University of Manchester Careers Blog

Written by Jannine Thomas, Employability Consultant (Placements) at The Careers Service

Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic is still making its presence felt (and seems likely to be doing so for some time to come), it doesn’t have to mean the end of your hopes to undertake a placement next academic year. Just as you’ve had to get used to doing lectures, seminars and exams online, you may just have to rethink your placement search strategy.

What’s happening in the jobs market?

It’s fair to say that Covid-19 has had a significant impact on all levels of company recruitment. While, in the worst cases, this has seen employers reducing or cancelling their work experience programmes, many companies are still operating on a ‘business as usual’ approach. As the UK, (and other countries across the world) start to look to lift lockdown conditions, it is possible that more placement opportunities may start to appear over the coming weeks and months. Some of these opportunities could even be for completely new roles/business areas, as companies adjust to operating in a world of social distancing. To ensure that you don’t miss out on new opportunities, make sure that you regularly check: job websites, placement bulletins and subject specific placement job platforms.

Can I get any help if I continue my placement search?

The Careers Service is offering support and advice remotely so, if you’re in the process of submitting a placement application and would like to receive some feedback on it, please email your application to placements@manchester.ac.uk – including a link to the job you’re applying for – and a member of the Careers Team will get back to you as soon as possible.

If you want help preparing for an interview, an electronic assessment centre or to discuss your future career options, the Careers Service is able to help.

Keep checking CareersLink for new vacancies but remember to look elsewhere too. Employers are still posting opportunities on their own website/social media and larger recruiter sites like RateMyPlacement and GradCracker.

How can I lessen the impact of lockdowns on my experience?

If you’re one of the many people who have found their usual form of part time and/or holiday work withdrawn due to the pandemic, there are still things you can do to aid your CV. RateMyPlacement has recently released a blog (from a current placement student) with some useful suggestions and ideas.

Remember: you’re not alone!

Though Covid-19 is having a significant impact on ‘normal life’ and may mean that your placement search isn’t as you expect, it is important to try and keep positive and healthy during this time. The University has created a number of useful resources to try and help you to look after yourself during the pandemic including: the well-being Instagram page and the looking after yourself in difficult times webpage, both are filled with lots of useful information and advice.