Work while you study
Develop skills that are valued by employers by taking a placement year, a summer internship, or part-time or casual work.
Placements
Placements offer you the opportunity to put your skills into practice, build up your professional network, develop your commercial awareness and potentially be fast-tracked to a graduate job.
A placement year is a structured work experience opportunity that can be integrated into your studies and is recognised within your degree title. Many organisations offer placement opportunities, and they are a great way to enhance your employability skills, strengthen your academic performance and give you a practical insight into the graduate job market.
Open to undergraduates and integrated Masters students, our Placement Year is designed to build your confidence and self-awareness. You'll develop your skills during, and through the reflection of, a minimum of nine months experience in a work-based context.
Related links
My Placement Year at Warner Bros. has been one of the most rewarding experiences I can remember. I gained insight into the complexities of the entertainment industry, worked on exciting projects, and grew both personally and professionally. I had several fantastic opportunities like attending film premieres, but it was the brilliant team I worked with that made my time there so special.
Erhard, BSc Film & Television Production
Year in industry
Some departments offer a year in industry as part of your degree, giving you the chance to gain hands-on industry experience specific to your area of study.
What our students say
Our blog is full of stories from different students sharing their experiences of being on a work placement.
-
My Summer Internship – what I’ve learned so far
Posted by Anjali on 1 August 2022 Hi! I’m Anjali and I’m currently on a 3-month summer internship with Auto Trader as a Business Development Intern in Manchester. I’m studying Politics…
-
My Pre-Placement Thoughts
Posted by Emma on 19 July 2022 The idea of a year in industry or a placement year can be a daunting prospect. So hopefully, this blog will go some way…
-
Reflections on the first month of my placement
Posted by Iona on 13 July 2022 Hi everyone, I’m Iona, and I study Social and Political Sciences with Philosophy at York! I’m now a month into my Communications and Government…
-
Jade’s experience as an Intern Games Designer at Criterion Games
Posted by Jade on 24 May 2022 We asked Interactive Media student Jade about their degree, gaining work placement experience and the day-to-day life of a games designer. Why did you…
-
Kyle’s work placement experience in IT solutions
Posted by Kyle on 25 February 2022 Interactive Media student Kyle discusses the benefits of taking part in a work placement in the IT solutions industry. Why did you decide to…
-
Ella’s placement experience at The Walt Disney Company
Posted by Ella on 24 February 2022 Interactive Media student Ella tells us about her work placement as a Creative Campaigns and Production Intern at The Walt Disney Company. Why did…
Internships
Internships, work experience and virtual internships can offer the opportunity to enhance your knowledge and gain insight into a particular job or industry. We offer paid project-based internships with local employers, exclusively for York students.
Past internships have included developing a marketing strategy for Castle Howard, or working with the National Bee Unit at the Food and Environment Agency.
As I was aiming for a career in finance, I applied to Key Capital Partners predominantly to develop my CV and to gain insight into a sector I knew little about, making me a stronger candidate for future job opportunities.
Not only did the internship offer me countless valuable skills, and insights into the different aspects of UK investment, but the KCP team took time to actively discuss their work with me and advised me on future career paths available. The team also put me in touch with recruiters at larger companies that may be able to offer me graduate opportunities going forwards.
Thomas, MPhys (Hons) Physics with Astrophysics
Study, work, or volunteer abroad
We have links with top academic institutions and employers all over the world. Expand your horizons and prepare for a career in a global job market.
This global experience does not necessarily have to take place abroad, there are also ways to get involved here in York.
Students at 'Scrapfest' semester abroad in Michigan, 2019
Part-time paid work
You might want a part-time job to gain more experience, learn new skills and strengthen your CV, or to contribute towards your study costs.
Finding work
There are opportunities that directly compliment your degree, such as assisting or participating in University research, but be open-minded when you are looking for a part-time job. You might think that working in shops, bars or restaurants won’t be valued by graduate employers, but this isn't true.
Employers look for candidates who thrive in any work situation and value the transferable skills you will develop: customer service, time management and communication skills, plus commercial awareness. The city of York also offers unique and exciting job opportunities: you could join the team of actors at York Dungeon, become a city tour guide, or channel your inner Viking at the JORVIK Viking Centre.
As a student, you will have access to Handshake, the digital platform where we advertise all part-time and temporary job vacancies we receive from employers. There are also opportunities for paid temporary work at the University, advertised on Handshake.
International students
Work regulations and/or visa restrictions may apply if you are an international student wanting to work during your studies.
Whatever your situation, our Careers and Placements team will be on hand to offer help and advice.