How to Secure a Placement Year in Networking, Cyber Security, or Telecoms

How to Secure a Placement Year in Networking, Cyber Security, or Telecoms

A placement year can be a game-changer for your career. Not only does it give you hands-on experience in your field, but it also helps you build a professional network, develop industry-relevant skills, and make your CV stand out when you graduate.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• The typical UK placement year structure and when to apply.
• Where to find placement opportunities, from large multinationals to smaller tech firms.
• How to approach applications, including CV, LinkedIn, and networking tips.
• The competitive nature of placements and ways to strengthen your CV and experience.
• How to make the most of your placement once you’ve secured one.

If you want to understand why a placement year is so valuable, check out our dedicated blog: Get Ahead Before You Graduate – The Power of a Placement Year.

Here’s our complete guide to securing a placement year in networking, cyber security, or telecoms.

Placement Year Roadmap (Typical UK Structure)

Placements usually take place after your second year of university and before your final year. Some universities structure things slightly differently, but here’s the most common UK approach:

First Year:

• Focus on exploration and preparation. Attend careers fairs, join tech societies (networking, cyber, coding clubs), and build your LinkedIn profile. Try small projects or set up a home lab to gain experience you can talk about later.

Second Year (Autumn–Spring):

• This is the main application window. Many large employers open applications in September–December, almost a year before placements begin. Smaller companies may advertise later, so keep checking throughout the academic year. Aim to have your CV and LinkedIn ready before term starts.

Placement Year (after Second Year):

• You’ll typically work in industry for 9-12 months. This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, take on real responsibility, and build industry connections that could lead to graduate roles.

Final Year:

• Return to university with practical experience and greater confidence. Many students find graduate roles easier to secure after a placement, and some even return to their placement company on a permanent basis.

Note: Some universities structure things differently (e.g., shorter industrial projects or summer internships instead of a full year), so always check how your course handles placements.

Where to Look for Opportunities

Placement opportunities are everywhere - you just need to know where to look.

University Careers Services

• Many universities have Year in Industry schemes and partnerships with employers. They often post opportunities earlier than public job boards.

Large Multinationals

• Companies like IBM, Microsoft, Siemens, Deloitte, and BAE Systems run structured programmes with excellent training and long-term career prospects.

Small to Mid-Sized Organisations

• Start-ups, ISPs, and niche consultancies can be overlooked but often give students far more hands-on responsibility and exposure to cutting-edge projects.

Specialist Job Boards

• Websites like Prospects.ac.uk, RateMyPlacement.co.uk, TargetJobs, and LinkedIn all regularly advertise placements. Some are sector-specific, so don’t limit yourself to one site.

 Personal Connections

• Don’t underestimate the power of asking around. Speak to lecturers, alumni, and even family or friends who might have contacts in technology companies. A warm introduction can sometimes shortcut the formal application process.

Networking and Industry Groups

• Join our Empowering Future Network Engineers, LinkedIn group, and ask group members for recommendations.
• Join professional bodies like BCS (British Computer Society), ISOC (Internet Society), or Women in Tech networks.
• Attend industry events, webinars, and local MeetUps related to networking or cyber. These are often attended by hiring managers or recruiters who may know of unadvertised opportunities.
• Get involved in online forums (such as Cisco Community or Spiceworks), where professionals often share insights and opportunities.

How to Approach Applications

Securing a placement is like a job hunt: treat it seriously.

Tailor your CV:

• Highlight relevant coursework, technical projects (like labs, GitHub repositories, or hackathons), and certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+). Keep it concise but focused.

Optimise Your LinkedIn:

• Use LinkedIn not just as a digital CV, but as a networking tool. Connect with industry leaders, alumni from your course, and professionals working in companies you’re targeting. When sending a connection request, always add a personalised note explaining your interests.

Ask for Guidance, Not Jobs:

Reaching out to professionals doesn’t have to be awkward. Instead of asking directly for a placement, ask for advice: 

• “I’m a second-year Computer Science student exploring networking placements - do you have any tips on what companies look for?”
• Most professionals are open to helping students, and sometimes this naturally leads to opportunities.

 Find a Mentor:

• Many experienced engineers are happy to mentor students. A mentor can review your CV, prep you for interviews, or even recommend you for roles. Some universities run mentoring schemes, but you can also build relationships informally through LinkedIn or industry events.

Prepare for Interviews:
Placement interviews often test both technical and behavioural skills. Be ready to:

• Walk through projects you’ve worked on.
• Explain problem-solving approaches.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company and industry.
• Practice with friends, mentors, or university career coaches.

 Follow Up Professionally:

• After applying or interviewing, send a polite follow-up email. This demonstrates professionalism, persistence, and genuine interest.

 Placement Years Are Competitive

It’s important to know that placement years are highly competitive, particularly if you’re aiming for a role at a large tech firm such as Cisco, IBM, or Microsoft. These companies receive hundreds, or even thousands, of applications each year, so standing out is key.

There are ways to strengthen your CV and gain relevant experience, even before securing a placement:

• Personal Projects and Labs: Set up home networks, experiment with cloud platforms, or contribute to open-source projects.
• Certifications: Industry-recognised certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+, AWS) show initiative and technical competence.
• Networking Groups and Mentorship: Join professional societies, online communities, or LinkedIn networks, and reach out to mentors or alumni for advice.

For more ideas on how to gain additional experience to strengthen your CV, check out this blog: How to Gain Experience in Networking & Cyber Without a Placement Year.

You can also read Matt Gaynor’s success story, showing how completing a placement year at Cisco, helped him land a graduate role: Graduate Success in Action.

Even if you don’t land a placement at a major multinational first time around, taking these steps early can significantly boost your employability and make you a stronger candidate for graduate roles after university.

Making the Most of Your Placement

Once you’ve secured a placement, the real learning begins.

• Document Your Projects: Keep a log of what you work on. This will help when updating your CV or discussing your experience in final-year interviews.
• Pursue Certifications: Combine your placement with industry certifications (such as CCNA, AWS, or CompTIA) to stand out even more.
• Seek Out Responsibility: Don’t just do what’s asked, volunteer for projects, shadow senior staff, and show initiative.
• Build Your Network: Stay in touch with colleagues and managers after your placement. They may become referees, mentors, or even future employers.
• Reflect Regularly: Ask yourself what skills you’re developing and how they align with your long-term goals.

 Final Thoughts

A placement year is one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between university and industry. By starting early, using every available channel - from careers services to LinkedIn networking - and approaching applications strategically, you’ll maximise your chances of securing a valuable role.

At Hamilton Barnes, we’ve seen thousands of graduates take this step - and the difference it makes is clear. The students who network, seek advice, and take ownership of their search are the ones who thrive.

Your placement year isn’t just a box to tick, it’s your first step into the career you’ve worked so hard to prepare for.