Get Ahead Before You Graduate: The Power of a Placement Year

Breaking into the networking, telecommunications, and cyber security industries is no small feat. While demand for skilled professionals in these fields is high, many graduates face a frustrating reality: even so-called “entry-level” jobs often require prior experience. For students leaving university with strong academic knowledge but little hands-on exposure, this creates a difficult catch-22 - you need experience to get the job, but you need the job to gain experience.

This is where placement years can make all the difference.

Why Experience Matters More Than Ever

These days, employers are looking for graduates who can really “hit the ground running.” 

The tricky part? Even entry-level roles are competitive, and a surprising number of applicants already have more experience than you might expect for a junior position. On top of that, many companies want you to be able to handle real, practical work from day one - not just rely on what you’ve learned in lectures.

In cyber, for example, you’ll often see “junior analyst” or “graduate SOC” roles that quietly ask for two or three years of experience. It can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re fresh out of university. The good news is there’s a proven way to bridge that gap before you even graduate.

How to Bridge the Experience Gap

Don’t worry - there are ways around this, and one of the best is a placement year.

So, what exactly is a placement year? Essentially, it’s a chance to step out of the classroom and spend 9–12 months working in a real company as part of your degree. You get to put what you’ve learned into practice, gain hands-on experience, and see what life in the industry is really like.

The benefits are huge:

• Real-world skills: You’ll work on live projects, whether that’s managing networks, tackling security incidents, or supporting telecom systems.
• Test drive your career: A placement lets you explore different areas of networking, cyber, or telecoms, helping you figure out what you enjoy most.
• Professional network: You’ll meet managers, mentors, and peers who can open doors for future opportunities.
• CV booster: Employers notice placement experience, and it can give you a significant edge over graduates without it.
• Potential job offers: Many companies hire their placement students full-time after graduation if you make a strong impression.

As one graduate told us: “The only people in my year who got jobs within 6 months were people who did placements.” Read more here

The Power of a Placement Year

A placement year does more than just add a line to your CV - it transforms your confidence, skills, and career prospects. You’ll learn what it’s really like to work in the industry, understand day-to-day operations, and develop problem-solving skills that employers value most.

And the impact isn’t just short-term. Placement experience often positions you ahead of your peers when applying for graduate roles, making interviews less intimidating and giving you the chance to step straight into more advanced responsibilities once you graduate.

Too late for you to secure a placement year? No problem, you're not alone. Read more here on other ways to gain real-world experience. 

Our Advice for Students

At Hamilton Barnes, we’ve supported thousands of graduates starting out in networking, telecoms, and cyber. From that experience, here’s our advice if you’re considering a placement:

• Start your search early: Applications for big employers (like IBM, Deloitte, Microsoft, Siemens, and BAE Systems) often open a year in advance.
• Leverage your university’s careers service: Many universities, such as Liverpool and Hertfordshire, have dedicated Year in Industry schemes.
• Broaden your options: Don’t just target global names. Smaller organisations, start-ups, and ISPs can offer placements with more hands-on responsibility.
• Treat it like a real job hunt: Tailor your CV, prepare for interviews, and highlight your eagerness to learn.
• Make the most of the opportunity: Document projects, pursue certifications alongside your placement, and build a professional portfolio.

How We Can Help

We know the graduate market can feel intimidating, especially when you see job specs asking for years of experience. That’s why Hamilton Barnes is committed to empowering future network engineers:

• We provide CV and interview coaching to help you stand out.
• We connect students to opportunities with employers who value placement years.
• We share insights on certifications and skills that give you an extra edge.
• And most importantly, we help you find the right path, whether that’s through a placement, graduate role, or training programme.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a student aiming for a career in networking or cyber, a placement year could be the single most valuable decision you make during your degree. It transforms theory into practice, gives you the experience employers are asking for, and often leads directly to a graduate offer.

At Hamilton Barnes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way - from exploring your options to securing that first role.

Looking to plan your next step? Get in touch with our team today and start shaping your career in networking and cyber.