• 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.

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.

The post Why You Should Do A Summer Internship appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Want the inside scoop on smashing your assessment centre? Rhea, our placement student for 2023 / 2024 is here to give you all her top tips.

I’m sure you’ve come across those annoyingly productive student micro-influencers who wake up at 6:00am and prepare every day for three weeks in advance of their assessment centre. It’s daunting. We know. 

The good news is you don’t have to drop the rest of your life and eat, think, breathe assessment centres for the weeks leading up to it. You’d become a zombie!

68% of UK employers use assessment centres as part of their recruitment process. So it’s definitely worth doing some planning before the big day.

Here’s some simple tactics you can use to put your best foot forward on Assessment Centre Day.

1) Research the company

What services or products do they provide? How do they make their money? Who are their customers? What is their company culture? These are just a few questions to get you started on thinking WHO your potential future employer is. 

You want to get a feel for them – know them inside and out. 

A good exercise could be to try and draw up a picture of the company’s personality as if the brand were human. This gives you a good indication of the kind of firm they are.

2) Pre-preparation material

Most assessment centres require you to come prepared with a presentation about a certain topic. That’s good! You can really take your time on this. Without feeling the pressure of being observed. 

So, take full advantage. Talk to your lecturers, university professors or ask advice from previous placement students and craft your perfect presentation.

3) Read through the job description

The job description is like a map leading you to the treasure chest (that’s the placement). Look inside it for clues on what you will be tested on. 

Make sure you have examples from your personal, academic and/or professional life to demonstrate your competencies and you’ll be one step closer to reaching the placement treasure it points towards.

4) Rehearse common interview questions

Some assessment centres embed an interview as part of their application. So it’s a good idea to have some answers prepared beforehand.

Have a look at our blog post Common Internship Interview Questions for some questions that are sure to come up. Think of how you’d answer them.

Keeping these tips in mind, we have one last, crucial tip for you: stay calm!

If you have made it this far in the recruitment process, you deserve a pat on the back. You’re here for a reason and the company clearly likes you. Now is your chance to decide whether to swipe right on them or not. 

It’s going to be a long-term relationship after all. View the assessment centre as a chance for you to get to know employers, ask questions and see if they take your fancy? 

The post A 2nd Year Student’s Top Tips on How to Prepare for an Assessment Centre appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Frightening question isn’t it? But one that no doubt every student has been stressing over. 

For some, university would’ve shown them exactly what they like and dislike, paving a set career path (if this is you, congratulations you’re doing amazing sweetie). For others, they’re still figuring it out. And that’s okay!

If you fall into one of these categories or anywhere in between, there’s a minefield of opportunities out there just for you. Amazing news, but a right pain to navigate. So let’s make it easier. 

Here’s a summary of what to do after university, and the different routes you can take.

• The academic route: Doing a postgraduate degree
• How to apply for a Master’s 
• Upskilling yourself 
• Straight to the world of work.

The academic route: Doing a postgraduate degree

First reason

If you’re wondering what to do after university, a postgrad degree is a great way to jump the queue of the graduate career ladder and secure yourself a more senior position from the get-go.

The advanced knowledge you gain will be in a totally different ballpark from that of an undergrad degree. With specialist jobs, the nicher the skillset the better, and a post-grad course is a fabulous way to do it.

Second reason

If you’re someone who’s had a change of heart on your degree subject, that’s another reason to do a Masters. It’s the perfect way to redirect yourself towards the path you actually want. 

Maybe you chose your business degree because you didn’t know what to do after university or maybe you can’t imagine working in finance after three years of numbers and spreadsheets. 

Don’t you worry.

In fact, more than half of graduates in employment aren’t working in a field they studied at University.

So if your degree and ideal career path are polar opposites, that’s totally fine. A Masters will come to the rescue and set things straight.

Third reason

If your future plans involve working or settling down abroad then remember, many countries require a postgraduate level of education even at entry level. 

Even if working abroad isn’t your thing, you should still consider doing a Master’s abroad if you’re unsure what to do after university. Why? Because some countries provide post-grad degrees for free!  

Germany, Iceland, the Czech Republic and Finland are four European countries offering a free or relatively inexpensive Master’s degree with some exceptions.

Talk about hacking the system!

How to apply for a Master’s

Unlike undergraduate applications, Master’s applications are submitted to universities directly. There are a few exceptions for which you can go through UCAS Postgraduate. Make sure to check which Universities use UCAS Postgraduate.

But on the whole, here are a few things to note before you start your application process:

Upskilling yourself

University’s finished. You know what that means? It’s time to shake off that bedraggled exam season uni student look (it’s not a good one, we’ve all been there) with a post-grad glow-up!

We’re not talking about a physical one, we’re talking about a skills glow-up.

So, you have hundreds of skills. Good for you! But what are they? And how do you make sure you’re including the right ones? Have a read through our guide to soft and hard skills.

Straight to the world of work

Leaving university is bittersweet. The sweet part is the dream graduate that awaits you. And here’s all the advice you need on securing it.

Get organised

To get started, get organised. That is the biggest, fattest, juiciest tip we can give you.

Because trust us, down the line when you’ve applied to a ton of roles and have no idea who’s rejected you and who hasn’t in the chaos of your email inbox, you’re going to miss deadlines and let opportunities pass by. 

Remember all graduate schemes work differently. Some roles will be in a specific area for example: a marketing graduate role will mean you get stuck into the marketing field straight away. 

Other companies will put you on a rotation so you can experience every department before they assign you where your strengths lie. 

