In your first year and thinking about a Year in Industry? Keisha Muzaire Muhangi shares the essential advice and personal insights that helped her ace her placement journey.
I’m Keisha, a final-year Business and Management student, and I completed my Year in Industry placement at Cummins in Business Development and Sales. Before starting university, I hadn’t originally planned to take a placement year, but after learning more about it, I decided to apply, and it ended up being one of the most valuable parts of my degree.
What is a Year in Industry?
A Year in Industry is essentially a year where you take a break from your studies to work in a full-time role related to your degree. It gives you the opportunity to gain real workplace experience before graduating, rather than going straight from university into a job without that exposure.
For me, the main reason I chose to do a placement was to gain clarity. I wanted to understand what working in a professional environment was actually like and what kind of role or company would suit me. Through my placement, I developed confidence, learned how to communicate in a professional setting, and gained a much clearer idea of the career path I want to pursue.
What are the benefits?
There are multiple benefits to completing a Year in Industry. It helps you build practical skills that you can’t fully learn in lectures, develop professional relationships, and stand out when applying for graduate roles. It also gives you a better understanding of your strengths and areas for development.
That said, it’s important to be aware that the process can be challenging. Applications can take time, and rejection is common, which can feel discouraging at times. However, this is a normal part of the journey and something most students experience.
How to get started
If you’re considering a Year in Industry, my advice would be to stay open-minded and start exploring early. Even if you feel unsure, taking small steps such as volunteering, researching roles or attending careers events can help build confidence over time.
If you’d like more support, you can book appointments with Careers and Employability Advisers through the Careers Hub or explore the Year in Industry Moodle page for further guidance and resources.
Good luck!