What is a Placement Year?
A placement year, also known as a sandwich year, internship year or co-op, is a structured period of full-time work experience related to their field of study that is integrated into your university degree.
Typically lasting 9-12 months, this experience allows students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting, boosting employability and career prospects. This can provide numerous benefits for students, both during their placement year and after they graduate.
Should I do a Placement Year?
A placement year offers practical experience and career insights but extends your degree by a year. Whether it’s right for you depends on your career goals and the value you place on industry exposure.
Here’s a list of factors to consider when deciding on a placement year:
- Career Goals: Does the placement align with your future aspirations?
- Industry Relevance: Will it offer experience in your desired field?
- Networking Opportunities: Can you build valuable industry contacts?
- Financial Considerations: Is the placement paid or unpaid?
- Degree Extension: Are you willing to extend your degree by a year?
- Personal Development: Will it help you gain skills or confidence?
- Job Market Advantage: Will it improve your employability after graduation?
- Location: Is the placement local, national, or international?
- University Support: Does your university assist with placement opportunities?
5 Benefits of a Placement Year
- Gain Real-World and International Experience: A placement year abroad lets you apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learned in a real-world professional environment, in a different culture, providing firsthand international exposure that many employers value.
- Improving Language Skills: Living and working in another country is an excellent way to improve language proficiency through daily interactions.
- Building a Global Network: You’ll meet people from around the world, expanding your network for future job opportunities or mentorship.
- Developing New Skills: Enhance both professional and personal skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independence.
- Boosting Employability: Employers appreciate candidates with international experience and language skills, making you more competitive in the job market.
A placement year abroad offers a wealth of personal and professional development.
Pros and Cons of a Placement Year Job
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-World Experience: Gain practical industry skills. | Degree Extension: Adds an extra year to your studies. |
| Networking Opportunities: Build valuable professional connections. | Financial Costs: May involve relocation or unpaid work. |
| Increased Employability: Enhances your CV and job prospects. | Language Barriers: Not knowing the local language can be challenging. |
| Personal Growth: Develop independence and adaptability. | Relocation Challenges: Moving to a new location can be stressful. |
| Insight into Career Path: Helps you decide if the chosen field is right for you. |
When to Apply for a Placement Year?
Students typically apply for placement years during their 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate studies, or early in postgraduate programs.
According to market data, around 40% of UK students now choose to take a placement year to boost their employability.
The ideal time to start applying is during the academic year prior to your intended placement, with many companies accepting applications from October onwards.
If you’re approaching your final year, it’s not too late—many companies keep applications open into the spring.
theInterna can send placement year offers directly to your email.
Stay updated and ensure you don’t miss out on the best opportunities!
Common Sectors
- Business & Finance: Roles in marketing, accounting, and management.
- Technology & Engineering: Software development, data analysis, and engineering projects.
- Healthcare: Research, pharmaceuticals, and lab placements.
- Media & Communications: PR, journalism, and content creation.
- Education: Classroom assistants or educational research roles.
Placement Year Jobs Abroad
Many students opt to complete their placement year abroad, gaining international experience.
| European Destinations | Non-EU Destinations |
|---|---|
| Germany | United States |
| Spain | Dubai |
| Italy | Singapore |
| France | Australia |
| Canada |
5 Tips to Apply for Placement Year Jobs
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Apply to at least 10-15 Placement Year Jobs: According to market data, students typically apply for an average of 15 placement year positions before securing a role. Widen your search across various companies to increase your chances of finding a match.
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Tailor Your CV for Each Application: Personalizing your CV to highlight relevant skills is key. Employers are looking for specific qualities that match their job descriptions, so avoid using a generic CV. theInterna offers free CV templates to help you stand out.
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Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and research the companies you’re applying to. Strong preparation not only boosts your confidence but shows employers your dedication.
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Submit Applications Early: Many companies start accepting placement year applications as early as October, so don’t wait until the last minute. Early applications increase your chances of being considered before the competition gets tougher.
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Onboarding Process: Once accepted, ensure you’re familiar with the onboarding process. Set up accounts with theInterna to track your progress and get updates on onboarding procedures.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to land a successful placement year job.
How to gain the most from your Placement Year
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Set Clear Goals from the Start: Define what you want to achieve during your placement year—whether it’s gaining specific skills, building a network, or exploring career options. Setting goals helps you stay focused and makes your experience more valuable.
