Year in Industry, Degree Year vs Gap Year
Hi,
I’m studying a 4 year Engineering degree which gives the option to take a year in industry in your third year, but to do that you need to have a minimum grade of 65%. Alternatively there is the option to take a year out as a gap year to complete a 12 month placement if you wish. Obviously, taking the year of industry during your third year has financial benefits due to the fact you pay less for your tuition fee, and it also means you’ll have “with year in industry” in your degree title. But if somebody took a year out to carry out an industrial placement for whatever reason (not reaching the 65% threshold, not getting an offer before third year etc.), is there any difference between the two? Technically, the gap year placement would not be accredited by the respective Engineering society (IMechE, IChemE etc.) like the “year in Industry” would be, but in real life would employers even take that into consideration?
And does it really make a difference if the “with year in industry” appears on your degree title or not, or is it good enough just having that experience on your CV?
I’m studying a 4 year Engineering degree which gives the option to take a year in industry in your third year, but to do that you need to have a minimum grade of 65%. Alternatively there is the option to take a year out as a gap year to complete a 12 month placement if you wish. Obviously, taking the year of industry during your third year has financial benefits due to the fact you pay less for your tuition fee, and it also means you’ll have “with year in industry” in your degree title. But if somebody took a year out to carry out an industrial placement for whatever reason (not reaching the 65% threshold, not getting an offer before third year etc.), is there any difference between the two? Technically, the gap year placement would not be accredited by the respective Engineering society (IMechE, IChemE etc.) like the “year in Industry” would be, but in real life would employers even take that into consideration?
And does it really make a difference if the “with year in industry” appears on your degree title or not, or is it good enough just having that experience on your CV?
(edited 11 months ago)
Reply 1
Hi there!
I do think that both options allow you make yourself more grounded in your chosen industry. From the pros and cons you've weighed I would suggest trying for the year in industry. If, like you said you did not meet the required grade, taking a gap year and working would still give you valuable work experience. If you do meet the grade requirement, you would be able to have it shown with your degree classification.
Considering the gap year, although it may not appear on your degree at the end of your course, like you said, having it in your CV would still communicate to employers that you have the necessary skills.
The gap year alternative may also allow you to apply yourself in other ways than strict work, in a way that employers may also value. This may be in terms of extracurriculars or volunteer work.
Goodluck with your decision and I hope you get the results you want!
Best,
Lancaster University Student Ambassador,
Glory.
I do think that both options allow you make yourself more grounded in your chosen industry. From the pros and cons you've weighed I would suggest trying for the year in industry. If, like you said you did not meet the required grade, taking a gap year and working would still give you valuable work experience. If you do meet the grade requirement, you would be able to have it shown with your degree classification.
Considering the gap year, although it may not appear on your degree at the end of your course, like you said, having it in your CV would still communicate to employers that you have the necessary skills.
The gap year alternative may also allow you to apply yourself in other ways than strict work, in a way that employers may also value. This may be in terms of extracurriculars or volunteer work.
Goodluck with your decision and I hope you get the results you want!
Best,
Lancaster University Student Ambassador,
Glory.
Reply 2
Original post by Redred.123
Hi,
I’m studying a 4 year Engineering degree which gives the option to take a year in industry in your third year, but to do that you need to have a minimum grade of 65%. Alternatively there is the option to take a year out as a gap year to complete a 12 month placement if you wish. Obviously, taking the year of industry during your third year has financial benefits due to the fact you pay less for your tuition fee, and it also means you’ll have “with year in industry” in your degree title. But if somebody took a year out to carry out an industrial placement for whatever reason (not reaching the 65% threshold, not getting an offer before third year etc.), is there any difference between the two? Technically, the gap year placement would not be accredited by the respective Engineering society (IMechE, IChemE etc.) like the “year in Industry” would be, but in real life would employers even take that into consideration?
And does it really make a difference if the “with year in industry” appears on your degree title or not, or is it good enough just having that experience on your CV?
I’m studying a 4 year Engineering degree which gives the option to take a year in industry in your third year, but to do that you need to have a minimum grade of 65%. Alternatively there is the option to take a year out as a gap year to complete a 12 month placement if you wish. Obviously, taking the year of industry during your third year has financial benefits due to the fact you pay less for your tuition fee, and it also means you’ll have “with year in industry” in your degree title. But if somebody took a year out to carry out an industrial placement for whatever reason (not reaching the 65% threshold, not getting an offer before third year etc.), is there any difference between the two? Technically, the gap year placement would not be accredited by the respective Engineering society (IMechE, IChemE etc.) like the “year in Industry” would be, but in real life would employers even take that into consideration?
And does it really make a difference if the “with year in industry” appears on your degree title or not, or is it good enough just having that experience on your CV?
If you took 12 months out and spent it working in industry then this would still be recognised by employers as a year in industry. The only difference is if they write on “with an industrial placement” on the certificate which frankly nobody really cares what it says on it as long as it says Masters/Bachelors of “mechanical engineering” or “civil engineering”.
employers will still value the experience. And frankly id be very surprised if the university didn’t allow you to undertake it as an official placement year for your transcript & certificate anyway. I suspect the 65% rule is more to encourage students to push themselves to get a strong 2.1 as this will significantly help your chances of landing a placement & graduate job.
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