Business School Careers Brochure

CAREERS - support for Business School students

The Career Zone is partners with Handshake – a modern career development platform – which joins our menu of services for students. Handshake allows students to discover employers and opportunities, submit applications, and attend career fairs and other events.

All Business School departments are Top 10 for Graduate Prospects1

98%

TOP 10 With Industrial Experience graduates in a positive destination2

99% WIE students graduated with a 1st or 2:1 in 21/22

130

99% students on an internship through BUS2004 in 2022/23

Business School graduates in a positive destination2

350

93.4% students on a With Industrial Experience placement in 2022/23

Running a wide range of employability events for Business School students to give you invaluable and highly relevant career skills, advice and support

Designing courses that will equip you with the skills that employers need, significantly increasing your chances of getting the job you want

Providing a dedicated and highly experienced Careers and Employability team, who will work with you from day one to develop your skills for employment

Developing ‘YES!: Your Employability Skills’, an online course that provides 24/7 careers management skills when you need them

Supporting the ‘With Industrial Experience’ (WIE) programme and the Business Internships and Placement module

Key to your career success

When you join us at Exeter you can look forward to acquiring the skills and attributes that will help you build a great career – whether you are just starting out or looking to improve your qualifications and experience.

If you do well, you’ll not only leave us with a great qualification from one of the UK’s top universities, you’ll also have the additional employability skills to help you forge a career in today’s highly competitive global marketplace. Leading employers (many of which are in The Times Top 100 22/23) who have recently engaged with the Business School to offer advice and insights into their businesses include:

Accenture

Amazon

Aon

Bank of England

Bishop Fleming

BP

Danone

Deloitte

EY

Government

Economic Service

Grant Thornton

GSK

Hargreaves

Lansdown

Hewlett Packard

HSBC

IBM

Intel

Johnson & Johnson

KPMG

Lloyds Banking Group

L’Oréal

Mazars

Microsoft Nationwide Building Society

North Highland

Oxford Economics

PA Consulting

PwC

Renault Rolls Royce

RSM

Samsung Siemens

SMBC

St James’s Place

Tik Tok

UBS

Unilever

UPS

Virgin Media

Volkswagen

Walt Disney Warner Media

We help you build a great career by:

Internships and Placements Fair 2022

What do employers say about us?

Our success is built on a history of providing the very best advice and solutions tailored to our clients’ needs. The Business School Careers Team share that commitment to providing first-class service to its academically strong and well-rounded students.

Caitlin Isaacs

Morgan Stanley | Infrastructure Senior Recruitment and Programme Coordinator

The Careers Team within the Business School are extremely helpful and the relationship between us is incredibly valuable, to the extent that it allows us to form connections with high-potential students who soar to great heights within our organisation.

James Perryman Mars | Graduate Careers Campus Manager

Working with the University of Exeter Business School is always a pleasure; the students are engaged, commercially aware and incredibly proactive. The Careers Team at the School are hugely supportive of their students, running a variety of events for all year groups which see high turnout and often adopt a creative flair.

Scarlett Seager PwC | West and Wales Student Recruitment Manager

Accenture’s relationship wth the Business School is proving ever more valuable in meeting the needs of our business. Both on a graduate and undergraduate level. Their maturity, analytical approach and business acumen puts them in high standing at our assessment centres, and on countless occasions the students at Exeter have proven themselves to be a great fit to a career in consulting.

Francesca Seeley Accenture | Undergraduate Placements Recruiter

The benefits of work experience

Our work placement programmes prepare students for finding graduate level work after their degree.

As well as being a great way to build up your experience of a particular type of job or business sector, a successful internship can also lead to an offer of a graduate job with the employer.

(The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers 2022/23)

I chose the With Industrial Experience programme because I was keen to apply the skills developed in my first two years of university in the financial sector. The opportunity to acquire knowledge and gain experience in the sector was extremely appealing. The support provided by the Business School to students seeking placements is incredibly useful and includes CV workshops, mock interviews and employer presentations.

William Kent, UK

BSc Economics with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: Wells Fargo (Corporate Banking and Financial Services)

Graduate Job: Wells Fargo (Corporate Banking Analyst)

With Industrial Experience (WIE )

We encourage all of our students to consider spending their third year ‘out in the field’ – either studying abroad, gaining industrial experience, or a combination of these. These opportunities are available in the UK and across the globe.

With Industrial Experience gives you the opportunity to put into practice what you’ve learnt in your first two years. Then you’ll come back to us for your fourth year with practical experience to enrich your studies and a proven employment track record.

