Work
experience
and
student
projects

Student talent could be a real asset to your business: they have higher skills, fresh thinking and are keen to build experience and connections. If you are not yet ready to invest in an intern or long-term placement, there are still ways you can tap into our student talent pool.

Work experience 

Taking on a work experience student is a good way to get extra, short-term support into your business. Students could solve a small problem, tackle low priority but impactful jobs or undertake research using their specialist skills and knowledge. There is no cost to you and your admin will be minimal.

Contact our Employer and Community Engagement team to find out more.

Student projects

Give us a real business problem and we can challenge either a group of students or an individual to come up with solutions, while being overseen by a tutor. These are sometimes called live briefs or real-world projects. There's no cost to you to take part — just your time.

We greatly appreciate the support of local employers in offering these opportunities. They are invaluable to our students, developing not only their practical, subject-specific skills but also their employability skills and awareness of the rigours of the world of work. That's why we insist that second-year students undertake at least 30 hours of work experience linked to their course, made up of either a placement or an employer project.

Two professionals discuss ideas around a laptop

Five examples of student projects for business

Academics in Derby Business School have been creating opportunities for students to work on real projects for companies and charities as part of their learning. This has had a positive impact on both the students and the organisations involved.

Take a look at our case studiesTake a look at our case studies

Accounting and marketing students work with Chatsworth

Every year, our undergraduate accounting and marketing students work on projects for Chatsworth as part of their courses. Find out what they do and how this benefits them.

Find out more about working with ChatsworthFind out more about working with Chatsworth

Volunteering

If you are a registered charity or a not-for-profit organisation, we could help you find student or graduate volunteers.

Find out more about how we can helpFind out more about how we can help

Service Promise

We promise to listen to your requirements, offering you advice and guidance and a streamlined process to access the University of Derby’s excellent talent. You will receive a personalised service, responsive to your needs. 

Contact us

To find out more about hosting a work experience placement or setting a student project, please contact our Employer and Community Engagement team.