Students urged to seek out placements

University students have been advised by an expert to gain as much work experience as possible while studying for a degree.

According to Margaret Dane, Chief Executive of the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS), undergraduates must seek out internships, placements and employments opportunities alongside their studies.

Taking up these schemes 'offer[s] students chances to gain experience, test themselves in different employment contexts and do some thinking about their own aspirations and values,' she said.

Furthermore, Ms Dane stated that graduate-recruitment schemes provide degree holders with a range of specialist skills, but most university leavers are not selected by the top companies.

Less than 20% of graduates will see success with recruitment schemes, she warned, but added that positions with small- to medium-sized companies after university can provide good experience for graduates.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of students in 2007 expressed concern about finding employment after graduation, the Graduates Careers Survey revealed.