Get career ready

Get Career Ready.

Add a year in industry to your degree and you’ll give yourself a head start when you graduate. Tom Tillin did and managed to land his ideal job in his first-choice company and even managed to impress his gran!  

‘My year in industry couldn’t have gone better. I secured a role at IBM, working in their sports and entertainment department – it was perfect for me, I’m interested in technology and very keen on sport. I was ‘scrum master’ for the discovery stage of a new Esports membership app. A ‘scrum master’ is the facilitator of the team, so I’d run the daily stand up and make sure everyone kept on top of things. I also did a lot of market research, presented to clients and was able to shadow other team members which was a great way to discover what those roles involved.  

I got to work with Premier League football clubs and represented IBM at the Wimbledon tennis championships. I’m not the best tennis player, but my granny played tennis at Wimbledon when she was young, so she was proud that I had got there too, one way or another! 

I’d say do a year in industry for the confidence and skills you gain (and the salary!) and because it prepares you for professional life. It also makes applying for jobs in your final year less scary because you’ve done it all before.’  

Any questions? We have the answers.

When should I start looking? In the summer of your first year; placements must be secured by 31 August in your second year. 

Where can I get help finding a placement? Book an appointment with a placement adviser via the careers service. 

Will I get paid? Most of our placements are paid. 

Do I have to pay tuition fees? Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee, currently £1,850, which for UK students is covered by Student Finance. 

Where can I get visa advice if I’m an international student? Kent Union can help with any visa queries. 

Does the University keep in touch? You receive four-weekly check-in emails, a visit from the team every three months and you can reach out to us any time by email or phone. 

Do I work for a full year? The minimum requirement for an industrial placement is 44 weeks.