My placement year at Intel enabled me to put all my learnings from first and second year into practice. It taught me invaluable skills, strengthened my interest in the marketing field and confirmed that I want to pursue a career in the Tech Industry.

Laura Wiltshire, UK

BSc Business Management with Marketing with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: Intel Corporation (Sales Development Analyst for Team Dell)

Graduate Job: Dell Technologies (Field Marketing Graduate)

As a Business and Technology Consultant at IBM, I used innovative technology and industry expertise to facilitate BP’s global digital transformation. My roles were high responsibility and client-facing, including Automation Developer, Business Analyst, Junior Data Engineer and leading a team of Data Scientists as a Certified Scrum Master. I developed more than I thought was possible in twelve months.

Joseph London, UK

BSc Economics with Industrial Experience Industrial Placement: IBM (Business and Technology Consultant)

Graduate Job: Accenture (Consulting Analyst)

Minimum 33

weeks of work placement

1/7th credits 120

of your final degree classification

My industrial placement at Boeing PLC has given me invaluable knowledge and skills that I will continue to use for the rest of my career. I was able to put theory I had learnt from my university course into a practical and dynamic working environment where I experienced both success and challenges. In addition, I introduced new practices and techniques to the organisation that they are able to use now and in the future.

Chloe, BSc Business and Accounting with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: Boeing PLC (Management and Consultancy)

Post-graduation: Travelling in Australia

When I was working for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), I worked in the Global Digital Operations team, where I focused on the development and auditing of our Digital Platforms. I would encourage anyone to undergo a year-long placement as it is a fantastic experience. I really enjoyed my placement with JLR, as I have been able to learn so many things about cars, as well as the corporate world. Being able to work so closely with such fantastic products, technology and innovation has meant that I have taken a real interest in the automative industry, and the industry leading experts that work within JLR have really helped me to thrive.

Charlie Worcestershire, UK

BSc Business Economics with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: Jaguar Land Rover (Engineering and Product Design)

Graduate Job: Jaguar Land Rover – Commercial Graduate Scheme

I wanted to find an internship in a non-traditional sector to fully explore the opportunities that an Economics degree could bring, and to understand how the skills learnt at University could be utilised in a professional context.

Anthony Brighton, UK

BSc Economics with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: NHS England (Analytical Support Officer)

Graduate Job: Publicis Sapient (Junior Product Manager)

My placement provided me with not only a great foundation to go on and achieve my professional qualifications, but also the people skills required in order to build successful networks for the future.

Jack Berkshire, UK

BSc Accounting and Finance with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: PwC (Accounting and Auditing)

Graduate Job: PwC (Audit Associate)

Frequently asked questions about the with

How do you secure a placement?

Students follow a comprehensive careers management programme and are supported in their work placement search by the Business School’s Employability Advisers and Programme Director. Ultimate responsibility for sourcing and securing the work placement rests with the student.

Where can I do my placement?

You can complete your placement in the UK or anywhere in the world. Placements abroad will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking a thorough risk assessment into account.

How much do you get paid?

This will vary depending on your placement provider and location. Salaries typically range from £19,000 – £23,000 but can range from £15,000 to £52,000.

Am I considered a student when I am on a placement?

Yes you would be registered as a student and eligible for the usual student discounts, exceptions and support whilst out on placement for example:

Council Tax

Student Fees and Loans

Oyster Cards

NUS Cards

Guild Services

UNiDAYS

Uni Card

Are there any sessions you have

to attend?

As part of the With Industrial Experience programme, there are two non-credit bearing modules you must complete. These modules prepare you for the placement search and recruitment process including CVs, interviews, LinkedIn and assessment centres. These sessions are compulsory and will appear on your timetable.

Do you have to pay tuition fees?

Currently students are charged 20% of their tuition fee for undertaking a full year work placement as part of their programme. However this fee is subject to annual review. Fees cover module assessment and support from your personal and academic tutor, employability advisers, IT services and other student support services. For further information visit: exeter.ac.uk/students/finance/ studentfees

Industrial Experience programme

How long do industrial placements last?

Placements usually last for 12 months although this can be flexible subject to a minimum placement length requirement of 33 weeks excluding holidays. It may be possible to extend the placement period, depending on the final year start dates.

How long is the ‘with industrial experience’ programme?

Four years with your third year out on placement.

What % of placement students go on to a graduate job or PG study?

According to Graduate Outcomes data 2019/20 (HESA, Guardian GDS) 98% of WIE students had a positive graduate destination. Many WIE students receive offers to work in graduate with their placements as employer, which confirms the value and positive experience of undertaking a WIE placement.

Do all applicants get a placement?

