suits and want to be a lawyer? Or was it Emily in Paris that made you want to go into marketing? We’re all guilty of romanticizing a job when we see it from the outside.

You’ll learn a lot during your summer internship, It’s ins and outs, things you didn’t expect.Everything including:

• the day to day tasks of someone in the industry 
• the challenges they face 
• jargon they use 
• when their quiet/busy periods are. 

But getting that summer internship shows you the reality, the nitty gritty of what’s in store if you go down that line. And you may love it but if you don’t,  then it’s a good thing you didn’t wait till graduating to find out! 

The girth of insider info that a summer internship will throw upon you is the most important thing a university student can gain. You’ll learn about things like key softwares used in the industry, who your firm’s competitors are, how time-consuming the job is, what the perks are and much much more!

All this is hardly easy to find out without immersing yourself in a summer internship. 

“The insight scheme gave me a bigger picture as to why I chose to study law in the first place and how I could use the academic skills in a real-life professional environment.I was fortunate enough to receive a training contract offer. It truly tested all aspects of university studies and extracurricular opportunities, which was fantastic to experience every single day during the internship.”

Summer intern, DLA Piper

So once you’ve done a summer internship, you know exactly the type of person you are in a professional environment AND you know the ins and outs of your industry, the good, the bad and the dirty. 

If what you like to do matches the work available within your ideal industry, then you’re sorted! And if you realise the career path you initially had in mind is not for you, then congratulations, you’re a step closer to figuring out what career is best for you.

Brighten up your resume

The weather won’t be the only shiny, bright thing about your summer. Your CV and application cover letters are certain to have that post internship glow. The scope for recognition is massive and all your hard work is sure to show on paper.

Interviews 

Not only will you have a solid piece of experience on your CV and application letter but it’s a great talking point during interviews. You can pick out individual responsibilities you were given and challenges you overcame and use your summer internship to absolutely nail your future interviews.

Linkedin

Another way to showcase your internship is on good old LinkedIn. When you apply to your dream job in the future, trust us, they will most likely stalk you (not in a creepy way, just on LinkedIn).

So make sure your profile is looking 10/10. You can add your experience to the work experience section including a description outlining your role and the skills you gained. 

If your employer decides to endorse you on LinkedIn, that’s the cherry on the cake. Employer endorsements add that extra bit of credibility to your profile when others look at it. 

Don’t have a LinkedIn Profile yet? Fix that immediately. Here’s our guide to creating the ultimate linkeidn profile 

References 

That gorgeous employer reference may be just the thing you need to get your dream grad role. And a reference coming from an employer from a summer internship looks a lot better than coming from that one time babysitting job you did for your mum’s friend.

Want some other tips on how to jazz up your application – here are some really useful tidbits directly from employers:

Building a network 

You’ve already started to build your network whether you realise it or not. Your peers at university plus your lecturers and tutors are all part of your network, but what will make you stand out from the crowd is having industry professionals within your network.

A summer internship is the perfect way to meet a wide breadth of people. The experience  doesn’t just extend your network to the people in your firm but also any clients or customers you may interact with.

Building this network will open door after door and perhaps even a window.

If you really wow your employers they might even offer you a spot on their grad scheme after you complete university.

They could even fast track your application in the future or introduce you to someone who will become your future employer. You can never go wrong with growing your list of contacts.

Do something worthwhile

Summer internships can actually be quite enjoyable.

During your time at the company you’ll get to take part in a wide range of opportunities professionally but also socially. 

You may get the chance to attend events, go on trips, circle around different departments. 

Some companies have lavish summer parties or team days you can attend, so don’t assume that in every case it’s going to be you sitting miserably at a desk the whole time. That’s usually far from the case.

Who knows you may even become besties with other students interning there.

And getting paid is also a fabulous added bonus. So you’re learning, whilst adding to your CV, and getting paid. It’s a win win win.

Have we inspired you to apply for a summer internship? Start searching right away. RateMyPlacement has open summer internships for Barclays, Savills, EY, Deloitte, Bloomberg and so many more.

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