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Build Strong Relationships: Use this opportunity to connect with colleagues, mentors, and supervisors. Networking is one of the key benefits of a placement year. It can open doors for future opportunities, from job offers to career advice.
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Take Initiative and Seek Feedback: Don’t just wait to be given tasks—be proactive in taking on responsibilities. Employers appreciate interns who show initiative. Additionally, asking for regular feedback helps you improve and shows your commitment to growth.
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Develop Transferable Skills: Focus on building skills that will benefit you across different roles and industries, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These transferable skills will increase your employability after graduation.
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Reflect and Document Your Experience: Keep a journal or log of your projects and achievements throughout your placement. This will help you articulate your experiences during future job interviews. Plus, reflecting on your growth can boost your confidence.
Maximize your placement year experience by preparing well and staying engaged throughout the journey.
Stay connected with theInterna to receive ongoing career tips and opportunities tailored to your goals.
How to Get a Placement Year Job: Step by Step
- Search for Jobs: Use theInterna to find placement year jobs by filtering your search by location, industry, and field.
- Create a Profile: Set up your Candidate Profile on theInterna, complete all required information, and upload your CV.
- Apply to Multiple Jobs: Apply directly through the platform to several roles (10-15 recommended) to increase your chances.
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter for each job, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
- Prepare for Interviews: Research the companies and practice interview questions to strengthen your candidacy. We will also help you prepare for everything
Not sure if you should apply for a Placement Year?
Many students who’ve completed a placement year, like those featured on theInterna, highlight how it transformed their careers by offering hands-on experience and valuable connections.
To help with your decision, consider reading testimonials or listening to real stories from students who’ve gone through placements.
Thank you theinterna for the solid support you and your team have provided. Running a start up in such competitive times, your organisation has added tremendous value by helping us onboard yet an excellent candidate, Hannah. The onboarding process is smooth and thoughtfully designed to favour the companies! It’s been a win-win for all and I hope to work further with your team. I wish you guys a prosperous company lifespan.
We are very happy with TheInterna’s work. The quality of the candidates is excellent and thanks to their training we were able to accelerate the onboarding of our UK sales team. A very rewarding and frictionless experience.
theInterna has been very helpful with not only finding me a valuable internship in a Spain but also by providing a crash course into the world of start-ups that means I can provide more value to the company I’ll be working for. The course content was perfectly balanced between concepts, tools, and practical exercises. I feel ready to hit the ground running!
theInterna has been a true revelation. Their service is extremely professional and without them it would have been impossible for us to identify highly qualified interns. They facilitated the process, making it easy to find the right match and without their support we wouldn’t have taken into consideration finding an intern. The Interna combines extraordinary human and professional competence and are the perfect partner to accompany a Start Up or small company on their path to growth. We have already recommended The Interna to other companies and friends and will absolutely continue doing so.
The Strategy, Sales and Digital Marketing course ran by theInterna has been truly amazing. Packed with content, diagrams and links to external platforms, I have learnt so many new things and it has broadened my areas of interest. I now feel much better equipped and have formed more of an idea of my career path when I graduate. theInterna also set me up with a brilliant internship in Spain, providing a flawless process from the initial call through to securing the placement, and it has been a pleasure having the agency as a point of contact. Without a doubt I would recommend theInterna.
Outstanding training and support provided by theInterna. The training comprised a variety of invaluable resources, presented clearly and concisely, with a good mixture of videos, articles and exercises to put our knowledge into practice. The calls were useful to consolidate what I’d learnt over the week and get clarity on anything I was unsure of. Not only do I feel better equipped to begin my internship, but I feel inspired to create my own startup in the near future!
the Interna is a fantastic organisation which feels so tailor made to your needs: you get a consultation call with theInterna to help you find the best option for an internship. The new Interna training course is an amazing free add on to boost business skills and add to your CV.
I personally believe that this course was so beneficial for me whilst also on my placement. Joining a Start-up can be very fast-paced sometimes, and you often have to learn on the job. Doing this course alongside my job allowed me to learn some valuable skills that I needed in future weeks! What I liked most was the flexibility of the course, there were lots of resources that you could use, but if you did not have enough time, there were summary pages that were clear and concise! It as a great and very interesting course.
