It is vitally important that during their University studies learners prioritise the development of their employability skills.  This need was underlined by a 2019 High Fliers survey within which ‘one-third of employers stated that a graduate with no previous work experience would not be successful during their selection process, regardless of their academic qualification’.

Some QUB School of Law courses have inbuilt placements, such as the LLM International Business Law, whereas others have no compulsory element.  Nevertheless, the School would encourage all students to source and undertake voluntary work experience, as it offers considerable value in terms of personal and professional development.

Work experience is attained via participation in a placement or internship, typically (but not exclusively) categorised as:

• placement, or a ‘year-in-industry’, is usually taken as part of a Degree or Master’s Degree;
• internships are usually undertaken over the Summer months or after graduation, enabling students to gain experience in a particular field.

Participation in work experience enables students to apply subject knowledge and technical skills in a professional environment; it also provides a helpful insight into organisational discourse, culture, and working relationships. Most importantly, placements are incredibly valuable for increasing self-confidence and encouraging reflective practice – while providing students with those “missing skills” that employers seek in new recruits.