What? 

A work placement is a set of independent learning and individual coaching situations. During experiential learning in professional practice,  students participate in the day-to-day business of a host organisation. The purpose of a work placement is to practice and apply profession-oriented knowledge, skills and attitudes. It is the course unit par excellence to integrate and develop previously acquired knowledge, skills and attitudes in an authentic context. Although students usually engage in a work placement individually, sometimes a small group embarks on a work placement together. 

A Programme Committee may choose to offer a work placement as an elective or as a mandatory course unit in the curriculum. In both instances, the student will acquire credits. If a Programme Committee chooses not to implement a work placement, it motivates this decision in the Education Monitor. It is at the faculty’s discretion to decide whether or not to allow voluntary extra-curricular work placements at home or abroad.   

Together with the lecturer-in-charge, the Programme Committee monitors each type of work placement (mandatory or elective) in the curriculum. It pursues a suitable policy to ensure every student can start a high-quality work placement and receive appropriate guidance. This means that a Programme Committee selects the host organisations, prepares and coaches the students during their work placement, gives (interim) feedback on their performance, and evaluates the work placement. At the host organisation, the work placement supervisor is responsible for the student's daily supervision. The Programme Committee is responsible for communicating transparently with work placement supervisors on the intended learning goals, the expectations as regards coaching and interim feedback, and the assessment.  

Why? 

Investing in a clear vision statement for the work placement will allow students to familiarise themselves with an organisation or company in the professional field. Students gain insight into the professional world and have the opportunity to build a national or international network. A work placement offers students a professional growth process in an authentic context. In learning to apply the acquired competencies, they also learn to appreciate their study programme and academic journey so far. At the same time, work placement is often a way for students to discover gaps in their knowledge and skills, leading to an attitude of lifelong learning.

 

Moreover, having a work placement in the curriculum boosts the study programme’s social relevance. Work placements are a way to involve external stakeholders such as the professional field and alumni in the study programme.  In doing so, the Programme Committee can stay updated on social developments and adjust the curriculum to meet current and future social needs and challenges.