IT Placements

What are IT placements?

Placements are also referred to as industrial placements, sandwich years or a year in industry. They are all the same and take place between the penultimate and final year of a degree. 

During an IT placement, you might work in areas like software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, tech support, or network engineering, depending on the company and your interests. You’ll be treated as part of the team, gain real-world experience, and pick up technical and professional skills that look great on your CV.

IT placements are a great way to test out the industry, explore different roles, and even secure a full-time job offer after you graduate.

Want to hear from the experiences of someone who completed an IT placement? Read the review below:

Why should you do an IT placement?

Doing an IT placement (also known as an internship or industrial placement) can be a game-changer for your career and education. Here are several strong reasons why you should consider it:

Real-World Experience. You’ll apply what you've learned in class to actual business problems. You'll also gain hands-on experience with tools, platforms, and methodologies that companies use.

Skill Development. You can gain technical skills like programming, networking, cybersecurity, data analysis and gift skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management.

Industry Insight. Understand how the IT industry works from the inside and you can learn about different roles and decide which path suits you best.

Boost Your CV. Experience stands out to employers, graduates with placements are often prioritized. It will also show initiative and a genuine interest in your field.

Networking Opportunities. You’ll meet professionals who can provide mentorship, references, and job leads and of course build a network in your industry before you graduate.

Higher Employability. Many students receive job offers from their placement companies. You’ll graduate with a competitive edge in a tough job market.

Potential Earnings. Placements are paid, helping you finance your studies or living expenses. And, having a placement on your CV opens up more opportunities for higher pay after graduation. 

Which companies offer IT placements?

There are a plethora of companies who are looking to hire IT students all around the UK. Think Amazon, BT Group, and IBM! These are only the start, we have loads more you could work for:

Here’s what an IT placement student said about their time with Nomura:

How much do IT placements pay?

On average IT placements pay just under £22,000 annually (as found through the reviews on our website!). However, do note that this will vary depending on the employer and the location. If you are based in London, then you are likely to be paid more to cover living expenses as they tend to be quite a bit higher in the big city.

ALSO! By having a placement year on your CV, it opens up so many more avenues after you graduate. Avenues to more money!

How to apply for an IT placement

Start early. Many IT placements start appearing as early as September, especially from larger tech companies. Some “register your interest” roles open even earlier, around August, so it’s worth keeping an eye out here on Higherin. To stay on track, download our placement timeline, it breaks down key dates across the year.

Search smart. There are hundreds of IT placement opportunities available each year, covering everything from software development and data analysis to cybersecurity and technical support. Higherin is a great place to begin your search and find roles that match your interests and skills.

Get application-ready. Your CV and cover letter are often the first things employers see, and many companies ask for them at the start of the application process. Make sure they’re tailored to IT roles, well-structured, and highlight your technical skills and relevant experiences.