Careers and Employability Service
Services for current students

Nottingham micro-placements

two students looking at textbooks together 

In partnership with Practera we are offering you the opportunity to take part in a two-week micro-placement.

Through this programme, as part of a small team, you will take part in an authentic industry project. This opportunity will enable you to gain a range of transferable skills and practical experience whilst building business and social connections.

Apply for a placement

Applications are now closed. You can express your interest for summer placements below.

Complete expression of interest

 

96%

of learners say they will reference their experience in their next interview

89%

of students enhanced their social and professional networks post programme

40,000+

learners have benefited from Practera programmes

 

How does a Practera micro-placement work?

During the programme, you will work as a virtual student consultant team. Your team will: 

  • receive a project brief and collaborate to understand your industry client’s context 

  • be supported by a mentor, who will provide advice and feedback on all your key deliverables 

  • present your findings and recommendations in a professional report and final presentation

You will need to: 

  • operate as an effective team member 
  • commit 50 hours in total over the two-week experience 
  • attend a virtual launch/orientation event 
  • attend a project briefing with your mentor and industry client  
  • attend weekly project workshops
  • share your deliverables with the industry client 

The project will focus on one of these five areas, you will have the opportunity to express a preference when you apply: 

  • Growth strategy 
  • Sustainable impact 
  • International business 
  • Artificial intelligence strategy 
  • Digital marketing 
 

Cohort dates

Spring cohort:

Application window:

  • Applications open 9am Wednesday 5 February.
  • Applications close Wednesday 5 March.
  • You will be informed of the outcome of your application no later than Wednesday 12 March.
  • If successful you will have 48 hours to accept your place. 

Orientation session:

  • 3 - 4.15pm, Wednesday 26 March.

Micro-placement (includes briefing session with industry client):

  • Monday 31 March to Sunday 13 April.
  • Briefing session with industry client will take place 3 - 4.15pm on Monday 31 March.

Summer cohort:

A second round of micro-placements will be offered to students which will take place from 25 June. Application dates will be published here in due course. If you wish to express interest in undertaking a micro-placement in the June cohort, please complete this form and we will contact you when application timings have been confirmed.  

** Students can only undertake one micro-placement through this initiative whilst studying. Students who are unsuccessful at the application stage can re-apply to be part of a future cohort.

 

How to apply and eligibility

Please apply using the application link above. If you have any questions please email internships@nottingham.ac.uk  

In order to participate you must currently be registered as a University of Nottingham student.

 

Hear from students who have taken part

The programme was very well structured with ample support from the Practera team. The programme helped me improve skills like innovation and collaboration. Additionally the networking opportunities gained have been of great value.
Sooraj Prasannan Raja, graduate
The opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of peers enhanced our problem solving abilities and broadened our perspectives. Overall, Practera facilitated a highly rewarding learning experience that effectively bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Balavishnu Selvaraj, graduate
 

Frequently asked questions

Do I get to choose the project I work on?
No, projects will be assigned to teams. We ensure clients submit projects that are interesting and achievable within the programme timeframe.
 
Do I get to choose my team?
No, all teams will be assigned randomly to allow for diversity to occur.  
 
Who will be my industry client and mentor be?
Your industry client will be a UK or international organisation. You can express your preference for project themes and UK v.s. international employers in your application form, but we cannot guarantee a perfect fit. Your mentor will be a professional with three or more years business experience, who has volunteered to coach your team through this experience.  
 
Will the project be related to my degree?
It could be, but if it isn’t, that’s fine too. The projects are structured in a way where you do not need specific technical knowledge. The main goal is to develop your employability skills through a professional project experience. The projects are structured in a way where you do not need specific technical knowledge. 
 
Will I be paid to work on this project?
No, you will not be paid to work on this project. This is first and foremost a learning experience.  
 
Can I skip to orientation and briefing session?
No, the sessions are compulsory. They are where you will meet your team, mentor and client. Students who do not attend without providing prior notice by emailing internships@nottingham.ac.uk may be removed from the programme.  
 
Do I get recognition for taking part?
You will receive a digital badge which can be displayed on LinkedIn upon completion of the project, as long as you have met all programme requirements (time commitment and active participation). 
 
Do I need to register with the Practera platform before the induction session?
Once you’ve been selected to take part in the programme, Practera will send you a registration link in order to access the platform. You will be invited onto the platform two weeks ahead of orientation to complete your enrolment.  
 
Do I have to be in the country?
No. This programme is suitable for remote working conditions with fully virtual industry and team engagement, so you aren’t required to be physically in the country to participate. You will be required to use Zoom to engage with the programme. 
 
What if I have other commitments such as a part-time job?
It is fine if you have a part-time job, but you must be able to commit a minimum of 50 hours of work on the project over the two weeks of the programme. You will need to coordinate with your team to ensure that you’re able to attend meetings and contribute equally to all deliverables.  
 
What support will I receive?
You will have access to project learning instructions, content and collaboration functionality through the Practera platform. Each team will also be assigned a mentor who will meet with you weekly to support your research and report writing. 
 

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

 

In partnership with

Practera_Logo_Primary_RGB
 

Careers and Employability Service

University of Nottingham
Portland Building, Level D
University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 3680
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 3679
email: careers-team@nottingham.ac.uk