Thank you theinterna for the solid support you and your team have provided. Running a start up in such competitive times, your organisation has added tremendous value by helping us onboard yet an excellent candidate, Hannah. The onboarding process is smooth and thoughtfully designed to favour the companies! It’s been a win-win for all and I hope to work further with your team. I wish you guys a prosperous company lifespan.
We are very happy with TheInterna’s work. The quality of the candidates is excellent and thanks to their training we were able to accelerate the onboarding of our UK sales team. A very rewarding and frictionless experience.
theInterna has been very helpful with not only finding me a valuable internship in a Spain but also by providing a crash course into the world of start-ups that means I can provide more value to the company I’ll be working for. The course content was perfectly balanced between concepts, tools, and practical exercises. I feel ready to hit the ground running!
The Strategy, Sales and Digital Marketing course ran by theInterna has been truly amazing. Packed with content, diagrams and links to external platforms, I have learnt so many new things and it has broadened my areas of interest. I now feel much better equipped and have formed more of an idea of my career path when I graduate. theInterna also set me up with a brilliant internship in Spain, providing a flawless process from the initial call through to securing the placement, and it has been a pleasure having the agency as a point of contact. Without a doubt I would recommend theInterna.
Outstanding training and support provided by theInterna. The training comprised a variety of invaluable resources, presented clearly and concisely, with a good mixture of videos, articles and exercises to put our knowledge into practice. The calls were useful to consolidate what I’d learnt over the week and get clarity on anything I was unsure of. Not only do I feel better equipped to begin my internship, but I feel inspired to create my own startup in the near future!
the Interna is a fantastic organisation which feels so tailor made to your needs: you get a consultation call with theInterna to help you find the best option for an internship. The new Interna training course is an amazing free add on to boost business skills and add to your CV.
I personally believe that this course was so beneficial for me whilst also on my placement. Joining a Start-up can be very fast-paced sometimes, and you often have to learn on the job. Doing this course alongside my job allowed me to learn some valuable skills that I needed in future weeks! What I liked most was the flexibility of the course, there were lots of resources that you could use, but if you did not have enough time, there were summary pages that were clear and concise! It as a great and very interesting course.
FAQs about What is a Placement Year
Are placement year jobs always paid?
While many placement year jobs offer competitive salaries, some may be unpaid or provide stipends. The pay often depends on the industry, with sectors like engineering and IT typically offering higher salaries, while internships in non-profits or arts may be unpaid
Can I do a placement year abroad?
Yes, you can find placement year abroad jobs with theInterna.
How long does a placement year last?
A placement year usually lasts between 6 to 12 months, though some industries or programs may offer shorter placements, typically over the summer.
Is a placement year compulsory?
For some degree programs, like engineering, healthcare, or business, a placement year may be compulsory. However, for many other degrees, it’s optional but highly recommended for boosting employability.
Can I still graduate on time if I do a placement year?
A placement year typically extends your degree by a year, turning a three-year degree into four years.
However, the experience gained often makes it worth the extra time.
Do I get academic credit for a placement year?
In many degree programs, you can earn academic credit for your placement year, which counts toward your final degree. This can include submitting reports or projects based on your work experience
Links Related to What is a Placement Year
- Pre-Internship Training Course
- What is the Turing Scheme and how does it work?
- Can I work during my Erasmus year?
- How to decide whether to study a new subject on your Erasmus year
- A Guide to Making the Most of Your Erasmus Experience
- 5 Tips for Building a Strong Personal Brand During Your Internship
- Spain Study Visa
- Interning at a Startup
- Erasmus Internships
- What are Pre-Placement Offers (PPO)?
- What are internships / intern jobs?
Placement Year Jobs Filter
Placement Year Jobs Opportunities 2025
Public Relations & Social Media intern in a private clinic
Barcelona
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a cutting-edge longevity clinic in Barcelona as a PR & Social Media Intern, where you’ll craft creative campaigns and drive media buzz to make the brand a household name. Ideal for an energetic, Spanish-speaking intern passionate about wellness, storytelling, and digital marketing.
UK Business Development intern for Healthcare Startup in Barcelona
Barcelona
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a purpose-driven healthcare organisation improving dental access for people with mobility challenges across the UK and Spain. As a Business & Sales Intern in Barcelona, you’ll support operations, outreach, and cross-market growth while gaining hands-on experience in international healthcare delivery.
