UL Careers Early Careers Employer Survey 2026

Work Placement and Summer Internships

Work placements and summer internships are now a central component of early career recruitment, acting as a key bridge between higher education and employment. For employers, these programmes provide an opportunity to engage with emerging talent early, assess future capability in a real-world setting, and build future talent pipelines. For students, they offer practical experience, professional networks, and clearer insight into career pathways.

Participation in placement programmes continues to grow, reinforcing their role as a strategic entry point into graduate employment. In an increasingly competitive market, placements are no longer simply a developmental experience. They are often a direct route to securing a graduate role.

Average annualised salary paid by organisations to work placement students starting in 2025/26 € 27, 971

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