Which Unis have best links to businesses for Placement years?

I’m applying for business or management degrees, but I’m wondering which genuinely have links to businesses to arrange a placement years?

Reply 1

Makro

The thing about placement yrs is that despite how unis make it sound, it is completely up to the student to find their own industrial placement. Universities will support you with CV preparation & interview practice. They might even point you to websites where you can see placements and apply OR advertise some (if they have links with them) on your departmental notice board but beyond that, they do nothing. 'Links with industry' conjurs the idea the university will just shoo you in or the employer will see your university name and take you, bypassing the normal recruitment stages but this isn't true.

Saying that, In yrs past there was a lot more nepotism industry wide and it was easier for someone with contacts within the industry to just 'bring you in' as an intern for 1 yr, however, some industries still show strong preference for particular universities but you still have to go through the application, assessment process like everyone else.

In answer to your question, universities that are known to have strong 'business Links for business courses', in no particular order are;

Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, Lancaster, Warwick, Loughborough, Bath.

Remember that not studying at the above universities does not in anyway mean you will not get a placement! you have every chance of getting a place if you apply yourself from yr 1. Build up your CV with work experience on campus (if possible), join societies where you can get an office, volunteer, attend virtual insight days. This ultimately is what will get you your placement. Applying from UCL with no work experience or involvement in uni life to back it up will not get you any further than your cv in the post.

Generally, most universities also have links with local businesses! they might not be as visible as the aforementioned but don't assume it's over unless you get into the above. Good luck!