Outbound sales intern for a safe-storage startup
Barcelona
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a fast-growing international company in Barcelona as an Outbound Sales Intern, where you’ll help drive lead generation and sales across the EU and UK. Perfect for a proactive, English-speaking candidate eager to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic, international sales environment.
Business Development & Marketing Intern (US & UK Markets) for a LinkedIn AI agent startup
Barcelona
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a fast-growing AI startup in Barcelona that’s redefining LinkedIn outreach for global markets. As a Business Development & Marketing Intern, you’ll support sales, content, and customer success while working directly with the founding team to drive growth in the US and UK.
Business Development Intern – Sales Support & Lead Generation for a platform connecting startups and
Palma
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join a fast-growing AI startup in Palma (or remote) that's transforming how investors discover early-stage startups across Europe. As a Business Development Intern, you’ll dive into lead generation, outreach, and sales strategy—gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of AI, startups, and venture capital.
SDR Intern at a cloud and cybersecurity startup in Barcelona (must be Catalan/Spanish speaker)
Barcelona
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
13/05/2025
Kickstart your career in B2B tech sales with a 6-month internship at a fast-growing IT company in Barcelona, specializing in infrastructure, cybersecurity, and managed services. As a Sales Development Intern, you'll gain hands-on experience in lead generation, outreach, and CRM tools while working with a dynamic commercial team—ideal for proactive, Catalan/Spanish-speaking students eager to break into tech.
Software engineering intern in an e-commerce startup
Lisbon
💰 Paid
12/05/2025
Join a fast-growing Portuguese e-commerce startup as a Software Engineering Intern, where you'll help build web and mobile features using React, React Native, and Next.js. This is a hands-on role with real impact, offering mentorship, ownership, and the chance to contribute to the launch of a social commerce platform.
Digital Marketing intern at a remote-first e-commerce startup
Lisbon
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
11/05/2025
Join a fast-growing social shopping startup as a Marketing Intern, where you’ll gain hands-on experience across social media, email marketing, content creation, and user engagement. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a product launch, work closely with an experienced marketing team, and shape how the brand connects with its community.
Sales intern at a remote-first e-commerce startup
Lisbon
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
11/05/2025
Join a fast-growing Portuguese ecommerce startup on a mission to redefine social shopping. As a Business Development & Account Management Intern, you’ll help onboard sellers, analyze performance, and contribute directly to marketplace growth in a remote, high-impact environment.
Implementation Intern at a supplier management software startups
Lincoln
⚙️ Operations
💰 Paid
03/05/2025
The Implementation Intern supports the successful setup of customer sites on the Canopy platform by translating business requirements into clear, actionable documentation for both technical and non-technical teams. This role is ideal for someone detail-oriented and proactive, with strong spreadsheet skills and a desire to grow their technical knowledge in a SaaS environment.
Marketing & Customer Experience Intern at a Jewellery business
Milton Keynes
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
03/05/2025
Join a growing UK jewellery retailer as it launches its e-commerce presence and builds a digital brand from the ground up. This hands-on internship in Milton Keynes offers experience across marketing, content creation, and customer engagement in a fast-moving retail environment.
US B2B Sales Development Representative Intern
Paris
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
02/05/2025
A remote B2B Outbound Sales Internship with a fast-growing AdCreative company, focused on generating leads and driving new business through cold outreach and strategic sales efforts. Ideal for a motivated, US-based individual interested in sales and working independently in a dynamic, creative environment.
Founder’s Associate Intern at an insurance-focussed Fintech
Madrid
💡 Founders Associate
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re looking for a highly analytical and ambitious Founder’s Associate Intern to work directly with the CEO of a leading fintech company in Madrid, supporting strategic projects, research, and day-to-day operations. If you're organized, eager to learn, and excited to gain firsthand experience inside a fast-growing startup, we’d love to hear from you.
AI / Machine Learning intern
Faro District
💻 Web Development and UI/UX
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re looking for a driven Technology Intern with a background in machine learning, TensorFlow, and biometric systems to help advance real-world AI solutions at a cutting-edge secure communications startup. If you have the courage to push new ideas forward, a sharp technical mind, and a passion for innovation, we want to hear from you.
