Incorporating placement year students into your business can lead to a mutually beneficial partnership that fosters growth, learning, and innovation. Here are a few of the key benefits we experienced at Think People as a result of having Kerry Jordon, an Undergraduate at Queens University as a placement year student in our business:

• Fresh perspectives: Placement year students, with new ideas and fresh perspectives can bring innovative solutions and improvements to any business. With Kerry, she often asked questions to increase her understanding or made suggestions which helped us better define a problem or refine a solution.
• Research and skill development: Students, by nature of their studies, tend to be good researchers. Through tapping into the latest research on emergent issues and developments, they can provide quality and credible information on leading thinking and best practice. Throughout Kerry’s time with us, we provided her with several research projects and opportunities for her to share findings with the team at short knowledge share sessions (15 minutes.) These sessions were insightful, and on several occasions the finds were shared onwards to clients as a value add.
• Technology savvy: It’s wrong to make a sweeping assumption that all placement students will be competent across social media and digital tools, but certainly our experience with Kerry was that she embraced new technologies quickly and easily. She supported the organisation across several strategic social media campaigns, particularly around recruitment.  When Think People wanted to embed podcasting as part of our approach to thought leadership, Kerry researched and evaluated the software and hardware required and, upon getting the go-ahead, provided demonstrations to the team on how fully utilise this equipment and get the best out of it.
• Brand ambassadors: Based on Kerry’s positive experience of working with Think People, we are hopeful that she will act as a brand ambassador speaking optimistically and confidently about her time at Think People. As a thriving and growing company this is very important to our employer brand.

However, the potential benefits of having a placement student don’t happen by accident; careful on-boarding and ongoing support for the graduate is essential to bring out the very best in the placement. Here are some key considerations:

1. Open and regular communication: Unless your placement student is exceptionally well informed, they are likely to come to your business with a set of expectations of what a placement year will entail. These expectations can be quite different to those of your business. To set everyone up for success, in the early part of the placement, it is important to have regular open conversations with honest two-way feedback to help ensure alignment.
2.  Clear objectives: Linked to expectation setting above, it’s also important to have early discussions to agree objectives and goals for the placement year and for each piece of work assigned. This will help the student understand their role and responsibilities and provide a framework for evaluating their performance.
3.  Structured induction: It’s important to clearly articulate the tasks, projects and learning opportunities the student will be involved in during their placement. Familiarise the student with your business, its culture and processes. Introduce them to a simple and clear code of conduct around dress code, ways of working, communication, tone, use of mobile phones and social media. These aspects are likely to be very different in an academic setting to the workplace setting and an awareness will help placement student integrate into the team and start contributing quickly.
4.  Regular feedback and evaluation: Recognise that in the initial stages of the placement self-confidence is likely to be an issue. Do not underestimate the value of regular, careful, encouraging, and empowering feedback. Be sure to schedule regular check-ins to provide feedback to your student and to address any concerns they might have.
5.  Support and resources: Ensure that the student has access to the necessary resources, tools, and equipment to perform their tasks effectively. Be sure to provide support if they encounter any challenges during their placement.
6.  Fair compensation: Offer fair compensation for the student's work and ensure that all legal and administrative requirements are met, such as employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, and compliance with labour laws.
7.  Networking and social opportunities: Students will be used to a full and busy social life and will value the opportunity to participate in networking events and social activities to connect with other team members and professionals in the industry.
8.  Exit process: Plan for a smooth exit process when the placement comes to an end. Seek and provide meaningful two-way feedback, discuss potential career paths and keep the door open for future collaboration.

By considering these factors, you can create a positive and valuable experience for both your business and the placement year student, fostering a successful learning and working partnership.

Here’s the key reflections from Kerry Jordan, on the value of her placement year with Think People:

1. "Translating theory to practice: Working in a business environment, I applied the theories and concepts I learned in university.
2. Understanding business expectations and standards: Working in a professional working environment, I gained an understanding of the importance of punctuality, accountability, teamwork, and meeting deadlines. These experiences helped me to develop a strong work ethic and professional behaviour.
3. Developing greater communication skills: I improved my verbal and written communication skills. I learned how to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt communication styles to different audiences.
4. Developing analytical and decision-making skills:  I gained exposure to various challenges and learned how to analyse situations, evaluate options and make informed decisions. These experiences helped me to enhance my ability to think critically and find practical solutions to complex problems. Being the youngest in the company and often seeing things in a different light at times lead to the potential for a more innovative and modern approach to decision making and problem solving.
5. Teamworking: As part of the Client Services team I was also able to gain an understanding of team dynamics and learn to navigate conflicts and differences in an appropriate manner.
6. Personal adaptability, agility and resilience: Exposure to a year in industry exposed me to unpredictable situations, changing priorities and fast-paced environments.
7. Networking: My time at Think People also gave me the opportunity to expand my professional network, especially since I was acquisitioned by AAB Group during my time working there.  It has allowed me to create valuable connections that will benefit my future career.
8. Managing projects: During my time at the Think People, I was able to gain experience in project management, including planning, organising, and coordinating resources, setting deadlines, and tracking progress.
9. Confidence building: My placement year at Think People was a great personal growth and development opportunity. As I began to gain knowledge and experience, I became more self-assured and confident in my abilities, something that I am incredibly grateful for.

Overall, my time at Think People provided me with a unique learning experience that equipped me with practical business skills. These skills, ranging from communication and teamwork to problem-solving and commercial awareness, will contribute to my professional growth and I believe it will enhance my employability."

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