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Published: 07 July 2023

What is the value of a mid-course work placement to students?

What is the value of a mid-course work placement to students? That is the subject of new research from Dr Panagiotis Arsenis in the School of Economics at the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ and Miguel Flores, Assistant Professor in Economics at the National College of Ireland. 

The research, outlined in the published this month, shows how a work placement year can help students develop the career they want. 

Recent reports have shown there are an average of 39 applications for each graduate-level vacancy, and that students found a lack of work experience to be a key obstacle in applying for jobs.  

While working a part-time job alongside studies may provide cash, the work experience is unlikely to be related to their career aspirations. 

How can a work placement – a period of employment in a relevant industry – in the middle of a university course help students find a job that fits with their future career goals? 

The research found that economics graduates who did a placement were more likely to find a job that aligned with their career aspirations than graduates who did not do a placement. 

Find out more about the research by reading the . 

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