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Micro-Placements
The Micro-Placement scheme offers paid opportunities that will enable you to take on real responsibility by working on live projects, or with services/facilities delivered within the University.
The Micro-Placements are flexible to fit in with your studies. Typically, you could work between 2 and 4 hours a week, for a maximum of 30 hours duration and some may be remote.
Micro-Placements are open to current University of Suffolk students studying in the following locations: Ipswich, East Coast College, Suffolk New College, and West Suffolk College. Micro-Placements are not open to PhD students.
Please note you can complete only one Micro-Placement in an academic year, but you can apply again the following year. If previously you have been unsuccessful in gaining a Micro-Placement — don’t be put off please try again.
- You will be a part of a selection process where you will receive constructive feedback.
- You will gain experience that will allow you to stand out in applications.
- You will develop your confidence and resilience
- Towards the end of your placement you will be required to attend a 30-minute careers guidance meeting to reflect on your experience, what you have developed, and how this can be presented to future employers.
Separate to other Micro-Placements, the Magnificent 7 placements are open only to students opted in the Build your Future scheme. This opt-in scheme offers exclusive opportunities to enhance employability, grow confidence and build networks. This is to recognise and to support underrepresented groups. If you have completed a Micro-Placement this academic year you can still apply!
Have you signed up to the Build your Future opt-in scheme? Check your eligibility and sign up here: www.uos.ac.uk/buildyourfuture
Check Handshake for the job descriptions (search for Micro-Placement or University of Suffolk). Ensure you tell us about your skills and why you would benefit from a placement and if you would like a Mentor.
Before you apply please see FutureMe for support with your CV and cover letter - your CV and cover letter will form part of the decision making process. All applicants are guaranteed an interview. If you have any questions please contact Annabelle Richardson.
Flexible to fit alongside studies
“We collaborated both on campus and remotely via Microsoft Teams. There was always the opportunity for flexible working, and the team were very engaging and helpful” Emily with Health and Safety
You’ll get real experience
“One of the key things I gained from the micro-placement was the sheer amount of real working experience” Theo with the Student Life Team
You could make a difference to students lives by developing the student experience
“One of my first tasks was sharing questionnaires with students from all years to determine whether the questionnaires were engaging enough. This feedback resulted in a focus group with university students from various ethnic backgrounds” Lauren with the Diversity Team
Can help you find direction in your career
“It was an inspiring personal experience which made me determined to apply for the permanent Web Services and Process developer job at the University. This, of course, wouldn’t be a reality if I didn’t take part in the micro-placement scheme” Karina with Student Services
The University will support you before during and after placement
“Annabelle was always so helpful and so quick to reply to me when I needed to ask any questions” Alen with Student Services
Boost your CV and improve employability
“A wonderful opportunity for someone who would like to gain professional skills” Karina with Student Services
References
“The micro-placement gives you fantastic practical experience and even a reference who can attest to your best skills” Emily with Health and Safety
Successful candidates (not available to PhD students) who complete their placement hours can also get additional recognition on their Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) by undertaking these additional optional activities:
- Complete a self-awareness module in FutureMe
- Produce a reflective statement, poster, vlog or blog
These activities must be completed outside of placement hours. Towards the end of your placement, the Careers Team will offer a 30-minute careers guidance meeting to reflect on your placement experience, what you have developed, and how the experience can be presented to future employers.
"I found it highly beneficial to draw on my micro-placement experience when speaking to prospective employers"