Some graduate schemes are training-heavy and some are work-heavy and some are an even split. It all depends on the way you like to work and learn so get clear on what your programme will be like.

In terms of WHO you want to work for, here are your best 100 student employers to work for, as voted by students like you. You can also read experiences from real students and what they did after university.

So there you have it, all the different pathways you can take if you’re unsure of what to do after university. But by no means is this an exhaustive list, the options really are endless.

I would encourage you not to settle and to seek out an opportunity, from this list or not, that best fits your goals. Good luck and happy hunting!

The post What to do after University appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

Congratulations, you’re going to uni! During this precious time before starting, you’re going to be making a hundred and one decisions. And trust us, there’s lots to think about, such as whether you’re commuting to university (or not). 

We’re here to tell you why commuting absolutely does NOT mean you have to miss out on university life. Many students will move into halls or private accommodation. But commuting may be the better option for a lot of other students.

So here’s a list of all the reasons why commuting could be the right choice for you.

• The social side
• Find fellow commuters
• The money-savvy decision
• Skip the homesickness
• Travel tips

The social side

Let’s cut to the chase, the social side of things is probably a major concern if you’re considering commuting to university. And agreed, your social life can make or break the uni experience. But trust me, flatmates are hardly your only source of friendships. 

Try to join a club or society. Attending events alongside people with a mutual interest (no matter how niche or strange) is the best formula for friend-making. And societies are just the place for that.

There are societies for everything ranging from football and dance to hummus and zombie apocalypse societies (yes, this is a real society). Rest assured, the right society is waiting for you. Plus, making friends isn’t the only benefit of joining a society…

Find fellow commuters

Most universities have groups for commuter students, so you can find others in the exact same boat as you (or rather train or coach). 

More and more students are recognising that commuting to university may be the way to go. In fact over 25% of UK undergraduates are now commuter students.

Befriending fellow commuter students will help you find social events that fit your travel schedule and who knows, maybe you could even find a uni travel buddy.

The money-savvy decision

It’s rough being a student, especially in the money department. We should’ve known it wouldn’t get any easier when Tesco meal deals became £3.40. What a rip off! 

Living at uni means money leaks out of your pockets left, right and centre. That extra Starbucks drink, that absolutely “must have” product you saw on Tiktok, those clothes on sale… All of it adds up.

Rent

There’s also the matter of rent. The average UK student pays a whopping 45% of their monthly living costs towards rent. On top of that, you still need to buy food and drinks, room decor, club tickets, Pret coffee subscriptions. You know, just all the essentials. 

Commuting to university is the money savvy decision.

You’ll save a massive chunk on rent, utilities, eating out, room essentials (you probably already have these) and more! Even with Unidays, Student Beans and all the money saving apps and hacks in the world, you won’t save as much as you would living at home.

Maintenance loan

If you’re in the position to do so, you may not even need to take out a maintenance loan which leaves you with a lot less student debt at the end of your degree. 

However, if you did want to take one out, you could always put it into a savings account and receive monthly interest instead of blowing it on rent. 

Skip the homesickness

Moving to university is definitely not for everyone and that is A-okay. 

A new environment with new people is daunting. Starting university is a huge transition in itself and staying home means it’s just that little bit easier on your mental health.

Living at home means:

• You have a routine
• Your space is cosy and comfy 
• You don’t need time to adjust
• You have your family’s support.

Lots of students struggle with homesickness once starting university and this just makes the experience so not fun. If you or a friend are struggling, here’s some advice on what to do if you’re feeling homesick during your first year.

I know it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out by commuting to university. But instead, think of everything you’re glad to leave behind: arguing about who takes out the bins, flat drama and of course the terrible, horrible, dreaded homesickness.

At the end of the day, you know yourself best and if the comfort of your home is where you need to be to thrive academically and socially, then commuting to university is best for you.

Travel tips

You’re reassured you can make friends, save your bank and wave good-bye to homesickness. But commuting to university scares you. Well, my dear friend, there’s a solution for that too. 

Book your tickets early

Depending on how far you travel, you can book anywhere from a month to a few days before your journey. Book your tickets (the earlier the better to make the most of deals), get familiar with your route, use a student railcard and leave a buffer time. That’s it, you’re all set! 

Be productive on your commute

Turning your commute into productive study sessions is a great way to stay busy. So make the most of your time on the train or coach. 

• Go through your reading material
• Make a start on that report
• Or begin your internship or placement application.

Browse our 100 Best Student Employers and use your commute to apply to some you like.

Do this and I promise, you’ll be that always-has-it-together, never-stressed-out student. Who doesn’t want that?… It might be overwhelming at first. But remember, you have all year to get comfortable with your travel schedule. 

You’re completing the same journey multiple times a week. There and back. Before you know it, you’ll know your route like the homepage of your phone.

So you’ve made friends no problem, savings are through the roof, travel’s sorted and you’re feeling confident about your decision. Commuting to university is like getting the best parts from the pick n mix of uni and home life. 

• You can stay close to your home-friends and make heaps of new ones at uni
• You can keep your local part-time job whilst getting a degree
• You can save a bucket-load of money and spend it on things that really matter. 

Bob’s your uncle!

University is such an individual experience. It’s about making memories, learning and becoming your own person. University is what you make it, whether you commute or not. 

So go into it with an open mind and make it the best experience!

Guest blogger: Rhea Shah

Rhea is a marketing student who is also enthusiastic about literature and creative writing. She loves to travel and has lived in 4 countries before the age of 12. Outside of writing, Rhea is currently learning how to bake and speak Japanese.

The post Commuting To University: Will I Miss Out? appeared first on RateMyPlacement.