Placements and work experience

A placement is a fantastic opportunity for an organisation to employ highly qualified individuals with fresh ideas that can deliver tangible benefits to your business. Every Loughborough University undergraduate student has the opportunity to complete a placement as part of their course.

Why take on a Loughborough placement student? They are able to:

Add value to your organisation by taking on challenging responsibilities and fixed term projects;
Add to your talent pipeline. The placement can serve as an extended interview as you get the chance to see the student in action for a year;
Bring good value for money. They don’t expect graduate level salaries, although they do need to receive a realistic offer;
Helps to raise your organisation’s profile with the University and its students, making it easier to recruit in future.

Award winning students.

Each year Loughborough University and industry partners celebrate the outstanding achievements of students and the transformative opportunities that their employers provide during their placement year. Below are a selection of short films of the award finalists.

Placements usually last for 45 weeks to one year, although some students will prefer to do a series of shorter placements.

To find out more about offering a placement opportunity to our students, or to discuss other work-based learning opportunities such as work shadowing or volunteering, please contact the Work & Opportunities Team.

Arts - MTC

Holly Kerslake (Fine Art, 2017) was one of two undergraduates selected as the inaugural Fine Art placement students at The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), acting as Artists in Residence, 2015-16.

Business - American Express

Charlotte Wise (International Business, 2017) joined American Express as an Analyst and established herself as an innovative and dedicated member of the team.

Business and Data Analysis - IBM

Mollie joined IBM as a Research Consultant, supporting the company’s Workforce Science and Analytics division which delivers HR solutions for its clients.

Textiles - Colefax and Fowler

Colefax and Fowler designs and distributes luxury furnishing fabrics and wallpapers, primarily for the high-end residential interiors market. Olivia joined the company’s London showroom as a Design Assistant.

Design – Clayesmore School

Dominic joined Clayesmore as a Design and Technology Teaching Assistant, and immediately immersed himself in the life of the school.

Design – Aston Martin Lagonda

Assigned to the Health and Safety Department as an Ergonomist, Harry had the authority of a Senior Engineer. His primary project was to enhance the ergonomic status across the Aston Martin Lagonda business.

Product Design Engineering - Mondelēz

Jamie joined Mondelēz International as an RD&Q Packaging Intern – impressing her employers and earning several company awards and accolades.

Aeronautical Engineering – MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

Laura joined the Aerodynamics department at MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, and established herself as a valuable part of the front of car development group.

Materials Engineering - Pirelli Burton

Beth Walker-Smith’s (Materials Engineering with Design, 2017) one-year placement was a first within the industrial department at Pirelli Burton. Working in the area of Industrial Efficiency, Beth achieved excellent feedback from the Departmental Manager.