Why your business should consider an RGU placement

Robert Gordon University students symbolise the best of local and international emerging talent. 

At RGU, our focus is to ensure students and graduates are professionally equipped to meet business needs, and industrial work placements and projects are key to this success. We have work-related experiences, placement opportunities and collaboration with industry embedded in the core of our undergraduate courses, as well as an increasing number of postgraduate courses.

It's one of the reasons that the university is consistently ranked as one of the top UK universities for graduate employment.

For our students, placements can provide: the opportunity to consolidate and apply their learning; an invaluable chance to gain real life experience while gaining academic credits; and experience to boost their employability through developing and expanding their professional network. 

However, at RGU we firmly believe that a placement should be a mutually beneficial experience, with the host gaining as much as the student. 

For hosts, a placement can be a fantastic opportunity to:

• Access students with up to date knowledge, fresh ideas and enthusiasm

• Invest in an additional, cost effective resource

• Contribute to CSR Strategies – hosting a student can benefit your organisation by demonstrating your commitment to the next generation and their development

• Build closer links with the university and establishing connections with the student body

• Establish a Talent Pipeline - many hosts treat placements like an extended interview, and an opportunity to get a first look at future talent

• Provide supervision/mentoring experience to existing staff

• Enable specific project work to be undertaken that otherwise would have to be delayed due to other priorities.

In addition to this, hosts receive support and guidance from the university if needed during the application and interview process or whilst the student is out on placement.

Who Can Have A Placement Student?

One of the most common things that we hear from organisations is that they were not aware that they would be eligible to have a placement student. Most organisations no matter what size they are, or what stage in their own development, can benefit from a student. We are here to help identify what type of placements an organisation could be the most beneficial to them.

What Can They Do?

We have a wide array of placements and projects ranging from 4 to 48 weeks; paid or unpaid options; project or role based; one offs or rolling placements.

The areas that students come from includes Business, Computing, Engineering, Law, Built Environment and Art & Design.

How do we get a student?

We are always keen to engage with new, existing and returning hosts, and the Employability & Professional Enrichment Hub are here to discuss how we can work together. Our dedicated team of employability officers can offer a consultative approach, working with employers both in Aberdeen and beyond to connect businesses to the right students at the right time. 

There is no better time to speak to our team and benefit from the skills and talents of Robert Gordon University students. Should you wish to find out more about how we can help your company please contact: employability@rgu.ac.uk.