Student stories

Taking on a placement during your studies presents an exciting opportunity to get a taste of full-time work in your chosen field.

University College Birmingham is one of the UK's largest placement providers, and many students take advantage of our location, transport links, and industry connections.

Whether you're hoping to develop your skills, put theory into practice, network and make professional contacts, or simply get a better idea of the kind of role you'd like to do after graduation, a placement can provide a major boost to your career prospects and professional confidence.

Thinking about a placement during your studies? Our Hired team can help you seek out the perfect role.

Doing a placement was a game-changer for me

Nicolas Matovu, Health and Social Care BSc (Hons)

I’ve always had a deep-rooted desire to contribute meaningfully to diverse and vulnerable communities and positively impact their lives, and University College Birmingham appealed to me as an international student because of the quality of the course, student support services, modern facilities, and a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.”

I accessed support through the HIRED team, who helped him to find placements caring for children with learning disabilities and for military veterans.

The support I received was incredible, and the placements were a game-changer for me. They opened my eyes to how best to engage with people, and allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world scenarios.

They prepared me for a career in the health sector, and provided me with the necessary skills to flourish now and in the future.

Without the support of the University I wouldn't have found my placements

Javier Fernandez, Sport and Fitness Studies BA (Hons)/Strength, Conditioning and Performance MSc

During my undergraduate and master's degree studies I had placements as a strength and conditioning coach for both Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion FC's academies. I also went on a trip to St George's Park and had the opportunity to get involved in fitness tests, field sessions and pool recovery at the England national football team’s training facilities.

These experiences gave me confidence and the ability to put theory into practice. Without the links I made though the University, it would have been impossible to find two work placements and obtain really valuable experience for when I completed the course.

It was the opportunity of a lifetime

Abigail Edwards, Events Management BA

After studying for my degree here I'm now back as a teacher. I already love the staff, the campus, and the general environment. Everyone is so friendly and the facilities are amazing. I knew if I was going to teach, this is the place I’d want to be.

I was able to take advantage of the University's industry links and take on some exciting placements. The experience she gained proved invaluable for my career as a teacher. My advisor from HIRED was really proactive and helpful, and even managed to find an opportunity to work on the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I couldn’t turn it down.

I found a paid role through my placement

Sibia Edwards, Health and Social Care BSc (Hons)

While studying for my Level 3 qualification, I developed a passion for mentoring and decided to explore the subject further through health and social care.

I didn't have a background in healthcare, and I was a bit worried that I’d have difficulty with the terminology, but the lecturers were extremely supportive and never made me feel like I was out of my depth,” she said.

HIRED then helped me find a placement with a strong mentoring aspect. I loved it, and was even asked to stay on as a paid member of staff! I'm now employed as head of behaviour, and I'm responsible for managing a team of mentors.

Our Students' placement stories

Taking on a placement during your studies presents an exciting opportunity to get a taste of full-time work in your chosen field.

Doing a placement was a game-changer for me

Without the support of the University I wouldn't have found my placements

It was the opportunity of a lifetime

I found a paid role through my placement

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