It is vitally important that during their University studies, learners prioritise the development of their employability skills. This need was underlined by the High Fliers Survey, within which 'one-third of employers stated that a graduate with no previous work experience would not be successful during their selection process, regardless of their academic qualification'.

Some QUB School of Law modules include placements, such as the Clinical Law Placement Module with Law Centre NI, whereas others have no compulsory element. Nevertheless, the School would encourage all students to source and undertake voluntary work experience, as it offers considerable value in terms of personal and professional development. Our weekly term-time newsletter showcases hundreds of employment opportunities per year, including paid vacation schemes and internships. 

Work experience is attained via participation in a Vacation Scheme or internship, typically (but not exclusively) categorised as:

• Vacation Schemes are usually undertaken at times when no university classes are in progress, eg Summer. 
• Internships are usually undertaken over the Summer months or after graduation, enabling students to gain experience in a particular field.

Participation in work experience enables students to apply subject knowledge and technical skills in a professional environment; it also provides a helpful insight into organisational discourse, culture, and working relationships. Most importantly, placements are incredibly valuable for increasing self-confidence and encouraging reflective practice, while providing students with those "missing skills" that employers seek in new recruits.