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Sharon Farrow, Head of Placements and Projects, says:“ The Keele Placement Bursary, generously supported by our alumni and supporters, has been a true catalyst for students on placement. It goes beyond financial assistance by providing practical and holistic support that truly enhances the placement experience. From covering essential costs like travel and professional attire to easing the pressure of living expenses, the bursary allows students to focus on learning and contributing meaningfully in their roles.
“ This support fosters confidence, reduces stress, and ensures that every student, regardless of background, can access valuable opportunities without barriers. Thanks to our alumni and supporters, placements become a transformative experience that prepares students for their future careers.”
Here, some students share the impact that the bursary has made to their university and placement experience:
Imogen Taylor
School of Psychology
Placement provider: Keele University, School of Psychology and School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy
Placement title: Neuropsychology Research Assistant
“ The placement bursary has contributed to the purchase of my bus pass, as it is needed for me to travel to do my research. It has also helped to keep me out of debt, as that was something I was worried would happen this year. This bursary has taken a bunch of stress off my shoulders and has enabled me to commute and afford better food for lunches and dinners. I’ d like to thank alumni and supporters for this bursary as I can imagine the impact it has had on all the other students as well as myself.”
James Bruce
Keele Business School
Placement provider: Novus Placement title: Inbound Logistics
“ The generosity of the placement bursary ensured financial security in an otherwise insecure first month of my placement. Having moved away from home, my student finance had gone towards my rent, and I had some concerns about being able to start( and maintain) healthy habits during my placement due to not being paid till the end of the month. The £ 500 bursary offered peace of mind that I had something to fall back on, not having to change the standard of living that I wanted. It allowed me to eat healthily, as well as starting at a new gym and tennis club.
Through the possibility of the bursary, I was able to take solid steps in the foundation of improving my physical and mental health.”
Maria Alcocer Valdivieso
School of Life Sciences
Placement provider: Pfizer Limited
Placement title: Clinical Study Operations Undergraduate
“ The £ 500 bursary has been a huge help during my placement. As an international student, I needed to book flights home to Spain for Christmas, but because my travel dates were limited, I had to book during peak holiday season, which was much more expensive than I had planned. The bursary allowed me to cover those costs and also helped me pay for train tickets back to Keele in November to attend a careers fair representing Pfizer. Thanks to this support, I’ ve been able to manage these expenses without worrying, and focus on making the most of my placement. The bursary made a real difference!”
Mikail Valibayov
School of Chemical and Physical Science
Placement provider: Lonza
Placement title: IP Student Purification Development
“ The bursary made a huge difference to my placement experience. I felt incredible support from the University by receiving it. It allowed me to have a financial“ cushion” to enter the world of savings and become more responsible and organised in my spending. It helped me cover a significant portion of my rent and allowed me to save for my commute and groceries. I would definitely support this initiative for future placement students as it had a substantial positive impact on my experience.”
Tammy Belle
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
“ For my placement year, I am commuting into and around London 2-3 days a week, so this bursary has been greatly beneficial in helping me with my travel expenses. I am lucky enough that my placement is paid, but for my first month I relied largely on this bursary to fund my travel especially considering how quickly train tickets and London transport payments can add up! It made a huge difference to me as it was one less thing to worry about during an already hectic and nerve-wracking time for me commuting and starting a 9-5 for the first time. Without this bursary, I am sure I would’ ve struggled significantly with comfortably making my way into London each day and I’ m sure this would’ ve impacted how quickly I settled into my new role.”
What are the benefits of a work placement?
• Provide a variety of ways to kickstart a career, increase skills, and clarify goals.
• Gain practical experience and apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting.
• Learn more about various career paths.
• Acquire an understanding of how businesses function.
• Build industry connections.
• Employers use placement opportunities to recruit into their graduate jobs.
• Develop the soft skills employers value including teamwork, decision-making, and time management.
• Collaborate with a broader and more varied range of individuals.
* excluding Apprenticeships and‘ top-up’ degrees