A placement year is a great way to gain real-world experience, build your confidence and develop the skills employers are looking for, all before you graduate. It gives you the chance to explore different industries, grow your network and stand out in a competitive job market.

In this blog, Sports Management student Mateo Batol shares how his placement has helped him grow in confidence, build practical skills and take meaningful steps towards his career goals.

Hello! My name is Mateo, and I’m a Sports Management student from Hawaii currently completing a placement year at Hilton.

My placement has been a great opportunity to grow both my personal and professional network, while gaining experience in a fast-paced and constantly evolving industry. Although my role is outside of the sports sector, I’ve developed a wide range of transferable skills that I know will be valuable no matter which industry I go into in the future.

Completing a placement year can really give you an advantage when applying for jobs after graduation, so I’d strongly encourage anyone considering it to take the opportunity seriously. For Sports Management students, I’d recommend making the most of the University’s employability support, such as the Westminster Employability Awards, Westminster Working Cultures and the Talent Bank. These programmes can help you gain valuable experience and stand out in a competitive placement market.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you’d like to hear more about my experience!

Interested in studying Sports Management BA at Westminster? Visit our course page to learn more about the degree, modules, industry opportunities, and what our students experience throughout their studies.