Evaluating the impact of placements on employability

The graduate employment market is competitive; graduate jobs are available, but with an
increasing student population nearly 1 in 5 recent graduates remain unemployed. Sandwich
placements provide students with an integrated, structured period of work experience that
produces recognised benefits in terms of academic achievement and employability. This
paper evaluates the impact of sandwich placements on employability amongst undergraduate
management students from 2009 onwards; analysing destinations data for levels of
employment before qualitatively evaluating student experiences in gaining graduate
employment. Differences in employment patterns between placement and non placement
students are identified; placement students exhibit more focused career strategies, confidence
in applying for graduate schemes and an ability to articulate their skills and experience in
relation to the requirements of an employer. Completing a sandwich placement continues to
be a beneficial experience for undergraduate students, contributing towards their
employability and a successful first step on the career ladder.