Placement Futures
Embarking on your placement is an adventure packed with challenges and rewards, preparing you for your future career after graduation. To make the most of this opportunity, make sure you meet the expectations of both your employer and º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, and read through the information on this page.
Placement Futures Checklist
Work your way through your PLACEMENT FUTURES Checklist to get the most out of your placement experience. Remember you are still classed as a student throughout your placement year so can still access university support!
NAVIGATE YOUR WORKPLACE: Access tailored resources and attend the Navigating the workplace workshop on the Stay Connected programme.
CONNECT WITH COLLEAGUES: Introduce yourself, get to know people and connect with your colleagues on LinkedIn to continue building your network.
BE PROACTIVE IN YOUR WORKPLACE: Find out how to utilise the remainder of your time on placement by attending our Getting the most of your placement workshop on the Stay Connected programme.
CHECK YOUR EMAILS: We use your Lboro email address to contact you, so it’s important to check it often. If necessary, forward it on to your personal one, so you don’t miss out on key information!
KEEP IN TOUCH: Contact your Placement Tutor to let them know how you’re doing.
FIND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES: Book a Careers and Enterprise Advice appointment remotely to help find your next role or develop your CV and covering letter with a member of the team.
INVESTIGATE ENTERPRISE NETWORKS: Explore the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Enterprise Network communities and access opportunities designed to help you understand entrepreneurship and business innovation.
REFLECT ON YOUR PLACEMENT: Review the transferable skills gained from your placement and consider your future career plans. Access Personal Best resources and attend our Reflections on placement workshop on the Stay Connected programme.
BOOST YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS: Enhance your academic and study skills through group coaching and workshops. Sessions include Exam Success, Procrastination, Motivation for your Studies, Time Management 101, Juggling Priorities and Facing Challenges.
PLAN YOUR RETURN: Connect with peers, check what work you need to submit while on placement and register for modules. Attend our Returning to º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ workshop to get ready for returning to study as part of the Stay Connected programme.
University requirements for your placement year
Start of your placement
At the start of your placement, you need to complete the following actions:
- Re-register with the University for Part I of your studies.
- Upload your completed induction checklist to Co-tutor within 21 days of starting your placement.
- Check your placement details are accurate on Co-tutor including contact details, placement location and start date.
- Familiarise yourself with the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Student Placement Charter, and your responsibilities as the placement student.
- Read through the dedicated Learn page for your diploma, so you are aware of your academic requirements and the deadlines.
During your placement
Throughout your placement year it is important you stay in contact with the University, and access any support you require:
- Check your º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ email account regularly, as the University will primarily use this email address to contact you throughout the year.
- Make your School Placement Team, and Placement Tutor aware of any issues or problems that arise on placement.
- Keep your placement details up to date on Co-tutor.
- Act within the Terms and Conditions of Employment (or equivalent) agreed with your placement employer.
- Understand and work according to your placement employer’s ‘acceptable use of IT policy’.
- Take reasonable care of your own health and safety, and the health and safety of other people who may be affected by your actions.
- Hand in your required academic work in full and on time.
End of your placement
Now you are coming to the end of your placement, you may want to prepare for your return to studies at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ:
- Complete any remaining academic work for your diploma.
- Arrange accommodation back in º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ for your return.
- Register your module choices for your return. Keep checking your emails as your School will email you when module choice is open.
10 top tips for settling into your placement role
Settling into a new placement role can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some top tips to help you adjust:
- Prepare
- Research the company: Understand the company’s culture, values, and goals.
- Know your role: Be clear about your job description and responsibilities.
- Dress appropriately: Find out the dress code to ensure you dress suitably from day one.
- Make a good first impression
- Be punctual: Arrive on time, or a bit early, every day.
- Be friendly and approachable: Smile, introduce yourself, and be open to meeting new people.
- Learn the company culture
- Observe and adapt: Pay attention to how things are done and how your team works together.
- Communication is key
- Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification when needed and make notes!
- Listen actively: Show that you are engaged and interested in what others are saying.
- Be proactive
- Take initiative: Look for opportunities to contribute beyond your immediate tasks.
- Seek feedback: Regularly ask for feedback to understand how you’re performing and where you can improve. This could from your manager, team members and mentor/buddy.
- Build relationships
- Network: Get to know your colleagues and build professional relationships.
- Find a mentor: Look for someone who can support you throughout your placement; this may be a team member or another staff member.
- Stay organised
- Keep track of tasks: Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, or apps to manage your tasks and deadlines.
- Prioritise: Focus on high-priority tasks and manage your time effectively. If you are struggling with your workload speak to your manager.
- Adapt and be flexible
- Embrace change: Be prepared for priorities to change and adapt quickly.
- Be open to feedback: Accept constructive feedback positively and use it to improve and set goals for the remainder of your placement.
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Stay enthusiastic: Show enthusiasm for your role, and company.
- Be Resilient: Don’t get discouraged by any mistakes you make; view them as learning opportunities.
- Take care of yourself
- Balance work and life: Ensure you have time to relax and recharge outside of work.
- Access support: If you are struggling you can still access support through Student Services.
By following these tips, you can make a positive impression, integrate smoothly into your new role, and make the most out of your placement experience.
Your placement visits
Your Placement Tutor will be your main contact throughout your placement year, and will conduct your placement visits:
- You should expect at least two visits with your Placement Tutor, these are usually conducted online i.e. phone, MS teams, Zoom or Skype, but you may request an in-person visit.
- Initiate contact with your Placement Tutor; their contact details will be listed on your Co-tutor. Reach out to them to arrange your visit, or if you would benefit from any additional support.
- Arrange a date for your placement visit; they will usually want to meet with your manager as well so check their availability and let your Placement Tutor know suitable times.
- Ensure your Placement Tutor has all the necessary information at the appropriate time.