In 2022/23, over 60% of year 2 students secured a placement. It is a competitive process in an ever-changing labour market, however we adapt our support depending on recruitment trends, to make sure students have the skills they need to succeed : in particular the resilience to complete multiple applications and time management skills to balance this alongside University studies.

What are the academic requirements?

How will I be assessed?

Entry tariff is the same as the corresponding 3-year programmes.

A minimum 1st year average grade of 50% of your taught and assessed modules.

Successful completion of the With Industrial Experience taught modules.

The placement year assessment currently comprises of:

Progress Reports provided by employers.

A Reflective Essay.

A Business Report.

You will be allocated an academic tutor to support you during your placement year.

With Industrial Experience - Topics

Our mandatory taught sessions are designed to help you secure a placement.

Start With You – Reflection and Planning

Accessing the support available through the Career Zone

Shaping Your CV

Effective Application Forms and Cover Letters

LinkedIn and Personal Branding

Interviews Skills

Finding Placements Within the UK and Internationally

Psychometric Testing

Assessment Centres

Commercial Awareness

Personal Resilience and Emotional Intelligence

Skills Audit and Reflective Practice

WIE

I worked at HSBC UK in the Wealth Management and Insurance division, where my key responsibilities were creating Strategic Insight reports and compiling data into weekly commercial trading overviews. My placement was an invaluable experience where not only was I able to implement what I learnt at university in a real job, but I also gained so much insight into the banking sector and confirmed it’s the sector I want to develop my career in.

Georgia

Devon, UK

BSc Economics with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: HSBC UK Bank (Retail Banking and Wealth Management Industrial) Placement – Business Support Manager

Graduate Job: HSBC (Commercial Banking Graduate)

placements help you build invaluable networks

A dedicated WIE Tutor will support you while on placement

Boost your employability

During your time at the University of Exeter business school you will have the opportunity to take part in a varied programme of careers events that will build your employability credentials.

Much of this support is lead by the Career Zone’s highly qualified and experienced Careers Consultants and Employability Advisers, and events involve leading graduate employers and successful Business School alumni. We encourage you to take part in as many of these events as you can, to equip yourself with the necessary skills and tools that you will need for the highly competitive graduate job market.

Typical events and sessions include:

The unique ‘Create Your Future’ programme, which is a personal and professional development programme for all 1st year students.

In-person and virtual interview practice.

Completing a placement year was the best decision I made at university and to have it be at The Walt Disney Company was extremely rewarding. In addition to the amazing experience and breadth of knowledge behind the entertainment industry that I have gained, I am grateful for the network that I have built during my placement.

Ayra

United Arab Emirates

BSc Business Management with Marketing with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: The Walt Disney Company (Advertising, Marketing and PR)

Graduate Job: TikTok – Marketing Graduate

Sector and career-specific sessions.

Employer talks and alumni panels.

Series of careers and professional skills development workshops.

Events and fairs.

1-2-1 appointments for careers guidance support or advice on skills development.

After my first year at university, I knew Human Resource Management was something that I wanted to pursue. I was thrilled when I managed to secure my placement as Learning and Development Coordinator at Volkswagen Group UK. The skills I developed over my time there will be invaluable when applying to graduate roles in the future.

Lydia Pembrokeshire, Wales

BSc Business Management with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: Volkswagen Group UK (Learning and Development Coordinator)

Post-graduation: Travelling South East Asia

Business Internships and Placements (BUS2004)

I chose the Business Internship and Placement (BIP) module as I was already keen on doing a summer internship in the financial sector and wanted to equip myself with the best resources to maximise my chances of a successful application. The BIP module didn’t disappoint with 1-2-1 sessions where you could discuss CV’s, cover letters and practice competency-based interview questions for video interviews and assessment centres. The module provided a good foundation to work from and provides an otherwise unknown insight into how employers assess candidates.

Richard Gower, Wales

BSc

Economics

BIP Placement: Mizuho – Financials Credit Trading Team

Graduate Job: Mizuho – Trading

140 hrs (4 weeks of work placement)

Designed to encourage 2nd Year students to enhance their employability through a programme of career management skills and an internship.

Students are required to participate in an approved internship for a minimum of 140 hours (four weeks).

This module is perfect for students who want to complete their degree within three years or to fit in with the ‘with Year Abroad’ programme.

