FAQ

General information / regulations

• Why should I perform an internship?
  Continually the working market competition is growing severely and companies can choose from a wide range of professionals and mostly prefer experienced work forces above fresh graduates. Therefore a placement can help you getting useful insight in daily work life and can develop yourself into a valuable work asset.

• Why using the services of Placement Trust?
  In opposite to other placement agencies, Placement Trust works hand in hand with the students and offers guidance and help wherever needed. You will be in regular contact with the staff and you will be provided useful tips, not only about work, but beyond. What are the spots to be? How to get an Oyster Card? What parties are on? Etc.

  Besides, compared to other agencies we only charge a fraction of the amount of playments. Our costs are mostly about 50% cheaper than other agencies!

• How long will it take to find a suitable placement?
  Generally said, it takes about 6 weeks to arrange placement. Due to the mobility of the market it can sometimes take a bit longer or happen quicker. However, since most vacancies are opening about 3 month before their starting date, it is not advised to apply more than 3 month in advance.

• What qualifications/requirements do I need to fulfil?
  We are aware of the fact, that the level of knowledge differs from person to person. When having an interview with the staff, your skills will be evaluated in order to find most suitable placement spot. Work experience will be appreciated when searching an internship, but are no requirement. We would be happy to work with graduates or students with or without experience.

• How do I apply for a placement?
  For detailed information on how to apply please have a look at “How to apply”

How does the application process work?

• After filling out the application form and receiving of your CV and further documents you will be called by our staff for an informal telephone call to get to know each other better and to be able to spot strengths and personal abilities. Then Placement Trust will find a suitable placement company for you tailored to your personal skills and will arrange a telephone interview between you and your potential future supervisor, mostly the head of the company. Hereby both parties can decide whether or not a collaboration will be made.

Personal relations

• Language skills
  During your first telephone interview we will evaluate on your personal skills. Since English will be the main language on the work floor, it is advisable to possess at least intermediate English skills. Nonetheless, you will improve your language skills continually throughout your placement time and might even have the opportunity to learn some more.

  Additionally Placement Trust can register you for part-time evening language courses.

• What will be expected of me?
  Workload, duties and responsibilities vary from each spot. However, in the U.K. a weekly workload of 40 hours is required. We further ask for an enthusiastic work force with good management, communication and interpersonal skills.

Financial matters

• Will this be a paid or unpaid internship?
  The placement will be unpaid, unless it is stated otherwise. However, mostly the companies are covering the transport costs and a lunch allowance.

• What costs can I expect?
  Make sure to regulate enough financial funds to be able to afford a city as London and plan accordingly. In general living expenses are higher than in most other European countries and housing prices (flat sharing) are between 400€ and 600€ monthly. For prices check “http://www.gumtree.com. A day ticket for the tube for zones 1 and 2 is £6,60 at the moment. (Feb. 2011)

Accommodation

• Generally Placement Trust does not provide accommodation. However you will be helped to find one! Be aware, that searching for a proper place to live can take quite some time, so start looking out on time. Accommodation prices are severe, but there is a place for everyone!

Getting started !

• Bank
  Mostly there is no need for a bank account for internees, since online-banking connects financial centres all around the world. However, in case you need to set up an account provide ID, students certificate, address certificate for UK and overseas address.
• Telephone
  Placement Trust advises to make use of SIM-cards and prepaid phones which can be purchased in every licensed kiosk or shop. Since the duration of most placements will not exceed a couple of month, contract phones are not advised.

• Transport/Coming around
  When arriving at the airport you can directly get a tube, bus and other tourist maps. For further information just check the internet or ask one of our staff members.