“It’s crazy how much experience you gain in such a short time”
“It gave me experience and I wouldn’t have my job now if it wasn’t for the Micro- Placement scheme”
"I enjoyed the Micro-Placement a lot and can safely say that it was the highlight of my first year"
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.
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.
Some Micro-Placements may be remote.
- 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 mandatory 30-minute careers guidance meeting to reflect on your experience, what you have developed, and how this can be presented to future employers.
Applications will reopen on Sunday 1st January and close 5pm on Friday 3rd February 2023.
The Micro-Placements are flexible to fit in with your studies. Typically, you will work between 2 and 4 hours a week, for a maximum of 30 hours duration.
These 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.
Information on how to apply for a Micro-Placement:
When applications open, read through our flyer (below) then send a CV and cover letter stating why you think you will benefit from a placement. Make sure you tell us about your skills and if you would like a Mentor as part of the placement. Please note you are only able to complete one Micro-Placement in an academic year.
Find out more:
If you have any questions please contact Annabelle Richardson a.richardson@uos.ac.uk
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.
- Provides real and ‘live’ work experience
- Flexible to fit alongside studies
- Previous work experience is not necessary
- Contribute to developing the student experience
- They are paid
Placements vary, but examples of past work, projects and areas of the University the placements were include:
- Business Development and Knowledge Exchange (BDKE)
- Supporting the Careers Team with their events.
- Projects with the University of Suffolk Sustainability team and the organisations they work with.
- Infographic projects with external organisations and also the University.
- Working as a Diversity Champion.
- Frontline duties with the Infozone Team.
- Supporting the IT Help Desk.
- Summer research opportunities
- Working with the Health and Safety Team
- Working with the Marketing Team - social media and Blogs.
- Working in the Science Labs (ring fenced to Life Sciences students.)
- Working with the Business Engagement Team in the IWIC, attending events and networking with organisations.
- Undertaking roles with Learning Services in the Library.
- Supporting students as a Student Counsellor (open to second and third year Counselling students only.)
- Creating Social Media posts.
- Projects with the Student Union.
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 or other artifact, such as vlog, blog or poster
Note: 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.
Richard - Student Experience Team
Daniel-Stefan Business Engagement Careers & Employability
Theo - Student Life Team Micro-Placement
Lauren - Diversity and Careers Team Micro-Placement
Carrie - Sustainability Micro-Placement
Karina - Student Services Micro-Placement
Alen - Student Services Micro-Placement
Emilie - Student Centre Micro-Placement
Find out about our Employability Skills Student Poster Competition - the two winners were offered a 20 hour paid Micro-Placement at the University.
Our placement poster gallery to gain an insight into what some of our students achieved in their Micro-placements. (more posters to follow.)
