Including industry work experience on your resume can help you stand out from the pack when it comes time to apply for your first job after graduation. But obtaining work experience while studying goes beyond that. It helps students to discover their dream careers, acquire the skills needed to succeed, and dive in with professional training. Academic institutions in the United Kingdom offer students the opportunity to participate in internships, work placements, or sandwich courses to gain valuable work experience. While there are some similarities between these three opportunities, they’re actually quite different. Here, we’ll compare and contrast these types of work experience opportunities.
Internships
An internship can range from a week to a year in length, and is usually completed over summer vacation. Students don’t typically receive academic credit for completing an internship, although it may be recognized by professional training organizations. By law, students working as an intern are paid at least the National Minimum Wage. As it’s not unusual for organizations to bring on an intern full-time, an internship could be the first step in a student’s exciting new career.
University of Surrey graduates are some of the most employable in the UK due to the institution’s Professional Training placements. Check out available courses on the ApplyBoard Platform.
Work Placements vs Sandwich Courses
In the United Kingdom, work placements are often referred to as sandwich courses. Although they share similarities, they are actually two different types of work experience opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about each.
The University of Lancaster employs specialist career consultants who help students line up placement and work experience opportunities.
Work Placements
Work placements are a requirement for some courses, and students who complete one earn academic credit. Students often complete work placements during a school term.
Short-term work placements range in length. Some are completed over the summer holidays and are between one and three months long, while other placements are scheduled for one day per week over a longer duration. Short-term work placements are generally unpaid.
Learn how to choose a master’s degree in the UK.
Sandwich Courses
A sandwich course is a degree program where students will have at least one opportunity to work in their chosen field for between nine months and a year between their academic studies. Sandwich courses are longer than a standard degree, but offer international students many benefits. Universities in the UK commonly provide students with a placement that will equip them with hands-on experience that’s valuable upon graduating and beginning their job search.
At Middlesex University, students can choose from many courses that offer real-world work experience.
Thick vs Thin Sandwich Courses
In the UK, sandwich courses can occur at different stages in the completion of a degree. Accordingly, some courses are described as “thick,” while others are “thin.”
Often, a four-year degree includes a thick sandwich course. The first two years of a student’s degree are spent studying, followed by a placement in their third year. Conversely, a three-year degree is commonly called a thin sandwich course. In this type of sandwich degree, the work placement is split up into two halves. In your first year, you will typically complete six months of practical work, and another six months of work will be completed during your final year. Students are typically paid for their time during these placements.
Curious about how to choose a bachelor’s degree in the UK? Read our blog for guidance.
Advantages of Industry Work Experience
There are many advantages of gaining industry work experience during your studies. Here are just a few:
- In a competitive job market, you must capitalize on every opportunity. Work experience will help you stand out from a large pool of applicants looking for the same position.
- Employers are looking for graduates with a combination of academic credentials and industry experience.
- It’s not uncommon for students to land a full-time job at the company where they completed their placement.
- Graduates may not need to apply for entry-level positions if they have a year of industry work experience. This usually means they receive higher salaries and better benefits.
Considering studying abroad in Canada? Learn more about work-integrated learning opportunities offered at academic institutions across the pond.
One of the best academic and career decisions a student can make is selecting a course that offers an internship, work placement, or sandwich course. Consider choosing a degree that includes one, and your future self will thank you for it!
Discover more academic institutions in the United Kingdom that offer international students hands-on learning opportunities on the ApplyBoard Platform!
