If you are finding your professional placement challenging or are unhappy in your role, you are not alone. Many students face difficulties during their placement year, but the good news is that there are steps you can take to improve your experience and get the most out of the situation. Here is everything you need to know about navigating struggles on placement and finding the support you need.
Recognising when you are struggling on placement
It is important to acknowledge when you are not feeling right about your placement, whether it is the work, the environment, or the challenges you are facing. Here are some common signs that might indicate you are struggling:
Lack of motivation: If you feel disengaged or unenthusiastic about your role.
Feeling overwhelmed: If the workload is too much to handle, or you are not sure how to manage your tasks.
Poor work-life balance: Struggling to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Unclear expectations: If you do not understand your role, tasks, or what is expected of you.
Lack of support: If you are not receiving feedback, guidance, or you feel isolated from the team.
Poor wellbeing: If you are feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed.
First Steps: Reflect and Identify the Issue
Before taking any further steps, take a moment to reflect on what is bothering you. Understanding the root cause of your dissatisfaction is crucial in making changes.
Common areas to reflect on:
The work Itself: Is the work too challenging, too easy, or not aligned with your goals?
The team dynamics: Are you having difficulty working with colleagues or a lack of support from your supervisor?
Personal wellbeing: Are stress or personal issues affecting your ability to perform?
Expectations: Were the expectations of the role clear at the start? Are they being met?
Steps to take if you are struggling
If you have identified the issues causing your unhappiness, it is time to take action. Here are the steps you can take to improve your situation:
1. Speak to your placement supervisor or manager
Start by having a conversation with your supervisor or manager. They may not be aware of the issues you-re facing. A constructive conversation can help you:
clarify expectations and responsibilities.
discuss any concerns you have about your workload or tasks.
request more support or guidance if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsupported.
2. Talk to Your academic placement coordinator
If you are still not feeling satisfied with your placement after speaking with your supervisor, your next step is to contact your academic placement coordinator. They can:
mediate any discussions between you and your employer.
offer guidance on how to improve your placement experience.
suggest possible changes to your role or responsibilities.
advise you on whether a change of placement is necessary.
3. Consider changes in your role or environment
If the placement itself is not a good fit, ask if there are opportunities to modify your tasks or responsibilities. Sometimes, employers can reassign you to different projects or teams to provide a better fit for your skills and interests.
4. Focus on your learning outcomes
Even if the role is not exactly what you expected, there are often transferable skills you can still learn. Focus on:
Soft skills: Communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Technical skills: Even if the work is not exactly aligned with your degree, look for areas where you can apply your skills.
Networking: Building professional relationships can be valuable for future career opportunities.
When to consider leaving your placement
If after speaking to your supervisor and academic coordinator you still feel that the placement is not right for you, and no improvements have been made, it may be time to consider other options. You have a few choices:
Switch placements: If there are other placements available within the organisation, ask to be moved to a different role or team that better suits your skills and interests.
Seek a new placement: If the placement cannot be adjusted to meet your needs, you may need to look for a new placement. Your academic coordinator can guide you through this process.
Extend your placement: In some cases, placements may be extended beyond the usual duration to allow time for improvement.
It is important to note:
Do not quit without a discussion: Before you make any decisions about leaving, always discuss your options with your academic coordinator and placement supervisor. It is essential to understand the implications of quitting a placement early, especially if you are on a visa or if the placement is a required part of your course.
Supporting your wellbeing during placement
If your difficulties are affecting your mental health, it-s important to prioritise self-care. Here are some tips:
Set boundaries: Make sure you maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries.
Seek support: Talk to a friend, family member, or the York St John University support services for guidance and emotional support.
Stay organised: Sometimes, poor time management can lead to stress. Don't procrastinate – keep a clear schedule and break down tasks into manageable chunks.
Practice self-care: Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it-s exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies.
What if I decide to leave my placement?
If you ultimately decide that leaving your placement is the best option for you, make sure you follow the correct process. Here's what you should do:
Consult your academic coordinator: Ensure you discuss your decision to leave with your academic placement coordinator to understand the consequences and next steps.
Give adequate notice: If possible, give your employer sufficient notice before leaving, as a professional courtesy.
Find a replacement placement: Work with your University to secure another placement if you still need to fulfil this part of your course.
Conclusion: you are not alone
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed or dissatisfied with your placement, especially during your first professional experience. The key is to recognise when things are not going well and take proactive steps to address the issue. Contact your supervisor, academic coordinator, or York St John's support services to help guide you through the process. Remember – a placement is a learning opportunity, and it is okay to ask for help to make it the best experience it can be.
By taking the right steps and using the support available to you, you can overcome challenges and emerge from your placement with valuable skills and experiences for your future career.