Design intern at an AI startup
Faro District
✏️ Product and Design
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re seeking a talented and disciplined Design Intern to help shape our brand, UI, and marketing assets at a fast-moving tech startup focused on secure communications. If you have sharp design skills, experience with Figma, Canva, and AI imagery, and the drive to lead creative projects within a strategic framework, we want to hear from you.
Sales Development Representative Intern at an AI startup
Faro District
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/04/2025
We’re looking for a tenacious, detail-driven Sales Intern to help build and execute an AI-powered sales strategy at a fast-growing tech startup redefining secure communications. If you’re a natural leader with a passion for business, courage under pressure, and a drive to deliver results, we want to hear from you.
Sales & Business Development Intern at a Communication Coaching Platform
London
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
14/04/2025
Are you ready to make an impact in the sales world? This internship provides an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in B2B sales, lead generation, and business development. Work directly with experienced founders and sales professionals while contributing to the growth of a dynamic communication coaching platform.
Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Internship in an International Energy-Focused HR Consultancy
Madrid
🎧 Customer Success
💰 Paid
11/04/2025
Join a Madrid-based recruitment consultancy specialized in the global energy sector, supporting the France division with end-to-end recruitment tasks. From sourcing to first interviews, you’ll gain hands-on experience in international talent acquisition while sharpening your French, Spanish, and English communication skills. Ideal for someone who thrives in a multicultural environment and wants to grow their career in HR within a dynamic, fast-paced startup.
Marketing & Sales Assistant in an EdTech Company Focused on Chinese Language Learning
Paris
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
Join an international EdTech platform helping children around the world learn new languages through immersive and tech-enabled methods. As a Marketing & Sales Assistant, you’ll support operations across sales, marketing, administration, and communications. This is a hands-on opportunity for someone interested in education, digital tools, and global impact to gain broad experience across teams.
Consultative sales Intern for a Marketing agency in London
London
📈 Sales and Business Development
💰 Paid
08/04/2025
This internship offers a unique opportunity for candidates to gain hands-on experience in sales and account management. The intern will work directly with a growing sales team, contributing to lead generation, account management, and podcast-driven growth strategies. This is a chance to shape the future of the sales process, learn from industry experts, and play an active role in a variety of sales and marketing activities.
English & AI Support Intern in a Company Enhancing Language Services with Technology
Madrid
⚙️ Operations
💰 Paid
07/04/2025
This internship offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills in both teaching and technology, providing you with a well-rounded experience. By working directly with ESL students and engaging with AI-driven improvements, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience that can open doors in both the education and tech industries. If you’re passionate about making a real impact in both education and technology, this is the perfect role to kickstart your career and learn in an exciting, dynamic environment.
English Teaching Intern in a Madrid-based language centre
Madrid
👨💻👩💻 Curricular Internship
💰 Paid
07/04/2025
A Madrid-based English learning centre is looking for an enthusiastic intern to support its interactive and engaging teaching programs. The centre focuses on making language learning fun and immersive for children through creative teaching methods.
Founders Associate Intern in a Fast-Growing Sports Management Platform – Madrid or Remote
Madrid
💡 Founders Associate
💰 Paid
27/05/2025
An innovative sports management platform is looking for a Founders Associate Intern to join their team and play a key role in scaling the business. This position provides a unique opportunity to work closely with the Founder and CTO and be involved in every aspect of the business, from operations to strategy. The role can be hybrid in Madrid or fully remote, offering a great chance to grow alongside a fast-developing startup.
Digital Marketing intern at theInterna
London
📢 Digital Marketing
💰 Paid
31/03/2025
Join a fast-growing startup connecting top UK & Irish students with startups across Europe as a Digital Marketing Intern, where you’ll take the lead on content, campaigns, and performance analysis. This is a hands-on opportunity to build your skills across the digital marketing stack while making a real impact in an early-stage business.
QA Tester and Automated Testing Intern at an GenZ career platform startup
Madrid
💻 Web Development and UI/UX
💰 Paid
31/03/2025
A company developing an AI-driven career mentorship platform is looking for interns to join its Quality Assurance (QA) and Automated Testing team. The platform is designed to help Gen Z navigate the future of work by providing personalized career guidance, learning paths, and skill development opportunities.