Employers who have recently offered placements to our business internships and placements students include:

15 credits towards your 2nd year

Flexibly fits into your 3 years at university or with a year abroad

American Express

AXA SPDB Investment

Centrica

China Construction Bank

Coca-Cola HBC Eurasia

Condé Nast International

Crédit Agricole

Crédit Lyonnais

Deloitte

EY

J Walter Thomson

JP Morgan

Mercedes Benz

Metro Nomura

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)

PwC

Reliance Mutual Funds

Royal Bank of Canada

Smith & Williamson

Thyssenkrupp

Xerox Corporation

Read more at: business-school.exeter.ac.uk/ careers/undergraduate-students/bip

Student peer support

Peer Mentors and WIE Ambassadors

4th year With Industrial Experience students, are a great source of practical advice, offering a unique perspective to our work experience students before and during their placement year, helping to allay any fears as well as providing support and reassurance.

Peer Mentors - All second year WIE students are given the option to be assigned a fourth year student who has returned from placement, as well as a wider support group of their peers, to increase skills and offer experiential insight.

The WIE ambassadors were very helpful when I was applying for placements, and I knew I wanted to provide the same support in my final year. It has been so rewarding helping first and second year students by providing them with an insight to my placement at Unilever and application experience.

Ella West Sussex, UK

BSc Business Management with Industrial Experience

Industrial Placement: Unilever (Customer Development)

Graduate Job: Unilever (Future Leaders Graduate Scheme)

Community and events

WIE 4th Year Returners Event 2022, in the RAMM Exeter.

Placement students in the Business School are invited to a series of events through out the year:

The very popular Branching Out events where 4th years from each business sector return to network with current students.

Recruitment events, such as the Careers and Placements Fair in Autumn Term, plus employer talks and alumni panels.

Our 4th year WIE students are welcomed back to Exeter with a returners’ event, which is a celebration but also a chance to be reminded of the continued careers support available in the Business School to help them secure opportunities after graduation.

Other work experience and employability enhancing schemes supported by the business school

With Year Abroad

Spend your third year studying or working abroad, or a combination of both, on the ‘With Year Abroad’ programme.

Choose from a wide range of study destinations, with partner universities in 25 different countries.

The majority of our partner universities offer study programmes in English.

Short Term Study Abroad opportunities.

Further information: business-school.exeter.ac.uk/study/ugstudyabroad

BSc Business

A career-focused business and management programme, including exclusive work placements and fully alligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The programme offers law and entrepreneurship pathways, as well as an exciting opportunity to customise your degree by choosing modules outside of the business discipline.

Based at our Penryn Campus, Cornwall, the programme is designed to address the challenges in growing businesses in the current climate-changing era. We will help you develop a set of graduate skills which are hugely relevant to 21st century businesses, from a local and global perspective.

Further information: exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/ business/businessbsc

I have gained many skills such as analytical skills, time management, written communication, planning and organisation. Furthermore, my employability has been enhanced as this was the first time I’ve worked for a third sector employer. My mind is now definitely more open to different career paths.

Alizee London, UK

Internship Schemes at the University

Student campus partnerships (SCP)

The University of Exeter offers opportunities across campus, from short-term business and administrative support through to long-term project coordination.

These internships offer a great opportunity to develop your CV, increase employability and can even count towards your Exeter Award!

Student business partnerships (SBP)

The Student Business Partnership scheme offers University of Exeter students from all disciplines the chance to gain essential paid work experience with well-respected local businesses, covering a wide range of roles from marketing, research and business planning to web development and more.

Professional pathways

Professional Pathways is a suite of sector specific training courses and internships. The training will be delivered by industry experts, to provide you with a firm grounding in your chosen career. All programmes are open to students from any discipline, year group and campus. Following the training we will place you in a paid one-week internship.

Graduate business partnerships (GBP)

The Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme has been established to create paid opportunities for recent graduates in their chosen career. The scheme offers relatively inexperienced graduates the chance to access challenging roles, increase their employability and develop a rewarding career.

Access to Internships (A2I)

A scheme to help Exeter students (particularly those from under-represented backgrounds) to secure a paid internship with support and funding provided by the Career Zone. Subsidies and grants are awarded on a sliding scale and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Career Zone

Business School Career Zone

University of Exeter Business School

Rennes Drive

Exeter EX4 4PU UNITED KINGDOM

Tel: +44 (0)1392 722576

Email: business-school-careers@exeter.ac.uk

Web: business-school.exeter.ac.uk/careers/about

UofEBusiness

University of Exeter Business School

@uofebusiness

@uofebusiness

University of Exeter Business School

Graduate Outcomes survey 2019/20, using the Guardian methodology

Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited. Neither the Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited nor HESA Services Limited can accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from data or other information supplied by HESA Services.

This document forms part of the University’s Careers information. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press. However, the University cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained within this brochure and reserves the right to make variations to the services offered where such action is considered to be necessary to the University.